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The U.S. Center for Disease Control recently released a grim report that predicted 42 percent of Americans will be obese by the year 2030. According to the same report, that kind of rate, and its subsequent health problems, would create $550 billion in associated health care costs. The factors that create such an epidemic are complex, and anyone who has tried to lose weight, or just to create a healthier lifestyle, knows that it is not always an easy process.

This year, Provincetown personal trainer and life coach Denise Gaylord started the Provincetown Fitness Challenge (PFC), a community-based wellness program with the goal of having participants help each other to help themselves. It was a great success, resulting in healthier participants and capturing the attention of the town. The PFC is a 12-week program Gaylord created based on the book Body for Life by Bill Phillips, which safely creates a fitness regime and promotes new attitudes about food and wellness. Participants included people of all ages and weights, as well as different levels of fitness. PFC founder Gaylord took a few minutes to talk about the success of the program, how to stay fit in these busy summer months, and the future of the Challenge in Provincetown.

Provincetown Magazine: The Provincetown Fitness Challenge has been so incredibly successfully and has really caught the attention of the community. Was the tremendous success and attention the project received a surprise to you?

Denise Gaylord: Thank goodness that over 12 trainers gave their time to help out… I think part of the success reflects the true generosity of over 15 local businesses that donated services or discounts to the participants. For example, both gyms and pilates and fitness studios, and a local pool, all opened their doors in the quiet season to the PFC members. Tingldinnewwaco . Provincetown really is a village in that way. Not to forget also that the people of Provincetown here in the winter are a hearty bunch.

PM: The summer can be such a busy time for so many who live and work in Provincetown. Do you have any tips for how to stay healthy and fit in the summer when folks may be working crazy hours?

DG: I know that the temptation is to do “just one more double.” And it’s true. It’s possible to ride the adrenaline high here till mid July or so, but “just say no,” people. Have a chat with two or three steady pals now who you can plan to do vertical activities with, outdoors for at least 20 minutes a day. When in doubt, drink water. And remember, carnival costumes are usually skimpy.

PM:: In the same vein, do you have any tips in general for how to commit to wellness and not slide back into bad habits?

DG: Accountability is the deal here, to someone or something. Sign up for a new class you like the sound of, hire a trainer, even if it’s once every two weeks, or sign up to do a triathlon, and if you are in hardcore need, make a $$ bet for a lot of $$ with your best friend or favorite charity, about a goal that you will accomplish by August 31st. Write it down and post it on Facebook to ALL your friends.

PM: I’d heard that a movie has been made about the Provincetown Fitness Challenge. Will it be showing some time soon?

DG: Daniel Llata of Outermost Media and I have created a documentary film of this year’s event that we have already screened at the Provincetown Library in April. Our second screening is at Whalers Wharf the last week in May, probably May 30th at 8 p.m. (call 508 487-FILM for more details.) After that debut, Provincetown Television has generously offered to televise the film online and on local TV, Channel 17.

PM: What are the future plans for the Provincetown Fitness Challenge?

DG: Put January 5th, 2013 on your calendar for the second Provincetown Fitness Challenge. With this past challenge in 2012, along with the success came a whole lot of learning, so there will be improvements, especially in communication between participants, and more fitness edges, as well.

For more information visit www.provincetownfitnesschallenge.com.