The six-week Summer Slimdown Fitness Challenge has ended, and it’s time to announce our winner.  But first, we want to tell everyone who participated that you are all amazing and did such a great job!  We hope everyone was able to learn something new and gain some healthy habits while losing weight/inches.  Thank you for joining in on the fun and fitness!
 
And now, the winner of the Summer Slimdown Fitness Challenge was Cheryl McKenny!  Cheryl lost 17.6 pounds and 12.25 inches – a total percentage loss of 9.90%!  Congratulations, Cheryl!
 
Our next six-week fitness challenge, Fit For The Holidays, will be held at the end of this year.  Keep your eye on our social media sites for more details and join us as we embrace the holiday spirit while finishing 2018 strong!

We want to send a big shout out to everyone on Team Inspired who took part in the Rugged Maniac 5K Obstacle Race & Mud Run this past weekend at Chicopee Ski Resort in Kitchener.  We had so much fun tackling obstacles like the Accelerator, Pyromaniac and Warped Wall, and the ear-to-ear smiles on everyone’s faces as they crossed the finish line was awesome.  Every accomplishment, no matter how big or small, is meant to be celebrated, and we are so proud of each and every one of you!

Are you looking for a way to boost your spirits while having some fun?  Participating in a community fundraising event may just be the answer!  These events can provide us with the opportunity to nurture our mind, body and soul, and most importantly, remind us of the power and influence a group of like-minded individuals can have when they come together for an important cause.  And since it is so inspiring to witness the contagious enthusiasm at these events, you can also achieve the “Happiness Effect”.  You know that euphoric feeling you get after a vigorous workout?  It comes from a release of dopamine in the brain.  Helping others has the exact same effect, so the more you volunteer, the happier you become!
 
Here are a couple great events taking place this month:
 
Relay For Life Stratford

• The Canadian Cancer Society Relay For Life is a nationwide event that brings communities together to celebrate survivors, honour those we’ve lost and commit to raising funds to fight all types of cancer.
• This event takes place on Friday, June 1st from 6:30 to 11:00 pm at the Stratford Central School Track (60 St. Andrew Street).
• More details can be found at:  http://convio.cancer.ca/site/TR/RelayForLife/RFL_ON_even_?pg=entry&fr_id=23726

 
Hog Jog

• The Hog Jog supports a local charity every year.  This year they are supporting The Local Community Food Centre.  The Local helps members to benefit from learning how to cook healthy food from scratch on a tight budget, offers community meals and provides several cooking and gardening programs.
• This event takes place on Wednesday, June 20th starting at the Stratford Rotary Complex (353 McCarthy Road).
• More details can be found at:  http://www.hogjog.ca/
  

 
Whether you give back in small or large ways, getting involved can make a lasting difference in the lives of yourself and others!