With nine months over and three to go, Ladysmith is still pulling its weight.

Coinciding with the opening of Ladysmith’s fitness centre last year, 11 teams took on the Mayor’s Weight Challenge. The goal — lose 100 pounds in a year per team. The incentive — the biggest losers get $1,000 for their charity of choice.

“It is good to see that the teams are quite competitive with each other,” said Ladysmith Parks, Recreation and Culture fitness programmer Sue Glenn.

Glenn also stepped up to the challenge. She said the Christmas holidays were difficult, as turkey or Christmas ham was on most people’s minds. Now with the feast over, Glenn’s back on track.

“We have had two weigh-ins,” said Glenn. “Our next one is in May.”

So far Ladysmith mayor Rob Hutchins’ team is in the lead. He said the idea for the challenge, named after him, evolved after brainstorming with the recreation centre’s staff. The competition has helped Hutchins curb some late night snack habits. At the last weigh-in on Dec. 10. Hutchins had lost 29 pounds.

Like Glenn, he said holiday goodies made their way to his plate, but he is confident his team will be ready for the next weigh-in.

“There are no real winners or losers until May 10,” said Hutchins.

Glenn said the team component of the challenge is what she enjoys, adding that everybody is working hard getting ready for their date with the scale.

“It’s a lot of fun,” Glenn said.

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