Quest Fitness offers year-round support for health and fitness in 2013

For those who’ve abandoned their weight-loss resolution time and time again, a local fitness expert is proposing a way that community members can achieve their health and fitness goals.

Quest Fitness founder Matt Carter is kicking off the Reality Check 52 Challenge to help individuals in coastal Delaware commit to making meaningful changes over 52 weeks.

“We know that gimmicks, fad diets and quick solutions don’t work. If we want to be healthy, we have to work at it over time, and with this challenge we’re prepared to offer anyone who is interested the education and the support that they need to reach their goals and, for some, change their lives,” said Carter, who is a personal trainer and a supporter of creating a more active community through outdoor exercise and play.

The Reality Check 52 Challenge - open to the general public and to members of Quest Fitness in Lewes - is based on accountability, education, persistence and ongoing support. Starting at 9:30 a.m., Saturday, Jan. 5, participants will meet monthly for a check-in and for motivational workshops on overcoming different weight-loss challenges or enhancing fitness levels. Monthly topics will include Basic Nutrition and Supplementation, Yoga and You, Adventure Racing, Better Way to a 5K and more.

At each check-in, trainers will also help participants update their progress charts with weight, body fat and measurements for chest, waist, biceps and thighs.

“Even if someone works out at the home, they can still check in with us on a monthly basis and take part in our workshops,” Carter said. Drop-in cost is $10 for nonmembers and $5 for members.

Personal trainers will work with participants to set their own goals, whether it’s losing weight, preparing for a 5K run or simply making exercise a regular part of their lives.

To support the Reality Check 52 Challenge, Quest Fitness is also adding more activities to its already packed calendar of warm-weather community sporting events such as ongoing beach family fitness parties, mud and water runs, and youth sports skill day. The club, located at the Villages of Five Points, is also offering three new programs to members: obstacle course training, group TRX resistance training and urban obstacle training.

Carter said that as a sports coach, the issue of obesity has always alarmed him. Across coastal Delaware, one out of three people is obese and stands the risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes and other chronic conditions.

“We all have good intentions at the start of the year, but the reality is that we have to change our behavior, and that takes time and ongoing support,” Carter said. “For anyone who wants to improve their health in 2013, we’re here to make it happen for them.”

To join the 2013 Reality Check 52 Challenge, attend the initial meeting at 9:30 a.m. Jan. 5 or go to www.questfitnesskayak.com.