PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Mayor Linda Tyer has a Fitbit measuring her steps. While she hadn't registered many by 9 a.m. Thursday, Tyer knows the few she took matters.

 

"Every step, even the little ones, will have an impact in our physical fitness," the mayor said.

 

Those steps she did take before 9 brought her the City Council Chambers to announced another year of the Mayors' Fitness Challenge, a national program aimed to encourage residents to do the little things to become healthier. This year is the second time Pittsfield has run the program with a friendly rivalry with North Adams Mayor Richard Alcombright.

 

"It's just a wonderful idea and a wonderful way to engage the community," Alcombright said. "All we ask through the fitness challenge is to look at your lives and say 'what can I do in my life to be healthier?"

 

The challenge is simple: individuals and teams can earn points by doing a number of healthy activities during the 10-week program. The points are added up and the top scorers are eligible for prizes. Those activities include such things as eating a cup of vegetables, drinking water, and, of course, physical activity. Throughout the period, there are opportunities for bonus points and the program is also being incorporated into community events.

 

"We're not looking for it to be a weight-loss thing. We're not looking to change your blood pressure. But, it's a nice side effect," said Morgan Ovitsky, the program coordinator from Be Well Berkshires. 

 

Last year, 1,000 people participated in the program. It lasts 2 1/2 months, which Ovitisky believes is long enough to change habits completely because "if you do something for 10 weeks, chances are you'll continue afterward." 

 

For Alcombright that hasn't quite worked yet. He said last year he did great for the 10 weeks; then OK until week 15; and then he fell back into old habits. This year, though, his goal is to be able to go to next year's press conference saying he's kept the healthy lifestyle for all 52 weeks.

 

"For me, this year is about how to continue past the 10 weeks," Alcombright said. 

 

Registration for the program has already opened and the kickoff event is schedule for Friday, May 6, at the former Sleepy's location at 66 Main St., in North Adams. Darcie Lampiasi, administrative assistant for the North Adams Public Services Department, said there will exercise classes at that event and, during the challenge, there will be discounts for 5K running race registration, potluck dinners focused on eating healthy, and a series of themed weeks such as a restaurant week when local eateries will offer a healthy meal for participants.

 

Pittsfield's registration will open on Monday, April 18, and the kickoff event will be on May 14 at the Farmers Market at the Common (points can be earned by shopping at farmer's markets). Tyer said she also hopes to incorporate the challenge into community events and bring restaurants on board to help. Further, she encourages residents just to go outside.

 

"I think this is a chance to ultimately embrace what we already know and that is our beautiful environment," Tyer said.

 

Both Tyer and Alcombright have plans to lead hikes and each invited the other to participate their city's events.

 

Ovitisky added that throughout the program, sponsors are providing prizes such as gym memberships, coaching sessions, and classes. 

 

The program began three years ago in North Adams and Pittsfield become involved last year. Ovitsky says the goal is to continue to grow community involvement.