Georgetown Family YMCA and HealthPoint Center for Health and Fitness have teamed up to offer the public a free 12-week fitness challenge called “Lead 2 B Healthy.”

Organizers are now registering participants for required assessments that begin on Monday, March 4.

Participants in the Lead 2 B Healthy initiative will have the opportunity to go to either the Georgetown YMCA or HealthPoint for their pre-assessment. This is required in order to begin the challenge.

Awards will be presented at the end of the 12 weeks at Stables Park in Pawleys Island.

Amy Mitchell, spokesperson for the local YMCA, said she is excited about this new challenge.

“We want the community and corporations to be healthy so we can attract more businesses to the area,” Mitchell said. “We also want to get people up off the couch and moving.”

She pointed out that people don’t have to be members of the YMCA or HealthPoint to take part in the events.

“We are really trying to reach people who might be a little intimidated, people who can’t really afford an exercise program or people who have tried a membership but like to exercise at home.”

Debra Mumford of Georgetown was the first to register for the challenge.

“My goal is to lose weight and make healthier choices,” Mumford said. “Being involved in this program will motivate me to do more.”

Community exercise classes

March 2, 11 a.m., HealthPoint — Zumba Kickoff Class

March 9, 9 a.m., Georgetown Town Clock — Power Walk

March 16, 8 a.m., HealthPoint — St. Patrick’s Road Race**, 4 miles

March 16, 9 a.m., HealthPoint — Family Fitness Walk, 1 mile

March 23, 9 a.m., South end of Pawleys Island — Zumba on the Beach

March 30, 10 a.m., YMCA Soccer Fields — Zumba

April 6, 10 a.m., Stables Park, Pawleys Island — Power Walking

April 13, 10 a.m., YMCA Soccer Fields — Zumba

April 20, 10 a.m., Stables Park, Pawleys Island — Power Walking

April 27, 10 a.m., YMCA Soccer Fields — Power Walking

April 27, noon, Georgetown YMCA — Tai Chi class

May 4, 9 a.m., South end of Pawleys Island — Zumba on the Beach

May 11, 8:30 a.m., Georgetown YMCA — Bootcamp class

May 18, 9 a.m., HealthPoint — Circuit Training Class

** Registration is required for only this specific event, whether walking or running.

To register as an individual or a team of up to 10 members, visit www.georgetownhospital system.org/healthpoint and click on Lead 2 B Healthy logo.

Information is also available by visiting or calling HealthPoint at 843-237-2205, or the YMCA at 843-546-9622.

By Clayton Stairs

cstairs@gtowntimes.com