HUNTSVILLE, AL (WAFF) -
If you need some motivation to lose weight, this story might help you get going.
Not only is this woman working to shed a few pounds, she's doing so at the age of 76.
WAFF 48 News ran into longtime Huntsville resident Rosalie Holt at the Wellness Center while trying to get more information on how serious obesity is in this state.
Holt is an Alabama native who's on a mission to stay healthy.
"I think it's absolutely important that we stay active, and I decided if I'm going to be an active 90 year old, I better be a more active 76 year old!" Holt said.
For Holt, age is no question in leading an active life. She started exercising about a year ago to lose weight.
"I look at my birthdays, and I said it's not too late to get started, so I decided to get started," she said.
Her next goal is tackling this year's "Scale Back Alabama." Already, she's rallying her workout buddies to join her.
"I'm going to do my very best to get them to join a team and to do this weigh-in, weight-out, whichever it is, Alabama," she said.
The goal is to lose 10 pounds within 10 weeks.
"Scale Back Alabama gives them an opportunity to restart each year and start off the year in a healthy standpoint," said Todd Ziegler with the Huntsville Hospital Wellness Center.
Ziegler said the statewide initiative is crucial. Studies show Alabama consistently ranks as the second-most obese state in the nation.
He said the team-oriented "Scale Back" inspires people to stick through the 10-week program.
"They work together, they're accountable to each other, it's motivating and it's fun for them," he said.
But Rosalie already knew that. In fact, she and her friends already "weigh-in" every Thursday.
"We started out we paid a little money to the one who lost the most, and then we decided that wasn't really necessary. We were in it to lose weight and to feel better," she said.
Those who lose 10 pounds or more within that 10-week time frame will qualify for a drawing. The grand prize is $1,000 per team member.
But as Rosalie says, the ultimate prize is to get up and start moving.
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Rosalie Holt is inspired by "Scale Back Alabama" at 76 years old.
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