Dr. Phillips YMCA places first in U.S. in worldwide health challenge

DR. PHILLIPS  The Dr. P. Phillips YMCA is enjoying the taste of victory this week as it celebrates placing first in the nation for the Let’s Move For A Better World Challenge.

Sponsored by Technogym — a global manufacturer of home and commercial fitness and gym equipment — the challenge encourages facilities worldwide to participate in collecting “MOVEs,” the currency of the campaign. According to the challenge website, MOVEs are collected by “training on Technogym cardio and strength machines connected to the MyWellness cloud platform.” 

Ten minutes of walking was worth anywhere from 50 to 100 MOVEs, 10 minutes of cycling cashed out for 200 to 300, and ten minutes of running was worth 300 to 450.

The point of the challenge — which had 122,183 participants in 21 countries at 513 facilities worldwide — was to raise awareness of childhood obesity and the world population’s struggle with it. Participants were encouraged to learn the importance of healthy eating habits and exercise.

The Dr. Phillips Y placed first in the United States and 13th worldwide with a total of 3,959,237 MOVEs. For its reward, it will receive a range of Technogym equipment, which it plans to donate to the Blanchard Park Y in Orlando.

To celebrate its success, the Dr. Phillips Y is hosting a free celebration ceremony Friday, May 27 at noon, complete with food, prizes and more. To register, visit http://conta.cc/1suTtje. The Dr. Phillips YMCA is located at 7000 Dr. Phillips Blvd. in Orlando.

Additionally, the Roper YMCA Family Center in Winter Garden placed ninth in the U.S., with a total of 570,371 MOVEs.

Contact Danielle Hendrix at [email protected].