Hundreds of Nova Scotians aim to keep their 'get fit' resolution

HALIFAX , Jan. 5 /CNW/ - We all make 'em, but success at keeping our New Year's resolutions sometimes requires a little help, especially when it comes to getting in shape. A fitness fundraiser set for the end of January will help hundreds of Nova Scotians resolving to tone up and shed a few pounds to stay motivated through that all important first month of their commitment. In doing so, they'll also be starting 2010 by rewarding themselves with the wonderful feeling that comes from giving back to their community in a big way.

"It's a golden opportunity for all of us who've made New Year's resolutions," said Tracy Cipryk, a certified fitness instructor who will be leading two of the six exercise hours at Bust a Move. "Get yourself on the road to better health, fight back against a disease that impacts one out of every nine Nova Scotia women, and experience the enthusiasm of the one and only Richard Simmons ."

Bust a Move for Breast Health, a six-hour fitness event organized by the IWK Foundation and the QEII Foundation together, is designed for all activity levels and will hit the Halifax Metro Centre on Saturday, January 30th . Every dollar raised by participants will go toward the acquisition of new digital mammography equipment that will allow more than 3,700 more women to be screened each year. Organizers have a fun, memorable fitness extravaganza in store, featuring prizes, live music and a variety of exercises that will suit any fitness level. Even Hollywood fitness guru Richard Simmons is set to make an appearance and lead participants in the first-ever Nova Scotia performance of his 'Sweatin' to the Oldies' routine.

The tradition of setting a New Year's resolution is over two millennia old, dating back to when Rome's mythical king Janus was placed at the beginning of the calendar, but recent research indicates our ability to keep the resolutions we set for ourselves hasn't improved since ancient times. A Quirkology study in 2007 revealed that while 52 per cent of respondents set themselves a resolution January 1 , only 12 per cent manage to keep it. Bust a Move can help those with fitness resolutions meet their goals.

"There's still time to register," said the volunteer event chair, Marie Mullally . "Shake off those post-holiday blues, make a big impact in the lives of Nova Scotia women and their families, and have a terrific time in the process."

She encourages those interested to visit the event's website at www.bustamove.ca and sign up, either as an individual or as part of a team. "Start the year off right by kick-starting your 'get fit' resolution and busting a move on January 30th."

About the IWK Foundation

The IWK Foundation is a charitable organization dedicated to helping the IWK Health Centre Foundation provide the best care possible to Maritime women, children, youth and their families. With the generous support of donors, the IWK Foundation raises funds that are used to purchase medical equipment, fund important research initiatives, provide fellowship opportunities and support specialized programs that enhance patient care in the areas of children's health, women's health, mental health and community health.

About the QEII Foundation

The QEII Foundation is a non-profit, charitable organization established to strengthen health care at the QEII. The Foundation's mission is leading the spirit of philanthropy to enrich health care for Atlantic Canadians and in the process helps support the QEII's quest to become a world-leading haven for health, healing and learning. The QEII Foundation raises funds to support excellence in patient care through the purchase of state-of-the-art patient technology, promotion of professional education, advancement of medical research, and involvement with community-based disease prevention initiatives.

For further information: Steve Jennex, QEII Foundation, [phone]; Sara Napier, IWK Foundation, [phone]