Healthier 901 Challenge Inspires Memphians to Move Their Bodies

MEMPHIS, Tenn. – This vibrant city is buzzing with excitement as residents take steps toward healthier living through the Healthier 901 Challenge. In partnership with Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare, this initiative is in its second year, aiming to encourage Memphians to shed pounds and embrace a more active lifestyle.

Michael Ugwueke, the President and CEO of Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare, voiced the motivation behind the program: “You know we were ranked one of the heaviest cities in the country and that’s why we started this program.” Thanks to the community’s dedication, the challenge has seen participants lose over 7,000 pounds since it started. Ugwueke emphasized the importance of tackling obesity because it opens the door to healthier living, enabling individuals to enjoy critical life events, such as watching their grandchildren grow or attending weddings.

Health issues like cardiovascular disease and cancer have posed significant challenges to Mid-South residents, making it more crucial for everyone to adopt healthier habits. John Webb, President of CIGNA Tri-South, highlighted the community aspect of health, stating, “It’s not good for just one person to be healthy, it’s good for all people to be healthy.” This initiative not only encourages individual accountability but also fosters a sense of community, rallying people to support each other on their journeys toward better health.

The Healthier 901 Festival recently showcased this camaraderie, with exercise groups, local gyms, and health enthusiasts coming together to celebrate fitness and community spirit. Among those leading the charge were Selena Cook and Denise R. Taylor, founders of Double Dutch Therapy, a group that promotes healing through play, especially for women over 40. They aim to help participants reconnect with their inner child, finding strength and joy through jumping rope.

Taylor shared her thoughts: “It helps to keep us fit; not only physically but mentally and emotionally as well. It’s a healing—just as Selena said—through childhood play.” Each week, they gather to not just work out but also to cultivate a supportive sisterhood. Cook added, “We wear a lot of hats. We always take care of either our child, our parent, our neighbor, and we never take time to focus on us.” This therapy allows them to reclaim some time for themselves while creating lasting bonds with other women facing similar challenges.

Participants like Lillian Kay found their fitness groove at the festival, enjoying activities like hoola-hooping. “Exercise is really just about having fun,” she shared, adding that it’s all about discovering something that brings excitement to movement. “I think that every single person can find an exercise that works for them and gets them excited to move.” Kay’s positive approach advocates for a shift in how exercise is perceived, encouraging everyone to find their passion for movement.

For women over 40 interested in joining the fun, the Double Dutch Therapy group is accessible through social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook, where they share updates and organizing information. It’s a chance to not only get fit but also enjoy the benefits of reconnecting with playful activities from childhood—a successful strategy to foster both mental and physical health.

The Healthier 901 Challenge and initiatives like Double Dutch Therapy exemplify the transformative power of community and movement in Memphis. Communities that prioritize health collectively can pave the way for a brighter future. As more and more Memphians embark on their wellness journeys, the ripple effects could lead to reduced health issues across the board.

For those intrigued by this new wave of fitness and community support, keep an eye out for future events promoted by the Healthier 901 Challenge. Whether you’re hoping to lose weight, learn new exercises, or simply find a group of supportive individuals, Memphis is proving to be a place where health becomes a communal journey rather than a solitary struggle.

As the challenge continues to inspire, it’s crucial for residents to remember: health is not just a personal responsibility but a community commitment. So, whether you’re joining a local fitness group or organizing your own fun activity, every step counts as Memphians move together toward a healthier future.