THUNDER BAY – International fitness competitor, Marlo Ellis has issued a health challenge to the women of Thunder Bay to get ‘Bootylicious’. Ellis officially launched her Bootylicious Challenge that will offer three deserving local women a free spot in an intense 12-week health and fitness program. Recent studies indicate that one out of four women does not participate in any sort of physical activity, and that 44% of women in Ontario are obese. Ellis, who successfully started her own fitness brand and her internationally renowned Bootylicious Bootcamp, in Mexico in 2010, understands how much of challenge it can be for women and particularly those over 40.
Ellis says; “I realize that as we get older it becomes more difficult to maintain weight and a fitness level—mostly because women put themselves at the bottom of their to do list and feel they don’t have the time to think about their own health. I want to help women in Thunder Bay feel fit and fabulous again. Whether they have lost confidence because of a change in lifestyle, personal issues, relationship, or even a health crisis, I am back here in my own community to show women that it is possible to feel and look good again at any age”.
The Bootylicious Challenge encourages the community to nominate deserving individuals for the program. “I am looking for women who want a new lease on life,” says Ellis. “If you have a friend, sister, mother or neighbour who has overcome a negative experience and is ready to take back control of their life, I encourage you to nominate them for my program.”
Ellis, who often shares her own story, explains how she was in a slump herself until her 40th birthday, when she decided to enter into her first fitness competition— which she won. Ellis says; “I was tired of being told that once I hit a certain age it was all over; After my win, I left the security of my full-time teaching job and am continuing to pursue my dream of being a fitness and lifestyle coach in my home community of Thunder Bay.”
Ellis will pair up with a counsellor, nutritionist and beautician for the challenge. The three winning participants are expected to be announced at the beginning of October. Ellis continues; “When I asked a healthy 90-year-old woman what her secret was… she told me to “Keep moving”. Women benefit from regular exercise; it boosts self-confidence, improves physical and mental health, increases longevity and makes you smile!”
All nominations must be accepted by September 30, 2011. For more information on the Bootylicious Challenge, or to make a nomination please visit Marlo Ellis’ website at: www.marloellisfitness.com