By MOLLY DAVIDSON / Staff Writer

HOOVER—With the new year come vows of getting in shape and losing weight, but New Year’s resolutions can be hard to keep. Scale Back Alabama and St. Vincent’s One Nineteen are here to help.

Scale Back Alabama is a free statewide program made to help residents on the path to a healthy life. Founded in 2007, the program has helped Alabamians lose a combined 1 million pounds.

Participants register in teams of two and are challenged to lose a combined 10 pounds within a 10-week period.

This year, St. Vincent’s One Nineteen will once again partner with Scale Back Alabama as a weigh-in and weigh-out site.

“We’re always excited to be able to offer this to the community,” St. Vincent’s One Nineteen registered dietitian Donna Sibley said.

Weigh-in is open from Jan. 25-31, and participants can weigh-out from April 11-17. Teams that achieve the 10-pound goal are entered to win monetary prizes of $250, $500 or $1,000.

Scale Back Alabama isn’t just a competition, it’s a great way to start a healthy lifestyle, Sibley said.

“They will be getting a weekly newsletter… to keep them (on track),” Sibley said. “(Teams of two) makes it a little more personal.”

St. Vincent’s One Nineteen is offering a special 10-week fitness pass to help participants meet their goal.

The pass includes access to the facility’s pool, gym, numerous exercise classes and kids’ fitness programs.

“We want them to see our fitness facility to get inspired,” Sibley said.

For more information visit Scalebackalabama.com or Onenineteen.com.