January is a time of new beginnings. New hobbies, new skills and new fitness goals. Now, you can sample some new healthy habits, and maybe win a prize along the way.
Seven Valleys Health Coalition has announced its 2025 Winter Challenge: a board of activities that can help you, or you and the family, move while embracing the winter.
For each week in January, the board lists four activities that can improve your physical or mental health. Make a piece of art that depicts your goals, visit a new outdoor space or trail, do something active in the snow or start a new winter tradition.
Aaliyah Camp, project coordinator and media specialist, said her favorite activities on the board are reading and yoga.
“This is kind of a way to motivate folks to get out there and connect with the community, especially at the start of the year,” Camp said. “I’m a visual person, so something like this may give people a visual goal.”
Christine Armstrong, owner and instructor of Heart-Centered Yoga in Cortland, supports the Winter Challenge every year because it helps people discover new ways to be healthy, she said.
“Winter is long and cold and dark, and can be a hard time for people,” Armstrong said. “There is so much to explore in our area and the coalition does a great job of encouraging people to try new things while getting the chance to earn fun prizes, too.”
The board also gives the opportunity to plan a week, Camp said, like figuring out what day is best to do an outdoor activity, weather-wise.
Take a photo of yourself taking part in the activity, tag @sevenvalleyshealthcoalition and use use #WinterChallenge2025 to be in the running for a prize drawing. You also must be following the account.
Each post equals one entry for a prize. Prizes include gift cards to Homer Men and Boys, merchandise from Bru64, and passes to the J.M. McDonald Sports Complex, Lime Hollow Nature Center and Heart-Centered Yoga.
Ilya Shmulenson, executive director of Lime Hollow Nature Center, said the winter challenge is a great opportunity for people to explore the trails, try a moonlit hike, or one of the new weekend classes.
“Physical activity and social connection are vital to both physical and mental health, especially when it’s cold outside,” Shmulenson said. “The winter challenge is a great opportunity for people to fight the winter blues by staying active, learning new things, and socializing with others.”
“We want people to get out into Cortland County, supporting local businesses, get people up and moving, exploring physical and mental health activities, while connecting with others,” Camp said.
