Family wraps up fit challenge with lifestyle changes

A lot of people use the spring and summer to get rid of the weight they put on over the holidays.

The Armstrong family of Cary completed the Big Muddy Challenge a couple of months ago in Youngsville. A year ago, they probably wouldn’t have done anything like it, but in January, David Armstrong decided it was time to shape up.

Kim Armstrong decided that with her husband changing his diet and taking a look at his calorie intake, the family should sign up for the challenge.

“We had to commit, and we sat down as a family and said, ‘Look this is what it’s gonna take, this is what we’re gonna do.’” Kim Armstrong said.

Today, the family says they’re feeling great. David Armstrong has lost 40 pounds and their son William Armstrong is slowly getting used to seeing more vegetables on his plate.

“I have kind of been willing to try some of the things,” William Armstrong said.

More than 1,000 Triangle families are participating in the program. They add Adding up their activity points, competing for prizes and changing the way they approach fitness and food.

“They are just thinking before they drive through the drive-thru,” Beth Shugg, of Carolina Parent magazine, said. “They’re thinking, we could just run to the grocery store and pick up some salads at the salad bar.”

The competition ends June 9, but the Armstrong’s say they’re changed for good.

“We wouldn’t go through a whole week and just be sedentary,” Kim Armstrong said. “It’s part of our life.”

The grand prize is a family vacation to Universal Orlando.