For Pike County residents looking to trim up in time for summer, Scale Back Alabama might offer the extra motivation needed to turn those kegs into six-packs.

The statewide weight loss contest begins with initial weigh-ins beginning today.

“All you have to do to participate in Scale Back Alabama is find three individuals to be on your team and come to one of three weigh-in locations in Troy between Jan. 23, and Jan. 29,” said Jennifer Ventress, Chief Nursing Officer at Troy Regional Medical Center. “The contest is free and there are cash prize drawings at the end.”

Teams can sign up and weigh-in at Covenant Fitness Studio in Southland Village, The Pike County Health Department or Troy Regional Medical Center.

Team prizes range from $1,000 to $4,000 per team, and there will be 50, $100 individual achievement awards.

Ventress said the contest is a 10-week public awareness campaign designed to encourage Alabamians to lose weight.

The goal is to lose one pound a week during the 10 week period. Participants will receive weekly e-mails with health tips.

“We’re really encouraging healthy weight loss not crash dieting,” said Stanley Coston, personal trainer at Covenant Fitness.

Last year, the campaign saw more than 40,000 participants lose almost 200,000 pounds and organizers are hoping for even more this year.

Additionally, Alabama State Parks have partnered with Scale Back Alabama to offer free entrance and parking fees at all 22 state parks on three weekends during the contest.

“We are proud to be working with Scale Back Alabama to promote outdoor activities that lead to healthier lifestyles,” said Mark Easterwood Director of Alabama State Parks.

Those desiring more information about the contest are urged to refer to www.scalebackalabama.com for details.