Contest Ideas for How to Take Off Pounds Sensibly for New Years

New Years is usually the time when people plan to get back in shape. This is one of the most popular New Years resolutions. For many, this means losing a few pounds. If you and your friends or coworkers decide to have a contest, give enough time in the contest to lose weight safely and in a healthy way.

Individual Weight Loss

• Use the same scale when contestants weigh in, so there isn't any discrepancy.

  This is the simplest contest. Each individual weighs in every week. The person who loses the most in whatever time frame allowed (six months is an effective time period), wins. The contestants can create a pot by putting in $5 to $20 each. The winner at the end gets the whole pot. To make it fair, use the same scale for everyone from start to finish.

Pair Challenge

• Competing in pairs can be more motivating for some than competing alone.

  Teams can compete in pairs of two. Pair teams evenly for equal weight to be lost per team. If there is a common goal -- for example, everyone wants to lose 20 lbs -- set the team goal to 40 lbs. The first team to reach the 40 lb goal wins. There is no time limit on this one.

Walking Challenge

• Pedometers are a great idea for people who don't necessarily like to go to the gym.

  This can be done individually, in pairs or teams. Each person has a pedometer. This can be done weekly or monthly. The teams with the most amount of steps on their pedometer wins that week or month.

Running or Biking Challenge

• Biking is a great way to get cardio in on the competition.

  This can also be done individually, in pairs, or in teams. The person or team with the most mileage clocked in a week, or other set amount of time, wins. There is no real way to accurately measure this one, so compete with people you trust.