10th Anniversary of Staten Island Slim Down at Hilton Jan. 11 marks over 60,000 pounds of weight lost – SILive.com

Ten years ago Staten Islands leading fitness guru Tony Books Avilez made the commitment to make his hometown a healthier and happier place to live. His promise ultimately came to fruition in the form of The Staten Island Slim Down, a 10-week initiative to encourage Staten Islanders to embrace healthy lifestyle practices: engage in an exercise routine and in a healthy eating program.

And in nearly a decade, thanks to The Slim Down, Staten Islanders have lost more than 60,000 pounds.

The program consists of free weekly exercise classes attended by hundreds of participants, group walks at the Staten Island Mall, healthy meal plans, grocery store tours and a contest for The Most Inspirational Transformation.

On Saturday, Jan. 11th at 11 a.m. at the Hilton Garden Inn in Bloomfield, legendary boxer, Gerry Cooney, will honor 10 years of successful weight loss enabled by the Staten Island Slim Down. This is second time hes joining the program and his newly released book will serve as an inspiration for those looking to take control of their health and lives.

Cooney will be signing his new book, Gentleman Gerry: A Contender in the Ring, a Champion in Recovery, a book that chronicles the career of the boxing legend, his challenges and triumphs as a trauma survivor, and an alcoholics journey to sustained recovery. Its a detailed account of how the former contender went from an abused childhood to becoming a two-time Golden Gloves champion. More than just a biography, the book explores the challenges of surviving difficult moments and overcoming obstacles such as alcohol addiction.

Cooney stated, I love the work that Tony and The Slim Down do. I am happy and proud to support the cause. I believe its important to help as many people as possible.

Over the years people have used The Slim Down to help recover from cancer, chronic disease and depression.

Avilez says. 2020 will the best year ever for The Staten Island Slim Down. From the family we have created and the excitement of who will win the contest this year, I am looking forward to continuing to make Staten Island a happier and healthier place to live.

The kick off marks the launch of Slim Down 2020 which includes free weekly fitness classes at several venues around Staten Island including The College of Staten Island, both local YMCAs and The JCC. There will also be weekly walks at the Staten Island Mall.

Avilez adds, I knew in order to make the impact I desired, I would have to commit to 10 years.

In nearly a decade The Staten Island Slim Down has changed an immeasurable number of lives. There have been participants who have battled through cancer and heart disease, some have reignited their inner athlete to run obstacle races and marathons and some have even comeback from diabetes, high blood pressure, metabolic disease as well as depression.

Leading up to the 10th anniversary, The Staten Island Slim Down has made a dynamic impact on the borough, accounting for an estimated 64,000 pounds of weight lost by its past participants. Most importantly it has affected a generation of young Staten Islanders who have grown up participating with siblings, parents and extended family.

The 2017 contest winner and mother of three, Ann Marie Varela stated: The Staten Island Slim Down was a bonding experience for my family. Every Thursday night, it didnt matter how bad of a day we had or if we were all fighting in the car, we walked in together. When we walked out together, we were always smiling and laughing. We felt a little awkward and silly doing all those exercises in front of each other, but that actually brought us closer together. Exercising wasnt just good for us physically. It was good for us mentally and emotionally.

The program itself has become a family to many with a number of returnees showing up every year to absorb the friendly, non-judgmental and encouraging environment. From day one it has served as a lifeline for people battling obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes and other metabolic diseases. Friends have been made. Relationships have grown. People have even gotten married who have met at the Staten Island Slim Down.

It all came to me in a dream. I woke up haunted by the idea that I was compelled to create a free community program to help my fellow Islanders take control of their weight and lives states Avilez. As a long time health and fitness expert, he knew he had the information, but was unsure about how such an idea would be received. After meetings with Borough President, James Oddo and city Councilman, Steve Matteo, The Staten Island Slim Down took flight.

The Staten Island Slim Down is completely free to the public and has been endorsed by the Islands Borough Presidents office. It has also been sponsored by Northwell Hospital, Modells, Allstate Insurance, Jag-One Physical Therapy as well as The Body House.

Participation in the Staten Island Slim Down is free to the public.

For further information and to register visit http://www.StatenIslandSlimDown.com

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10th Anniversary of Staten Island Slim Down at Hilton Jan. 11 marks over 60,000 pounds of weight lost - SILive.com