The Be Active Challenge is underway for its second year.

Throughout the month of October, which is Healthy Living Month, these teams will begin to make healthier choices for themselves.

As part of the program, each team member receives healthy lifestyle coaching, including food preparation tips and shopping advice, as well as eight personal training sessions.

Each team has also received a free one-year pass to all the city-operated recreation centres and facilities to help them with their goals to be more active.

The teams' progress will be tracked online and in weekly updates in the Now newspaper, starting this Thursday, Oct. 11.

At the end of the month, each team's story will be featured on the City of Surrey's website and residents will be asked to vote for their favourites. The winning team will receive a $500 active getaway to Whistler.

Last year's winners were Julia Wood and Lori Baird.

And residents can get their fitness on for free this month, too. The City of Surrey is offering free fitness drop-in classes throughout the month of October. See the bottom of this story for a full list of classes.

Here is the weekly update for the teams:

Hayley Shaw

My first week of the Be Active Challenge found me battling a head cold but it's been a good start. The nutritional tour at Save-On-Foods was really helpful with giving me some ideas to help implement my no wheat, no dairy, no sugar, no red meat and no soy diet!

One unexpected benefit from a less-processed diet is we have less waste - my husband is pleased as it means fewer trips to take out the garbage.

I met my trainer this week and we set some goals and started putting together a fitness plan for the month. We couldn't let the glorious Thanksgiving weather go by and I wanted to do something active, so we played a round of golf, which I really enjoyed. It didn't feel like exercise with the sun shining and the great views!

My main fitness goal for the end of the month is to run continuously for 30 minutes - wish me luck!

Catherine and Arthur Smith

Arthur and I are are surprised at how good we feel already. The thought of having half of my dinner plate filled with vegetables was daunting for me as I am not a big vegetable eater. However, it is easier than I thought and I feel more energetic!

Arthur loves fruits and vegetables and would sit down in the evening and eat three fruits. He snacks on veggies but many at one sitting. The nutritional tour that was part of this program taught us that we should spread our fruits and vegetables out through the day.

Wednesday was our second visit with Harprit, our personal trainer, and we were looking forward to that. I am also happy to say that I have lost five pounds since cleaning out my fridge and replacing it with more appropriate food.

Alice Higgs

I am so excited to be part of the Be Active Challenge! It's definitely been the motivation I needed to finally get moving and making better lifestyle choices for myself.

The first week and a half have been great. I hoped to do five days of activity per week to start and work my way up to six. I also wanted to find some new healthy recipes for myself and my family. I actually ended up working out every day so far and found some great recipes the family actually enjoyed. The hardest part has been limiting treats. But, one day at a time, right?

I truly believe that whatever task we take on, it's only as good as our "toolbox." The support provided through this challenge has given me the right tools to get started on a lifetime of good health. Big thank you to the City of Surrey for this challenge, to Heather (Save-On-Foods dietician) and Rhianne (personal trainer).

Free Fitness Classes in the City of Surrey

Week of Oct 22 to 28

Cloverdale Recreation Centre

Cardio Dance - Oct 23, 9:30 am - 10:20 am

Body Sculpt - Oct 23, 5:15 pm - 6:15 pm

Yoga - Oct 23, 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm

Spin - Oct 26, 5:45 pm - 6:30 pm

Athletic Step - Oct 26, 5:15 pm - 6:15 pm

Fleetwood Community Centre

Zumba - Oct 23, 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm

Yoga - Oct 24 , 10:30 am - 11:30 am

Guildford Recreation Centre

Hi-Lo Fat Burner - Oct 23, 5:45 pm - 6:45 pm

Fitness Yoga for Adults and 55+ - Oct 26, 9:15 am - 10:15 am

North Surrey Recreation Centre

Cardio Circuit - Oct 22, 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm

Deep Water Aqua - Oct 23, 8:15 am - 9:00 am

Cardio Combo - Oct 24, 12:05 pm - 12:50 pm

Power Aqua - Oct 25, 12:30 pm - 1:15 pm

South Surrey Indoor Pool

Aquacize - Oct 22, 8:00 pm - 8:45 pm

Water Walking - Oct 23, 11:30 am - 12:15 pm

Aquacize - Oct 24, 10:15 am - 11:00 am

Tween Fit - Oct 25, 3:00 pm - 4:30 pm

Surrey Sport and Leisure Complex Pool

Spin - Oct 24, 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm

Flow Yoga - Oct 26, 6:15 pm - 7:30 pm

Fitness Pilates - Oct 28, 9:15 am - 10:15 am