I am on week three of the 90-day HealthONE Red Rocks Fitness Challenge, which runs until July 28, 2012.

My New Year’s resolution was to get in fantastic shape and though I’ve been working out every day, I’ve wanted to kick it a notch. That notch-kicking came in the form of working out with professional trainers each Saturday morning from 7-8 a.m. at Red Rocks as they (along with a medical doctor and nutritionist who provides optional meal plans) help the 350 participants set personal wellness goals.

Misery loves company Everyone needs a workout buddy so I approached my friend Tina about joining me as we had a picnic lunch with our kiddos. Quite appropriately, we were feasting on our favorite food from Piggin’ Out Bar-B-Que.

Or rather, that would would be inappropriately.

The HealthONE Red Rocks Fitness Challenge started out with an assessment where each participant’s measurements were taken and general fitness level were assessed. At the end of the 90-day challenge, participants will undergo the same evaluation to compare progress. Staffers assured us this was not “The Biggest Loser,” but rather an attempt to give people the tools to live a happy, successful life.

And thus far into the journey, they are doing just that. I’ve done bootcamp classes at Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre before and I feared this would be similarly hardcore with an hour of relentless stair running. Fortunately for us, people of all fitness levels are divided into teams of about 20 people and are assigned a trainer. Each week, we rotate through a number of circuit training stations that provide variety in the challenging workouts that are adapted to each participant.

Case in point: Tina and I were so sore after our first workout we limped around for days.

Over the next couple of months, I’ll be on the lookout for moms who are making some big changes. The most dedicated participants will be rewarded at the end with prizes such as a trip for two to San Diego provided by Channel 7, a Southwest Airline Voucher, VIP Red Rocks Concert Packages, annual Denver Parks and Recreation Memberships and more.

My rewards will include being in sick shape and doing it with one of my dearest friends.

Whom I hope will still be speaking to me by the end of it.