By Jett Johnson

In a state of pure indolence, I picked up my phone as the alarm buzzed for the fourth or fifth time. As I always do, I angrily jammed on the touch screen attempting to perform the simple task of shutting off my alarm. Finally I managed to frantically swipe the alarm symbol to its off position. I laid there with one eye open, trying to convince myself that there was no option to fall back asleep. It was 5 a.m.

It was the first morning of our “Commit to be Fit” boot camp fitness course through Healthy People Healthy Suffolk, an initiative of the Suffolk Partnership for a Healthy Community and the Obici Healthcare Foundation.

Sandy Spiro, of Sandy Spiro Fitness Solutions, developed and implements the course. As for that first morning (and proceeding mornings, of course), I had to be on time so I would not disappoint her.

Our grant has allowed us to offer the fitness class for free to the first 20 registrants. We’re now nearing the end of the 10-week course.

Each participant is unique. Ages span multiple decades, and most every geographic area in Suffolk is represented. I must admit, I am the only man in the course, but I certainly won’t argue with good company.

The course is designed so each participant is physically challenged. Participants work at their own pace, though we each push a little harder as each week passes.

We have one participant who has lost more than 60 pounds since November by making simple changes to her diet, another who has given up chocolate (her biggest weakness) and another who quit smoking after decades with the habit and now dedicates much of her time to helping others quit.

We all want to hold onto good health as the years pass. Reinforcements like this that can make all the difference. The opportunities are out there. We all just have to take the first step. Connecting with Healthy People Healthy Suffolk may just be that first step you need.

We plan to keep these courses going in the future. We want to expand our efforts and make the healthy choice the easy choice.

So get in touch with us now to make sure you can be involved with our next opportunity for fitness and good health.

I’m not going to lie. There’s a brief moment each Tuesday morning as that first alarm pierces my ears that I question what I’ve done. I stumble out of bed, groggy and occasionally irritated. But there’s no better feeling than the sense of accomplishment gained through exercise before the workday even begins.

So, I challenge you — think about what’s more important. We can cling to the brief and soon forgotten moments of slumber or we can seize the opportunity to better ourselves. Choose wisely, and you’ll thank yourself later.

Jett Johnson is the program manager for the Healthy People Healthy Suffolk initiative with the Suffolk Partnership for a Healthy Community. Email him at jjohnson@suffolkpartnership.org.