It's not always easy staying fit when it's swelteringly hot outside. Some members of Excel Fitness in Estevan took it upon themselves to do just that in a challenge that makes even a gym rat like me nervous. 

Twenty participants entered and set their own goals, using the elliptical challenge as a springboard. Everyone spent many hours, or rather many miles, on the machines as the month wore on, and every week they posted their results to see where they were in the four-stage race.

By the end of the journey, Sally Young, who was something of an underdog thanks to starting out with small increments, emerged as the winner. She logged five hours in the late stages of the race and took the crown.

Finishing second and third respectively were Melissa Blondeau and Jannel Hockey. Both were in comfortable positions before Sally's late charge, but both accomplished their personal fitness goals over the month of June.

Congratulations to all the participants on keeping fit despite the summer heat and putting the work in. A special congratualtions to Sally on the come-from-behind win and to Melissa and Jannel for going strong and steady.