PICKENS — Pickens Savings and Loan has started a fitness challenge between the employees, to begin the new year with a healthy start.

The challenge all started to promote the positive benefits staying active can have on the mental health and attitudes of employees in the workplace.

In the challenge, Pickens Savings and Loan has two categories — one for the most miles and one for the most minutes of exercise each week.

Winners for the first week of the challenge were Kim Masters and Briana Stargel.

Masters won the miles category, with 10.6 miles walked. Stargel won the minutes category, with 90 minutes exercised. Each winner received prizes for their accomplishments.

Pickens Savings and Loan hopes the challenge encourages employees to strive for a healthier lifestyle.