get fit topeka! challenge kicks off this weekend

The community-wide Challenge to get fit in 2008 kicks off this weekend with back-to-back events to motivate Topekans and get their scales moving in a healthy direction.

Created through a partnership between the YWCA and St. Francis Health Center, the Get Fit Topeka! Challenge provides cash and prize incentives to encourage Topekans to live a more healthful lifestyle through fitness and dietary changes. The Challenge, which is in its second year, begins with a motivational presentation by two contestants of the NBC hit show, The Biggest Loser on Friday, Jan. 4 at 6 p.m. at the University Theatre at Washburn University and a KickOff event the next morning from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the YWCA.

The Challenge helped Topekans slim down in 2007. The group of 180 participants lost over 430 pounds with the help of nutritional and wellness programming, free walking clubs, support groups and more. The 2008 version of the Challenge is more robust with increased support and information to help participants make real life changes they can live with.

"We’re thrilled at the community response during our advanced registration period," said Jamie Kennedy, public relations and marketing director of the YWCA. "From December 26 through the end of the year, over 150 people signed up, ready to take the Challenge."

Participants whom take advantage of advance registration discounts save $20 if they register on or before January 4. Regular registration fees, which begin the day of the KickOff on January 5, are $40 for non-members and $20 for members. All registrants are eligible to compete either as a team (2 - 4 people) or as an individual. The team and individual which loses the highest percentage of body weight each wins YWCA fitness memberships for a year and free Subway Fresh Fit Value Meals (one per month for 12 months). Plus, the individual winner receives $500 cash and the team winner earns $1,000 to split among its members.

"We know incentives will help participants stick with health goals," said Kennedy, "but the real winners of the Challenge are every person who creates a positive, healthy habit and incorporates it into their lifestyle."

All Challenge participants can receive free health screenings and biometric measurements, including glucose readings, blood pressure, body fat analysis and more. Participants also receive a free YWCA sports bag, St. Francis water bottle and a Weight Loss Success Journal.

About the Get Fit Topeka! Challenge

The Get Fit Topeka! Challenge is a community initiative to motivate and support the community in losing weight and achieving a healthier lifestyle. Through the YWCA, Participants may sign up to compete as individuals or as a team of up to four participants. The Challenge, which begins on January 5 at the YWCA and runs nine weeks, supports participants through structured walking clubs, health presentations by St. Francis experts, healthy cooking classes and weekly weigh-ins for accountability. Membership is not required for participation.

Winners will be determined by calculating the highest percentage of body weight lost for individuals and the highest average percentage of body weight lost for teams. The individual winner is eligible for a cash prize of $500 and a year membership to the YWCA. The team winner will receive a cash prize of $1,000 to split among the group and a YWCA membership to all its team members.

Participation in the Challenge is free for St. Francis employees. YWCA members may sign up from Dec. 26 - Jan. 4 at no cost. Non-members can advance register during this time for $20 per participant. On Jan. 5, registration is $20 for members and $40 for non-members. All participants will receive a free Challenge journal, YWCA fitness bag and St. Francis water bottle.

A Pre-Event for the Challenge will be held on Jan. 4 at 6:00 p.m. at the University Theatre at Washburn University. During the motivational evening, two of the contestants from the NBC television hit series The Biggest Loser will make a special presentation to the community. Attendance is free of charge and a light and healthy appetizers will be provided.

Important Challenge Dates:

• January 4: Biggest Loser Pre-Event at 6 p.m. at the University Theatre at Washburn University

• January 5: Challenge Kickoff from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the YWCA

• February 2: Halfway Rally from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the YWCA

• March 8: Challenge Finale from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the YWCA

• March 22: Race Against Racism 5K Run and Fun Walk at 8 a.m. at Bracken Park (across from the YWCA)

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