>challenge participants lose weight, gain camaraderie


Participants say good-bye to 3,368 pounds after just three weeks of the Get Fit Topeka! Challenge.

The Challenge, which was created through a partnership between the YWCA and St. Francis Health Center, began Jan. 5 with a kickoff event at the YWCA.  The Halfway Rally is Saturday, Feb. 2, at the YWCA from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.  The competition ends and winners are assessed with a final weigh-in on March 8. 

The Challenge works by using a fun competition with cash and prize incentives and healthy programming to motivate participants for more healthful living in 2008. 

Participants found success in the Challenge last year and lost 480 combined pounds.  This number of participants tripled this year, and the dramatic results prove they are more motivated than ever to take off the weight and bring home the grand prizes. 

“We are thrilled with the participation in the Get Fit Topeka! Challenge because it really does provide the tools, tips and motivation people need to turn resolutions into weight loss,” said Kim Gronniger, administrative director of marketing and communications at St. Francis Health Center. “We want to help people achieve and maintain wellness, and this community collaboration with the YWCA is a great fit for both of our missions.”

Participants paid up to $40 to register for the Challenge which includes health presentations by St. Francis Health Center experts every Wednesday at 11:45 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. at the YWCA.  All presentations are free and open to the public.  Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday of the Challenge is the Lunch Bunch Walking Club led by a YWCA fitness staff member.  The group loops downtown for a quick, 1 1/2 mile stroll. 

“By losing just 5 to 10 percent of body weight, an individual can decrease his or her chance for diabetes, heart disease and other health complications,” said Gronniger. “While the Challenge has only one overall winner, everyone who adopts a healthier lifestyle change comes out ahead.”

Saturday, Feb. 2, is the Half-Way Rally of the Challenge.  Participants can come in to the YWCA between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. to assess progress and receive free biometric and health assessments.  In addition, the YWCA and St. Francis will open registration for the annual Race Against Racism, which takes place two weeks after the Challenge.   

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 began on Jan 5 at the YWCA, runs nine weeks and 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.

Important Challenge Dates:

•  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)