What can we reason but from what we know? -Alexander Pope
The 2021 "A Healthier Weigh" challenge is set to begin in six eastern Colorado counties in early January. There will be a staggered start as each county has setup their own registration and weigh-in date. However, the educational content of the program will be consistent for all counties. The AHW challenge encourages increasing activity, making wise food choices and living a healthier lifestyle in 2021. The annual 12-week Health and Fitness Challenge will take on a theme of Make 2021 Your Healthiest Year! Surely this year we have all learned the importance of improving and maintaining our health; and this program is designed to help you focus on your health.
Teams consist of four adults County challenge guidelines, entry packets and weigh-in dates are available. Contact your county Colorado State University Extension Office for more information.
Through increased activity and making wise food choices, participants in previous years have lost an average of three to five percent of their beginning weight during the 12 weeks and up to six percent of their beginning waist circumference. Since the program promotes overall health and fitness and not just weight loss, weekly weigh-in is not required. Even in 2020 with the program ending during the first COVID stay at home orders, 132 participants completed the challenge and lost a total of 1,095 pounds and over 310 inches from their waists.
The program is open to adults, 18 years of age and older. The primary focus of the program is based on a team competition. This team format provides for more accountability and support for participants. However, most counties are allowing for individuals and couples to also participate in the program. The challenge program guidelines and entry forms are available through the CSU Extension offices in Morgan, Kit Carson, Phillips, Washington, Yuma and Bent counties or via their websites.
Adult teams, couples and individuals will begin the 12-week health and fitness challenge with weigh-ins the first week of January. Participants in the challenge will begin recording their daily activity using pedometers, phone apps or wearable fitness tracking devices. Participants will be encouraged to add more physical activity into their lives through daily and weekly routines, as well as special recreation opportunities. Participants will weigh out the last week of March, according to their start date.
Besides earning weekly points for activity, teams earn points for weight loss based on a percentage of the team's original weight and percent of inches lost around their waists. Cash prizes are awarded at the conclusion of the challenge in the categories of physical activity, weight loss, waists reduced and overall challenge.
Registration packets are available at the County Extension Offices and are due the week of weigh-ins starting Jan. 4 and continuing into the next week. Specific weigh-in times and locations are available at each County Extension Office.
To learn more about the 2021 Healthier Weigh Health Challenge, contact Deeona Johntson at (970) 854-3616 or email [email protected].
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