Healthier Lifestyles Competition Program Launches Through UW Extension

A free eight-week, team-based health program to increase physical activity and improve eating habits begins Sunday, Oct. 11, offered through University of Wyoming Extension.

FitEx is designed to help start and maintain healthier lifestyles. The program is inclusive of all people, including those with a range of physical and intellectual abilities. More information about the program is available at www.parcilab.org/fitex.

Registration will open Oct. 1-9. To register, visit fitex1.cs.vt.edu/#/register and select the appropriate county. Participants can create a team of five -- friends, family or co-workers -- and select a team captain and name. A contest for the best team name will be available.

If a participant would like to compete but can’t find enough members for a team of five, the person can email Denise Smith, UW Extension nutrition and food safety educator, at desmith@uwyo.edu. She may be able to combine participants to create a team, but individuals also can participate.

Participants set goals for how many miles a team will finish in eight weeks. A FitEx mile is equal to 1 mile of walking or running, or any 15-minute bout of moderate physical activity such as an aerobics class. Participants also can set goals for how many cups of fruits and vegetables they will eat during the eight weeks.

Participants can sign in to FitEx at www.fit-ex.org starting Oct. 11 to log the number of miles and cups of fruits and vegetables eaten every day or once a week. Teams can view the FitEx tracking charts to monitor progress toward their goals and compare progress to other teams across Wyoming, as well as some across the country.

“With this self-monitoring, feedback and awareness, FitEx can help Wyomingites start and maintain a healthy lifestyle,” Smith says.

Facebook posts, newsletters, feedback, competition for motivation and prizes for the winning team are part of the program. A FitEx Facebook Live presentation will feature a fun physical activity and healthy snack demonstrations Wednesday, Oct. 21, Smith adds.

The competition ends Saturday, Dec. 5.

Smith advises speaking with a health care provider if a participant has questions about safe and appropriate activities for individuals or team members. Email the research team at program@fit-ex.org to discuss any needs for individuals or team members.

For more information about the program, call Smith at (307) 334-3534 or email desmith@uwyo.edu.