Two month long fitness challenge incorporates fitness, healthy eating incentives – participants receive coupons to restaurants, fitness opportunities
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Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone announced that the City’s 2nd annual “Mayor’s Fitness Challenge” will be held from April through May 2011.  Kicking off with an event on Saturday, April 2nd at the Somerville High School gymnasium and concourse, the Fitness Challenge encourages community members to pledge to embody the Shape Up Somerville motto, “Eat Smart, Move More,” by making smarter food choices and increasing daily physical fitness regimens.  Individuals may participate in one of two ways:  1)  By forming or joining teams of up to 10 people.  At the end of the Challenge, teams will be judged by weight loss and change in Body Mass Index (BMI), and winning teams and individuals will receive prizes.  2)  By signing a “Lifestyle Pledge,” vowing to make daily lifestyle changes in terms of healthy eating and activity levels.  Those signing the Pledge will also receive incentives throughout the program.  The kickoff event will be held from 10am – 2pm on April 2nd, and all members of the public are invited.

The kickoff event will include a Farmers Market, fitness demonstrations such as Zumba and weight training, a “plant your own vegetable” station, face painting and recreational opportunities for kids, and much more.  Individuals choosing to participate in the Team Challenge will be weighed and measured for BMI index at the beginning and end of the Fitness Challenge.

Fitness Challenge participants will receive incentives for attending fitness activities and/or City-sponsored events throughout the course of the program, including the Mayor’s Fitness Buck, which offers discounts to several area restaurants, businesses, and fitness programs.  Recreational and fitness programs will be offered at a discounted rate to Challenge participants on a trial basis.

For more information about the Fitness Challenge and its programs, please contact Director of Community Relations, Carlene Campbell, at 617-625-6600 ext. 2615, or e-mail CCampbell@somervillema.gov.