Residents gear up for fitness challenge

MANITOWOC Manitowoc County residents will be working out, eating healthfully and making better lifestyle choices as they compete in the Lighten Up Manitowoc County fitness challenge. Lighten Up Manitowoc County, a partner of Lighten Up Wisconsin, is presented by Healthiest Manitowoc County 2010 and sponsored by Aurora Health Care and Holy Family Memorial Medical Center. Lighten Up is a team-based exercise and weight-loss challenge designed to jump-start healthy habits through small, realistic and permanent changes in exercise and eating habits, according to a news release from Healthiest Manitowoc County 2010. It encourages everyone in the county to make better choices for better health. People can participate with their company, civic groups, friends or family. Teams can consist of two to 10 members. Participants will receive a wealth of resources, tips, recipes and tools provided by the Web-based program. Last year, about 700 Manitowoc County residents participated in the Lighten Up Challenge, including 32 companies and 119 teams. More than 3,400 pounds were lost and 1,871,279 minutes of activity were recorded, according to the news release. "The whole goal is to get everyone in our county involved in a healthier lifestyle," Annie Short, HMC2010 grant coordinator for Northeastern Wisconsin Area Health Education Center, said in the release. "Hopefully, the friendly competition and prizes will be the motivation people need to take charge of their life, and the resources will be the tools needed for their success." The Lighten Up challenge will begin Jan. 19, and the kickoff event will be from 10 a.m. to noon Jan. 16 at the Manitowoc Senior Center, 3330 Custer St. The public is invited to meet with more than 20 health-related businesses, consult with dieticians, participate in a Zumba session, check their numbers (weight and blood pressure) and learn about the tools for a well-balanced wellness program. For information or to register for Lighten Up Manitowoc County, call Short at (920) 652-0238 or visit the Web site at www .lightenupmanitowoc .com.

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