A Healthier Weigh results are in
The 2023 A Healthier Weigh Challenge produced commendable results through winter storms for 31 people who completed the 12-week health, fitness, and nutrition program. This marks the 17th year of the 12-week challenge. Stephanie Starkebaum, Colorado State University Extension agent, facilitated the program. Cash prizes were presented to winners in teams of four, pairs of two, and individual divisions who met the program requirements in the following categories: weight loss, waist circumference, steps, skeletal muscle mass, lessons, fitness assessments and overall challenge winners (points included weight loss, waist circumference, skeletal muscle mass, steps, and lessons).
A new aspect of this year’s program was the County vs. County step competition, where Phillips County’s participants competed against five other counties. Phillips County placed 5th overall, with 32 participants walking 11,028 miles averaging 4.10 miles per person per day over 12 weeks. 1st place — Yuma County, 5.14 miles/person/day; 2nd place — Washington County, 5 miles/person/day; 3rd place — Morgan County, 4.38 miles/person/day; 4th place — Logan County, 4.14 miles/person/day; 5th place — Phillips County, 4.10 miles/person/day; and 6th place — Kit Carson County, 3.75 miles/person/day.
Fitness assessments were a new and optional part of this year’s program. Fitness assessments are a great way to assess areas such as cardiovascular health, muscular strength, endurance, and flexibility. They also help participants set realistic fitness goals. Phillips County had 24 participants complete 36 fitness assessments. All participants who completed a fitness assessment were put into a drawing to win cash! Ten participants were awarded. Phillips County collectively lost 192 pounds or 3.42% off their original weight; 24.25 inches or 2% off their waistlines; Decreased body fat by 6.4%; and 11 participants increased their skeletal muscle mass or the muscle that can be manipulated through exercise.
The qualifying phase of the program is the health, fitness, and nutrition lessons. All participants had to complete five of the 24 lesson options and respond to at least one of the three application choices to be eligible for a team or individual placement and cash prizes. Twenty-four participants completed the required five or more lessons, with 196 total lessons completed in Phillips County. Our top lesson responders were Jessie Cochran, Melyssa Nelson, and Robert Koberstein, who completed 35 lessons as a trio.
Most of this year’s exercise efforts seemed to revolve around shoveling snow! The physical activity aspect of the contest helps motivate participants to increase their exercise efforts throughout the winter months by wearing a pedometer or wearable fitness tracking device to report daily physical activity each week.
The full article is available in our e-Edition. Click here to subscribe.