The Warrensburg Star-Journal is joining the Sedalia Democrat in hosting the fourth annual Get Fit Challenge in 2021.
The purpose of the Get Fit Challenge is to promote a healthy and happy lifestyle in west central Missouri by offering unique opportunities and spreading the word of all things healthy in the area.
In 2020, almost 50 teams signed up for the 12-week challenge hosted by the Democrat, and those participants who reached the finish line lost a combined 437 pounds.
“After three successful years of the Get Fit Challenge with the Sedalia Democrat, we’re excited to expand this program with the Warrensburg Star-Journal,” Publisher Will Weibert said. “We’re looking forward to another great year working with local businesses and providing health content to help our fellow citizens get a little healthier in 2021.”
In an effort to be safe during the COVID-19 pandemic, the annual Get Fit Health Expo will be virtual this year. The expo will feature information about exercise and facilities in the area, and health care and nutrition options such as chiropractors, physical therapy and nutritionists. More information will be provided in the coming weeks in the Star-Journal print edition and website along with the West Central Missouri Get Fit group on Facebook.
The challenge will kick off Saturday, Jan. 9 with weigh-ins from 9 a.m. to noon at the Democrat office, 700 S. Massachusetts Ave. in Sedalia, and from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Star-Journal office, 101 E. Market St. Suite D in Warrensburg.
The Democrat and Star-Journal will offer one combined 12-week challenge. The midpoint weigh-in will be Saturday, Feb. 20 and the final weigh-in will be Saturday, April 3.
Over the course of the weight-loss challenge, citizens will be encouraged to embark on a healthier lifestyle to safely lose weight. There will be a total of $2,000 in cash prizes to the top five teams based on the percentage of overall team weight loss.
The cost is $40 per team of two to enter the challenge. Participants are required to find their own teammate and are encouraged to weigh in together.
Contestants must be at least 16 years old to participate. The Democrat suggests that all participants consult with their health care professional before starting any weight-loss routine.
The Democrat and Star-Journal will not only help citizens have fun with fitness and nutrition through the Get Fit Challenge, but it will also donate to local nonprofits. For each pound lost in the Get Fit Challenge, the newspapers will donate 25 cents to an area nonprofit. For example, if 200 registered teams each lose 40 pounds for a total of 8,000 pounds, the newspapers would donate $2,000. The overall Get Fit Challenge winner will choose the lucky nonprofit. They will donate an additional 25 cents per pound to the Get Fit Youth Fund.
In 2020, the first-place team was Jose 'Luis' Rubio and Brenda Camancho of Recycled Bodies who lost 11.72%. Delores and Allen Rehmer of Team Rehmer came in second place with 10.12% with Sandy Wilson and Tammy Hopkins of the Dwindling Divas following in third place with 9.62%. The Fluffy Farm Wives, consisting of Becky Beard and Sarah Cline, lost 9.59% to earn fourth place and Dawn and Eddie Bybee of Team 2991 rounded out the top five at 7.42%.
To register for the Get Fit Challenge 2021, visit sedaliademocrat.com/GetFit starting Tuesday, Dec. 22. For more information, visit sedaliademocrat.com/GetFit, call 660-530-4519 or email juliew@warrensburgstarjournal.com.
Participants are also encouraged to join the West Central Missouri Get Fit group on Facebook to receive updates about community events and participate in discussions.
