The SomerStreets kickoff/Fitness Challenge wrap-up at Foss Park.

By Cathleen Twardzik

Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone announced that the city’s second annual Mayor’s Fitness Challenge will occur throughout April and May 2011.  It will kick off with an event, which is open to the public, on April 2 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. 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 better food choices and increasing daily physical fitness routines. Individuals who would like to take part will have two choices from which to choose.

Participants may form or join teams of as many as 10 people. At the end of the challenge, all of the teams will be judged by weight loss and change in body mass index (BMI).  The winning teams and individuals will receive prizes.

Alternatively, they may sign a lifestyle pledge and vow to make changes to their daily lifestyle — specifically regarding healthy eating and activity level. Individuals who sign the pledge will also receive incentives throughout the program.

“One of the mayor’s goals is to continually engage residents of all ages – particularly by introducing new programs and celebrations to foster community pride,” said Jackie Rossetti, city spokeswoman.

“The mayor believed that a “community challenge” would be a unique way to expand the Shape Up Somerville program, while engaging the entire community – thus combining our recognition for civic engagement with the ongoing fight against childhood obesity.

The kickoff event will include a farmers market, as well as fitness demonstrations, such as Zumba and weight training. In addition, a “plant your own vegetable” station, face painting and recreational opportunities for children will be included.

At the beginning and end of the Fitness Challenge, individuals who choose to participate in the Team Challenge will be weighed, and his or her BMI index will be measured.

“Last year, more than 400 people participated in the challenge,” said Carlene Campbell, Director of Community Relations.  There were “18 teams of 10 people, as well as an additional 348 people, all of whom signed the Health and Wellness Pledge.  “Based on the amount of feedback we’ve already received, we’re hoping to eclipse that number in 2011.”

More participants chose the Health and Wellness Pledge last year.  However, the team challenge and the individual challenge bestow points upon people, “based on the change in each one’s BMI score and weight loss,” said Rossetti.  Ultimately, “The idea of the fitness challenge is simply to encourage people to make healthier choices, and have fun doing it.”

Such events will include the Mayor’s Fitness Buck, which offers discounts to several area restaurants, businesses and fitness programs.  “Participants can earn other Fitness Bucks by participating in group fitness programs and/or City-sponsored events,” said Rossetti.

Each person who joins will receive “gift bags” filled with fitness-related items.

“The Web site, which will go live this week, has a tremendous amount of resources and tracking options,” said Rossetti.  A “Nutrition Corner,” complete with tips and recipes about eating healthily, as well as team profiles and exercise videos.

“We’ve added or changed a number of programs and events based on the interests of folks who provided feedback to us [in a 2010 survey,]” said Campbell.

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, contact Carlene Campbell, Director of Community Relations, at (617) 625-6600 x2615, or via e-mail to CCampbell@somervillema.gov.