By Joe Bachman
Editor

STEVENS POINT — For 14 weeks, the community will work on becoming the best versions of themselves, and everyone is welcome.

The Community Weight Race is a competition that will set the ultimate challenge for many in our fast-paced, and often unhealthy society — creating a healthier lifestyle. Spearheaded by Physical Therapy Associates, (PTA) they will bring back the program, which initially ran for six years.

“We’re looking for a way to create programming to get people to lead healthier lives, and lifestyles — and to make permanent changes and to provide them with information.” said PTA Physical Therapist Dennis Kaster.

Sponsors already include Advanced Physical Therapy & Sports Medicine, Adventure 212, The Store, Subway, the YMCA, Mada, and UW-Stevens Point. While individuals can sign up for the competition, working in teams is encouraged, and cost-effective.

How it Works

For $75, ($30 for individuals) a team of 3-5 participants or families can enter the competition. This includes a tracking calendar for progress, weekly education sessions, fitness testing, coaching, workshops, a t-shirt, and much more.

Businesses are encouraged to sign up, as not only could health care costs go down due to healthier employees, but awards are at stake, as the Golden Scale Award will be presented to any company that has the highest average of participants who individuals meet the 10 percent weight-loss goal.

“Once we get people into the competition we really want to focus on establishing good routines and healthier behaviors,” said PTA Licensed Athletic Trainer Traci Tauferner. “To do that we’ve provided educational opportunities in form of presentations, workshops, coaching, nutrition classes — anything we can do thanks to our partners and sponsors.”

How to Win

Points can be earned by participating in workshops, completing challenges, and donating food. Any person who loses 7-10 percent of their body fat will be recognized for an award of some kind. A grand cash prize will be awarded to the team with the most participants that collectively lose 10 percent or more of body fat, which includes a $50 Portage County gift certificate.

“The more community involvement we have the better the result.” said Kaster.

Competition will run from Jan. 7, 2019 – April 10, 2019.

To register, stop into Physical Therapy Associates, 500 Vincent St. for a registration form. For more information, email [email protected] or visit https://www.facebook.com/CommunityWeightRace/