By Taylor J. Hale
Reporter

STEVENS POINT — The 2019 Community Weight Race, overseen by Physical Therapy Associates (PTA), is now underway. With its official starting weigh-ins on Jan. 7, teams are rearing to sweat their way to victory.

Participants in the race have 14-weeks to shed weight and take the win via exercise, dieting and attending educational fitness courses offered during the program.

“There are events throughout the months you visit with your team,” said Shane Frostman, head coach and participant. “They can be a lot of fun with the right group.”

Frostman, an avid athlete, first competed in the race in 2010, when Ministry Health headed the event. The rules remain the same. Contestants who lose 10 percent of their overall body fat receive a prize for their efforts. Losing 7 percent will get a racer recognized by officials.

Competitors earn points by going to events and workshops hosted by the PTA.

“There are a few ways to earn points,” Frostman explained. “Points all add up, and weigh-ins are all recorded.”

This year Frostman’s team consists of his daughter, Morgan, his girlfriend and two of his work associates. The Verso Corporation sponsored his crew. There are special business incentives, but individuals and families are welcome to participate in the program.

“My daughter is on my team, and it has been great,” Frostman said. “We cook healthy food and exercise together. It is a great way to bond.”

A mid-contest weigh in is coming in February, with the final weigh-in on April, 10. Frostman hopes every member in his team can drop 10 percent of their overall weight, giving them a shot at the grand prize.

“I am hoping to lose around 50 pounds personally during the contest,” Frostman said. “It gets harder to get the weight off as you get older in life. But I think I can handle it.”

The athlete knows that many teams are taking the event seriously. His main mission is to coach his crew to a healthier lifestyle. Winning is secondary.

“This year I’m not as focused on the competition,” he said. “I just want to focus on all five of us on the team getting healthy and feeling good. Hopefully, we pick up some good habits and go from there. Maybe we’ll place, maybe we won’t.”

The grand prize for 2019 is a cash prize and a $50 Portage County Gift card, with all-male, all-female and coed brackets. Other program sponsors include the YMCA, Subway, Mada Custom Apparel, Adventure 212, UW-Stevens Point, the Store and Advanced Physical Therapy.

The race has just started, but Frostman and his crew are gearing up for the fitness frenzy that is to come. He sees the program as a way for colleagues and families to bond while working towards a similar objective. All while offering motivation and pushing each other along the way.

To follow along with the Community Weight Race or to prepare for next year’s race visit

https://www.facebook.com/CommunityWeightRace/?eid=ARB4MPtcZn4RTg_cfzw4xvZcERSiT
WaqyQl3slxforEKEhK7-YXsY9U5VX7y2ln7IkTKTO2zQygcscT9.