University of Wisconsin Stout | Wisconsin's Polytechnic University

The GET FIT challenge is focused on overall health & fitness, not just weight loss.  This will incorporate all areas of physical fitness and leave a more rounded, healthier and fitter individual at the end of the program. The program focuses on:       

- % Body Fat Loss (with the new $5000.00 body fat analyzer!)
- Strength Increase (Chest press)       
- Strength Increase (Rows)
- Strength Increase (Leg press)  
- Flexibility Increase (sit and reach)
- Cardiovascular endurance        

 What Does It Cost?

- Student team $30 ($15 per person) 
- Faculty/Staff team $40 ($20 per person)
- Registration Deadline: 6.00pm, Thu, March 1
- Maximum Teams allowed: 8
- Dates: March 1st - May 1st
- Register at the Health & Fitness Center desk

What Do You Get for Participating?

-Two 1.5 hour Personal Training Sessions per team
-One 90 min Nutrition Presentation & program info
 - Thursday, March 1 | 7pm - 9pm, 247A, Sports & Fitness Center

A personalized workout routine

• Weightlifting and Cardio
• A Nutrition Tips Handout
• A Flexibility Program

What Does the Winning Team Receive?

Unlike other programs, there will be no prizes for the winning team! The whole purpose of the progarm is to motivate you internally and not externally. It is still a competition, but you are just competing against yourself. The challenge is designed to encourage participants to stick with a healthy lifestyle even after the progarm ends.

Resources 

Recommended Body Fat Ranges by ACSM (American College of Sports Medicine)
UW-Stout counseling Center

Why are you not measuring body weight loss?

In other competitions, the winner is based on how much weight they can lose in the shortest time. The problem in looking just at weight change is that it ignores any change in muscle mass

If you lose a lot of muscle mass, it will be hard to maintain your new low weight. The best way to keep muscle is to:

1. Strength train

2. And not lose more than 1 or 2 pounds per week.

By giving points for both fat loss and strength gains, we make sure people are more patient and do not lose a lot of muscle. If they lose a lot of weight, there strength will come down and their overall score will come down too.

Why did you change the name from the “Biggest Loser-Stout Style” to “Get Fit Challenge”?

Even though the purpose of the program is clearly stated, the name “Biggest Loser-Stout Style” can convey the wrong idea to many students. We believe the name “Biggest Loser” makes people think it is all about losing weight and may ignore other important aspects of the program.

Most of the contestants are in the healthy body fat category and need not focus on losing more body fat. They should be focusing on flexibility, cardiovascular endurance and strength.

Why is there no prize for the winning team?

Unlike other programs, there will be no prizes for the winning team. The whole purpose of the program is to motivate you internally and not externally. It is still a competition, but you are just competing against yourself. The challenge is designed to encourage participants to stick with a healthy lifestyle even after the program ends.

Who can participate?

Individuals should participate if their body fat levels or BMI levels are above the ACSM recommended guidelines for their gender (8% for Males & 20% for Females or <19.5BMI for Male & Female) (ACSM Link)

If your initial body fat/BMI screening falls below the ACSM recommended guidelines, then the "Get Fit Challenge" is not likely for you as your fitness goals will be different. 

Where can I get more information?

Please email fitness@uwstout.edu or call Anoop Balachandran at 715-232-5390.