The Link

9/10/2012
IOWA SPORTS FOUNDATION

IOWANS STEP UP TO 'THE NEXT STEP' CHALLENGE

Challenge kicks off today

AMES, Iowa - Sept. 10, 2012 - Iowans are lacing up their sneakers to begin Live Healthy Iowa's The Next Step Challenge. So far, nearly 5,000 Iowans on 881 teams have committed to the six week challenge encouraging increased physical activity and positive lifestyle change. Teams will track their steps using a pedometer and their Live Healthy Iowa personal online tracking page. Registration will remain open through Sept. 21 so rally your friends, family and coworkers to participate by taking steps toward a healthier lifestyle today!

Working to make small changes in your life can lead to many health benefits, including lower risk for certain chronic diseases and a greater quality of life. The Next Step challenge provides an easy way to be conscious of your activity level and set goals to increase your time spent moving rather than sedentary. By teaming up with others that have similar goals, you have your very own cheering squad to keep you on track!

Sign up now to begin taking strides toward wellness. Create your team of 2-10 Iowans, choose a team name, and designate a team captain. Visit www.livehealthyiowa.org and click 'Join Today" to register. Registration fee is $10 per team member; each will receive a Live Healthy Iowa pedometer, weekly motivational emails, access to a personal online tracking page, recipes, workouts and health information.

Are you a part of a business, community or organization and planning to have multiple teams participate in this challenge? Contact us today to request your Group Registration ID.

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About Live Healthy Iowa

Live Healthy Iowa, formerly Lighten Up Iowa, was created in 2001 by the Iowa Sports Foundation as a strategic health initiative to address the state's growing obesity problem. Live Healthy Iowa brings together friends, families, businesses and communities in team-based wellness challenges designed to promote positive lifestyle change. In 2011, over 163,000 adult and youth Iowans took part in a Live Healthy Iowa challenge or event. To learn more, visit www.livehealthyiowa.org.

(Contact: Nicole Bruce, Live Healthy Iowa Director, Nicole@livehealthyiowa.org, 888-777-8881 ext. 118)