East Providence Businesses Plan to Shape Up

East Providence's and Bacon Construction are participating in Shape Up RI, a team-based weight loss and fitness competition that challenges participants to form teams with friends, co-workers, and family members and compete over a twelve-week period.

Shape Up RI’s social networking website allows participants to set goals, track progress, chat with teammates, and compare results with other participants and teams across the state. Using fun game mechanics including competition, points, and prizes, the evidence-based Shape Up RI program empowers people to reach their goals. According to a major Brown University study published in the scientific journal Obesity, the average Shape Up RI participant loses seven pounds in each competition.

In the upcoming competition, teams can participate in one or more of the following categories:

• In the “Pedometer Steps” category, teams track their walking to see who can accumulate the most steps.
• In the “Exercise” category, teams track the amount of time they spend doing moderate or high intensity cardio exercise
• In the “Weight Loss” category, teams aim to lose the highest percentage of weight.
• In The “Fruits & Veggies” category, teams compete to eat at least five servings per day. 

“Shape Up RI has become an annual tradition for thousands of Rhode Islanders, stated Dr. Rajiv Kumar, Chairman and Founder of Shape Up RI.  “It’s important that we all continually recommit ourselves to leading healthy lifestyles, given how easy it is for us to get off track. Once again we are urging all Rhode Islanders to join and take action to exercise more, eat better, and work together to build a healthier community.”