Cape residents ready for competition to get in shape

Area businesses are gearing up for the 5th annual Shape Up Cape campaign. The four-month-long exercise competition is sponsored by the Cape Girardeau Area Chamber of Commerce.

Chamber members formed teams of up to 10 people whoz agree to exercise from May 21 to Aug. 19. More than 60 teams have signed up for the competition.

A variety of exercises are assigned a point value and an individual's points are calculated into the team's total. Activities range from low-intensity to high-intensity exercises. Playing nine holes of golf will get an individual 5 points, while an individual who swims for 20 minutes receives 10 points.

An individual can receive a maximum daily total of 25 points with a maximum of 105 points per week.

Shape Up Cape team members can earn extra points for attending various bonus programs focusing on exercise and nutrition. Extra points can be earned by participating in the Shape Up Cape dodgeball tournament in August.

The goal of the campaign is to promote healthy lifestyles, said Tim Arbeiter, Chamber of Commerce vice president of community development.

During the four months, each team's score is based on the averages of its individual members. Prizes are awarded for the teams with the highest point values.

"By using it as a competition, it's a great way to promote healthy diets and exercise," Arbeiter said. Shape Up Cape also encourages individuals to continue exercising after the campaign is over, he said.

Otahki Girl Scout Council executive director Denise Stewart said her team used last year's Shape Up Cape as a lifestyle change. Most all of the team members joined local gyms at the start of Shape Up Cape and renewed their memberships after the campaign ended, she said.

"Exercise and diet is an important thing for a long, healthy life," Stewart said. "The Shape Up Cape campaign is a great vehicle to encourage healthy lifestyles."

Weekly scores are posted on the chamber's Web site and will be printed in the Southeast Missourian.

jfreeze@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 246