How Does It Work?

It is as easy as 1, 2, 3, (and 4!)

1. Sign up for Shape Up RI and create a team (or you can join one).
2. Select the divisions you want to compete in. Choose one, two, three, or four categories… pedometer steps, exercise minutes, weight loss, and fruits and vegetables tracking.
3. Invite your friends, family, coworkers, neighbors or others to join your team!
4. Get out and do some walking, exercising and good eating. Set your own goals and do what works for you. Just start and your will see and feel your progress!

Overview

Shape Up RI is a statewide exercise and weight loss challenge founded by Brown Medical School student Rajiv Kumar on the belief that the solution to healthy living lies in the power of teamwork and peer support. This health campaign encourages Rhode Islanders to pursue healthy lifestyles through increased physical activity and better nutrition. Participants compete on teams and track weight loss, exercise minutes, fruits and vegetables intake, and/or pedometer steps over a twelve-week period in our Spring challenge or an eight-week period in Summer Shape Up RI. Over the past five years, more than 48,500 Rhode Islanders have participated in this successful program, losing thousands of pounds, walking millions of miles, and proving that teamwork is a powerful prescription for taking control of our health.

Download the Summer Shape Up RI flyer or download the program agreement to participate as an organization.

Registration

The team captain registers and then uses the online system to recruit a team (5-11 members). Team members can join the team by signing up online through an email link they will receive from the team captain or they can join using the Team Access Code given to them by the team captain. Teams can be made up of co-workers, friends, family members, neighbors, classmates, religious groups, social organizations, etc. We recommend forming a team with people who see each other regularly, as teams that are in constant contact throughout the competition have the most success in our program.

Payment and Materials

The cost is $20 including the pedometer, and it will be mailed individually to each participant. If you do not need a pedometer, the cost is $15. All participants get access to our online data tracking system, weekly emails with important health tips, eligibility to win prizes, and free access to statewide health and education events hosted throughout Rhode Island. Most employers choose to pay the registration fee on behalf of their employees as a benefit.

The Competition Begins

Once the competition begins, the team captains will lead their teams in the challenge increase physical activity and eat healthier. Teams make their own schedules and plans, tailored to the needs and desires of their team members, for how they will succeed in pursuing a healthy lifestyle. Every year, teams join sports leagues or local gyms, develop daily exercise regimens, devise ways to squeeze in physical activity at work, wear pedometers to track their walking, take healthy cooking classes, share recipes, participate in walkathons, sign up for dancing lessons, attend nutrition seminars, and much more.

There are four competition divisions: pedometer steps, exercise, weight loss, and fruits and vegetables tracking. At the time of registration, each participant can choose to participate in 1, 2, 3, or all 4 divisions. If at least 5 people on your team select a particular division, then your team will be included in the team standings for that division. Team standings will be calculated as a cumulative average based on how many people on the team are competing in that specific division.

Report Progress

Each participant will record results on a daily basis using the competition logbook and/or members.shapeupri.org online system. There will be eight rounds in the competition, each lasting one week. At the end of each round, we will remind you to log in to the website to make sure your results are up to date. Once results have been submitted at the end of each round, updated team standings will be published.

Updates, Tips, Events, and Prizes

Throughout the campaign, we will send you competition updates, exercise and nutrition tips, and information about upcoming events. We will profile teams and participants and help encourage everyone in their efforts to improve health and fitness. We’ll also give away fun prizes along the way!

Competition Ends and Winners Honored

The winning teams will be honored at the end of the competition.