Frequently Asked Questions

What is Shape Up RI?

Shape Up RI is a fun, team-based pedometer steps, fruit and vegetable tracking, and weight loss competition designed to help you lead a healthy lifestyle. In Summer Shape Up RI there are four 2-week mini-challenges; calorie tracking, stretching, sleep tracking, and stress reduction.

When will it take place?

Registration for the next competition has begun. The competition begins on Monday, June 21, 2010. The competition lasts eight weeks, organized into four rounds that each last 2 weeks.

Who can join?

Any person who lives or works in Rhode Island and is at least 14 years old can join our program. To participate in the weight loss division, a participant must be at least 18 years old.

How much does Shape Up RI cost?

For Summer Shape Up RI, there is a $15 or $20 per person registration fee, paid for by you or your employer. If you choose to have a Start Up Kit, with a pedometer mailed to you the cost is $20. Without the Start Up Kit the cost is $15.

What does the registration fee include?

Besides the reward of good health, the fun of challenging yourself and your friends, and the satisfaction of meeting your personal goals—you'll also get the tools you need to succeed. Every participant gets 1) downloadable competition logbook; 2) weekly health newsletter; 3) Shape Up RI staff support; 4) free access to hundreds of statewide health, exercise, and education events for your team; 5) eligibility for prize giveaways from our sponsors. You also have the option of getting a digital pedometer and reminder wristband.

When/Where/How will the Start Up Kit arrive?

If you have choose the option of having a digital pedometer and wristband mailed to you, your package will be shipped directly to your specified mailing address before the competition begins.

What are the responsibilities of the Team Captain?

Being a Team Captain is easier than you think! The Captain is mainly responsible for recruiting the team. Once the competition begins, the Captain can also help motivate team members and ensure that they report results on time.

How many people can be on my team?

There can be 5-11 people per team. All teams must have at least 5 members and can have no more than 11.

What if I can't find 4 other people who want to be on my team?

You can connect with other participating colleagues using the online Team Building Forum or you may participate on a smaller team. Please note teams with fewer than five people will not be included in the standings.

What are the competition divisions?

There are three divisions in the Summer Shape Up RI challenge: weight loss, fruit and vegetable tracking, and pedometer steps. Each participant can select to participate in 1, 2, or all 3 divisions. If at least 5 people on a team select to participate in a particular division, then that team will be included in the team standings for that division. If less than 5 people select a division, the team will not be included in the team standings, however each team member can still track personal progress in that division. For example, if 5 people on your team select pedometer steps, then your team will qualify for the pedometer steps team standings. If only 4 people on your team select fruit and vegetable tracking, then your team will not be included in the those team standings.

What if less than 5 people on my team choose a particular division?

Let's say only 4 people on your team choose to participate in the fruit and vegetable tracking division. Your team will not be included in the team standings for the fruit and vegetable tracking division. However, the 4 members who selected exercise minutes will still be able to set fruit and vegetable tracking goals and keep track of their own personal progress online.

Do I have to enter the weight loss category?

No. There are three divisions in this competition: weight loss, fruit and vegetable tracking, and pedometer steps. You may enter one, two, or all three divisions.

Can I change which competition divisions I want to participate in?

You can change your selected competition divisions any time until the end of the first round of the competition by using the online system or by calling our participant support line.

How do I report my progress?

You keep track of your own progress using the downloadable competition logbook or by entering your results online daily. Every two weeks, at the end of each round of the competition, we will send you an email reminder to log into our online system to update your progress. If you wish, you may give your log sheet to your Team Captain to be entered on your behalf.

Will other people be able to see my weight online?

Absolutely not! Your individual weight will NEVER be available to anyone but yourself. We know this is a sensitive topic, so we protect your privacy.

What counts as “exercise”?

Exercise is defined as moderate intensity activity. Any activity in which you are increasing your heart rate and breaking a sweat counts. This includes brisk walking, jogging, spinning, running, swimming, weight lifting, other sports, etc.

Can I wear my pedometer while I am exercising?

Yes, any steps that you track on your pedometer can count toward your total pedometer steps, even if you are also counting that time toward your exercise minutes total. So wear your pedometer all day, every day. When you are running on the treadmill at the gym, make sure you have your pedometer on!

How are team standings calculated?

There are three separate team standings—one for each competition division. Team standings are based on cumulative results and are calculated as average weight loss percentage and average pedometer steps per participating team member. Fruit and vegetable tracking is tracked by noting how many days in the two week round you ate at least 5 (five) fruits and vegetables. In two weeks you could have up to 14 days that you met your goal. The team average of the number of days where that goal was met is your average. Your team's average for a specific division will be calculated based on the number of team members actually competing in that division, not the total number of members on your team.

When will team standings be published?

Updated team standings will be published once at the end of each round of the competition. Team standings will not change in between rounds.

If I set personal goals online, does that affect my standing in the competition?

No. Goal-setting is designed to help you succeed in the program. Your goals will have no impact on your team's standing.

What are the wristbands all about?

Every participant will receive the signature Shape Up RI wristband. The band is meant to foster a sense of community among all of us who are participating in this health effort. It is a sign of community and team spirit and cooperation. We are all on this healthy journey together. The wristband also serves as a self-reminder each time we are about to take a shortcut or eat something that may work against our fitness and weight loss goals.

How do you prevent cheating?

This program can only be successful by building a community with a strong spirit of trust and collaboration. To that end, we rely on the honor system to ensure that all progress reported by participants is accurate. It is fun to compete and win, but the real success in this campaign comes from being honest with ourselves and legitimately reaching the ambitious goals that we set.

What does the winning team receive?

The top three teams in each category will be honored at the conclusion of the program in May.