Get Fit 2009 will come to an official end on Tuesday. Final weigh-out will take place throughout the county.

“This year United Way partnered with YMCA of Austin on Get Fit,” said Mandi Lighthizer-Schmidt, executive director. “Once again we had great community support for Get Fit, not only from people wanting to participate but from professionals willing to share their expertise at various seminars and events.”

In 2007 United Way kicked off Get Fit Mower County Healthy Living Challenge to bring a focus to the rising concern over obesity and inactiveness in our community. The initial event was a team challenge weight loss contest.

In 2008 United Way added a Family Challenge component focused on getting families to be active together. This year Be Fit was added to the contest. Be Fit is designed for those individuals who are currently active to continue in their endeavors, encourage those around them and to focus on healthy eating habits.

A nutrition component was in included in this years’ event as well. Each participant received 10 bonus points for each day they reached the goal of eating a total of five fruits and vegetables.

“The purpose behind Get Fit, Be Fit and Family Challenge is not just to lose weight but to make life long healthy living changes,” Lighthizer-Schmidt said. “Our goal is to help participants reach their goal of a healthier lifestyle.”

Get Fit Team Challenge participants will weigh out Tuesday. All participants must turn in their Exercise Logs by 4 p.m. Tuesday in order for their points to be counted.

Get Fit, Be Fit and Family Challenge winners will be announced on Thursday, March 19.