Shape up, Austin.

United Way of Mower County, in conjunction with the local YMCA and Mayo Clinic Health System in Austin, are once again bringing Get Fit/Be Fit to the Mower County community.

Get Fit started six years ago to bring a focus on being active, eating healthy and making positive life style changes.

The Get Fit Challenge is a team competition focused on weight loss, exercise and nutrition, while the Be Fit Challenge is an exercise and nutrition challenge. Teams can range from four to eight people.

The Get Fit/Be Fit Challenge runs 11 weeks from January 12 through March 29, 2012. This year, Get Fit and Be Fit have been divided into three mini competitions, giving participants more opportunities to win.

“The focus this year is on completing mini competitions and not on accumulating points,” said Mandi Lighthizer-Schmidt, Executive Director of United Way of Mower County. “The competitions are designed to encourage team participation, provide participants with weekly goals and hopefully long term success.”

There will be a few seminars, an opportunity to try the Y for free and other specials throughout the challenge. The Get Fit/Be Fit Challenge is open to anyone living or working in Mower County.

Lighthizer-Schmidt said they asked participants for feedback, and the changes reflect that.

“The entire focus of Get Fit and Be Fit has been to help our community members make positive healthy changes and have fun and support while doing so.” said Lighthizer-Schmidt. “This program is a great way to start out the new year. We hope everyone who wants to make some changes will consider participating in Get Fit or Be Fit.”

Registration for the Get Fit/Be Fit Challenge ends at 4 p.m. on Thursday Jan. 5. Register online or download a registration form at www.uwmower.org, or register in person at the United Way or YMCA. All information related to the program can be found on the United Way website.