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Colorado Governor's Council for Physical Fitness
Home of Shape Up Across Colorado!

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Shape Up Across Colorado

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What we Are

What is Shape Up?



 The Shape Up Across Colorado program was originated in 1989 by Don Wilson, a Colorado Springs P.E. teacher, to give residents of Colorado a means for measuring their levels of physical activity on a daily basis. With physical activity levels declining each year and with childhood obesity increasing at an alarming rate, the Shape Up program was designed to encourage individuals of all ages and ability levels to engage in at least 30 minutes a day of moderate physical activity.

The program is simple. Simply download the Activity Card with the 400 mile square grid map of Colorado. The 400 squares represent the 400 mile distance across the state. For every 10 to 30 minutes of physical activity (depending on your level of intensity), you'll color in one square. That one square represents approximately 2,000 steps or one mile, which is equivalent to approximately 75 calories burned. Your goal is to color in five squares (10,000 steps or the equivalent in other physical activity) per day to reduce the risk of health problems associated with sedentary lifestyles.

Benefits of Shape Up



 The Shape Up Across Colorado challenge has been implemented in hundreds of schools and corporations throughout out the state. Why is the program so popular?
  • Shape Up's goal is consistent with the Surgeon General's recommendation of 10,000 steps per day for optimum physical health.
  • The program offers variety - dozens of different physical activities, from gardening and walking to swimming and playing soccer - are suggested on the participant card.
  • Participants are provided a helpful visual aid in the Activity Card to assist them in reaching the 400 mile goal.
  • Participants who reach the 400 mile goal are rewarded with a completion certificate.
  • Shape Up is a program that is accessible to people of all ages, ability levels, and income brackets. The program is FREE so that fitness is affordable for all participants. The only costs associated with Shape Up are optional merchandise purchases (T-shirts, hats and pedometers).
  • Shape Up is a statewide initiative with participation by school kids in small rural towns to executives in Denver high rises.