Are you ready to be fit?

The annual community-wide challenge to beat winter back by getting and staying active will soon be underway, with registration already open.

The YMCA of Austin is once again partnering with The United Way of Mower County and Mayo Clinic Health System in Austin for Get Fit/Be Fit 2013. Get Fit was started seven years ago by UWMC to bring a focus to the community on being active, eating healthy and making positive life style changes. The YMCA is now the lead agency and has made some great changes to the program for 2013.

The Get Fit Challenge is a team competition focused on weight loss, exercise and nutrition. The Be Fit Challenge is an exercise and nutrition challenge. Teams can range from 4 to 8 people.

“Being fit is one of the best ways that people can stay well,” said YMCA Director Tedd Maxfield in a press release. “A healthy lifestyle can help people avoid chronic diseases and brings positive benefits to many areas of their lives.”

The Get Fit/Be Fit Challenge runs 12 weeks, from Jan. 17 to April 11. Get Fit and Be Fit are divided into three mini competitions, giving participants more opportunities to win and more chances to be successful. The focus this year is on completing mini competitions and not on accumulating points.

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

Registration for the challenge ends Friday, Jan. 4 at 4 p.m. Register online or download a registration form at www.ymca-austin.org or www.uwmower.org, or register in person at the YMCA or the United Way. All information related to the program can be found on the YMCA of Austin and the United Way’s websites.