Governor Doyle Challenges Wisconsin Citizens to Increase Physical Activity

MADISON, Wis. - Starting the month of January through March 24, 2006, many Wisconsin citizens will be participating in the free Winter edition of the Wisconsin Governor’s Challenge, a statewide initiative to encourage Wisconsin citizens to be more physically active. This winter, the Wisconsin Governor’s Challenge has once again partnered with the Wisconsin YMCAs and is focused on encouraging participation through different community groups. The Wisconsin Governor’s Challenge is co-sponsored by the Office of Governor Jim Doyle, Trek Bicycle Corporation, and the Wisconsin Sports Development Corporation.

The Wisconsin Governor’s Challenge is a free and easy-to-use program that’s open to everyone. Adults who want to participate commit to exercising 30 minutes a day, five days a week, for six weeks. Participating kids must exercise for 60 minutes a day. The Winter Challenge goes from January 1 to March 24, but the program is free and available to the public anytime.

"With the kick-off of my statewide Winter Challenge, I'm challenging you to join me by getting active and logging your activity each day," Governor Doyle said. "The winter is an excellent time to motivate ourselves to become active by trying new activities,” said Governor Doyle. “Whether it’s hockey or figure skating, snowshoeing, skiing or snowboarding, or indoor activities like basketball or volleyball, there are plenty of opportunities to try new activities throughout the winter. Once again, I applaud the great investment made by Wisconsin YMCAs in this program - YMCAs are committed to Wisconsin's health, and I hope this partnership continues to strengthen."

About 60 percent of adults and 15 percent of kids in Wisconsin are overweight or obese, and many are not physically active. Obesity is poised to overtake smoking as the leading cause of preventable death in the United States, according to recent research by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Regular exercise, good nutrition, and balanced lifestyle choices are all key components of being healthy.

Citizens can log on to www.wisconsinchallenge.org to register themselves and their family, friends, or co-workers for the program. Participants can use the website to record their activities on a daily or weekly basis. Those who don’t use the Internet can earn awards by filling in a paper log available on the site. Everyone who completes the six-week Challenge will receive a personalized certificate from Governor Doyle.

"Getting involved in this program is a great way to keep those New Year's resolutions, and improve your health in 2006," Governor Doyle said. "It takes just six weeks to form a habit so hopefully by the end of the Challenge, participants will have developed exercise habits that will stick." “I hope every Wisconsin citizen takes the Winter Challenge with me this winter for a healthier Wisconsin,” Governor Doyle added.


About the Wisconsin Governor’s Challenge
Governor Doyle launched this free, easy-to-use program to motivate everyone in Wisconsin to get active. The Challenge is 30 minutes of activity a day for adults and 60 minutes a day for kids, five days a week for six weeks. From gardening to running, there are over 100 activities to choose from, so there’s something for everyone – whether you are just getting started or staying active is already an integral part of your life. Visit www.wisconsinchallenge.org for more information or to register.