Colorado

 Stacy Fowler, President
Colorado Governor's Council for Physical Fitness
4300 Cherry Creek Drive South
Denver, CO 80246-1530
Phone: 303-215-0608
Fax: 303-277-1228
proudcoach@earthlink.net
http://www.colorado-fitness.org

 

About Us

The Colorado Governor’s Council for Physical Fitness is a 501 (c) (3) not for profit organization established via executive order by the Governor in October of 1975. The Council is celebrating Colorado’s designation as “the fittest state,” according to statistics compiled by Trust for America’s Health, an advocacy group that promotes funding for public health programs. However, even in Colorado, waistlines continue to expand, with 16.9% of the population considered obese.

Nationally, the situation is dire:
  • Obesity continues to climb among American adults. More than 60 million Americans are considered obese and over 108 million adults are either obese or overweight. That means roughly three out of 5 Americans carry an unhealthy amount of excess weight.
  • Physically inactive people are 200% more likely to develop coronary heart disease.
  • Overweight or obese people are also at increased risk for high blood pressure, Type II diabetes, stroke, gallbladder disease, osteoarthritis, respiratory problems and some types of cancer.
  • Inactivity and obesity are also associated with increased risk of depression, social stigmatization, poor body image and discrimination.
These statistics point out the importance of regular physical activity – and the need for us, the Colorado Governor’s Council for Physical Fitness.

Mission and Makeup of the Council

The mission of the Council is as follows:
To empower lifestyle change in citizens of all ages and abilities through promoting and sponsoring physical activities, and to act as a liaison for the Governor on fitness related issues.

The Council consists of Governor-appointed members serving two year terms. The members volunteer their time and talents to assist in furthering the Council’s mission and in promoting and operating the Council’s initiatives and events. Each member also pays yearly dues.

The Council’s Board of Directors consists of seven members who implement the Council’s initiatives and govern its operations. A small Advisory Board is also in place, assisting the Council’s Board with promoting and marketing programs and events.

The Council also:
  1. Sponsors and promotes physical activity and sports events throughout the state through “Shape Up Across Colorado” and other outreach efforts
  2. Educates Coloradoans about the health benefits of fitness and physical activity
  3. Recognizes individuals, organizations, businesses, and schools that make outstanding contributions in physical fitness, sports, and wellness

Shape Up Across Colorado

The Council’s Shape Up Across Colorado program originated in 1989 to give Colorado residents a means through which they could measure 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 quite simple. Shape Up participants are given an activity card with a 400 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 the level and intensity) the participant colors in one square. One square represents approximately 2,000 steps or one mile, which is equivalent to approximately 75 calories burned. The goal is for participants 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
  1. Shape Up is a statewide initiative with participation by school kids in tiny rural towns to executives in Denver high rises.
  2. Shape Up’s goal is consistent with the Surgeon General’s recommendation of 10,000 steps per day for optimum physical health.
  3. The program also offers variety – 37 different physical activities, from gardening and walking to swimming and playing soccer – are suggested on the participant card.
  4. Participants are provided a 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.
  5. 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).
  6. Grants in the form of cash or equipment are awarded back to some participating schools.


Outreach and Collaborations

In addition to promoting physical fitness through Shape Up, the Council collaborates with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, 9News Health Fair, the Colorado Association for Health, Physical Education Recreation and Dance (CoAHPERD), the National Association of Health and Fitness, The Colorado PTA, the University of Colorado, and the President’s Council on Physical Fitness & Sports.

The Council is also very visible in community events such as:
  • Denver Boys and Girls Club’s Health and Fitness Festival (sponsored by Anthem)
  • Volley for Multiple Sclerosis
  • Girl Power! – Celebrating National Girls in Sports Day at CU Boulder
  • CoPAN – Healthy School Summit
  • Winter Trails – President’s Challenge
  • Grand Lake Snowshoe Festival
  • USTA Tennis Clinics in Partnership with Radio Disney
  • Cherry Creek Sneak – road race to raise awareness about childhood obesity
  • Shawn Ray Fitness Classic
  • 9Health Fair In The Classroom