Looking to lose a few pounds and get in shape foe summer? A new Chicago-wide weight loss challenge called the Chicago Matchup and sponsored by HealthyWage kicks off May 13, 2011 and pits dieters against each other to win cash prices totaling $18,000.
What is HealthyWage?: Health and wellness purveyor HealthyWage provides cash incentives, social and expert-based support, tools and resources, and goal-setting and tracking technologies to improve America's collective health. The company was founded in response to academic research that proves even small cash rewards triple the effectiveness of weight-loss programs; that people are more effective at losing weight when their own money is at risk; and that social networks play a large role in the spread of obesity, and will likely play a large role in reversing obesity.
How do I start the Chicago-wide weight loss competition?: Sign up on the HealthyWage Chicago Matchup Web site. Choose a screenname and provide some personal information. Then, use the team-creation widget to name your team (or join someone else's team), choose a team photo (optional), team goal, motto, etc. (If you don't have a team to join, HealthyWage will provide a team for you but will do so two weeks after the competition has started.) Your team can find you by clicking on your state under "The Matchup" icon on the Healthy Wage's Web site. They can then register and choose the team they'd like to join -- i.e. your team.
Who can be on my team?: You may have anyone on your team. The contest is great for co-workers, families, or friends to work together. Your team will be eligible for the $18,000 in prizes. If your co-workers are also participating, even if they are on separate teams, HealthyWage will combine the weight loss of you and your co-workers for a separate Company Matchup Challenge prize up to $5000. The $5000 will be given directly to your company. In the past, companies have used the money to donate to charity, purchase fitness equipment, or give to their employees who participate in the Matchup. So, essentially, you could win twice -- once with your individual team and also with your "company team." Companies can sign up by contacting HealthyWage directly at 888-636-3832.
How do I weigh in?: Hundreds of gyms across America are participating in the contest as official weigh-in stations. In Chicago, these gyms are participating. (The gyms that are already participating have a little icon next to them on the gym search page.) If you don't see your gym on the list (or if a gym hasn't heard of HealthyWage), don't worry. It's easy and free for the gyms to join. Just send HealthyWage an e-mail at info@healthywage.com with your gym's contact information and they'll reach out to your gym and get everything set up.
What is the cost to join the competition?: You'll be charged during registration. The cost is $60 (or $20 per month). The contest costs even less if your employer is supporting you in the contest; i.e. they pay your registration.
Special bonus prize from HealthyWage: By signing up for the Chicago Matchup, you will automatically be entered into HealthyWage's BMI contest. For anyone with a BMI over 30 who lowers their BMI to under 25 over 12 month, starting on May 13 when the Matchup competition begins
For more information on the Chicago Matchup Competition, go to the Matchup's FAQ page.
