The Get Fit Challenge!

One of the hugest issues on everyone's mind right now is health. There are staggering statistics* which raise much cause for concern and ACTION among communities to create mentally, physically, and socially healthier children and adults.

That is why Heart House, in partnership with Shoes for Austin, has launched THE GET FIT CHALLENGE to members of its programs and communities! We want to encourage healthier lifestyles among all children and adults and we want to unite us all in a common goal to increase enthusiasm and motivation to think, eat, move, and act like stronger and healthier individuals.

This is how it works:

The children receive The Get Fit Challenge Sheets full of activity ideas worth different amounts of points! Click on the link to read over the sheet.

Children receive points for completing activities at Heart House and at home and then once they have reached 100 points, they turn in their sheets for a FREE pair of athletic shoes! These shoes have been generously donated by a grant from Shoes for Austin. (http://shoesforaustin.org/)

As an added incentive, we are extending this challenge to all staff, volunteers, and Heart House contributors who would like to participate for FUN alongside our children!



Why is this program important?

To encourage children and families to participate in healthy activities together.

To provide resources and educational opportunities to children and families about living healthier lifestyles.

To encourage more adults to engage in healthy activities. After all, we model the behaviors and attitudes which kids pick up on!


The challenge emphasizes that healthy activities and eating can actually be FUN!!!


Would you like to participate for FUN?

(NOTE: The free athletic shoe incentive is only for Heart House children.)

• Download The Get Fit Challenge Sheet
• Email Heart House's Program Director for specific activity resources at: marmendariz@hearthouse.org
• Once you reach 100 points, email us at: marmendariz@hearthouse.org
• Good Luck from Heart House!

Get Fit!

*Statistics on adult and child health:


1. Nearly two-thirds of U.S. adults are overweight (BMI > 25, which includes those who are obese). This is a staggering number, and one of the hugest reasons why we should wake up and pay attention to the impact it is having on American lives--adults, children, families, and communities.[http://www.overweightteen.com/resources.html]

2. Approximately 15.3 percent of children (ages 6–11) and 15.5 percent of adolescents (ages 12–19) were overweight in 2000. An additional 15 percent of children and 14.9 percent of adolescents were at risk for overweight (based on BMI / body mass index measures).[http://www.overweightteen.com/resources.html]

3. The prevalence of overweight and obesity has steadily increased over the years among both genders, all ages, all racial/ethnic groups, and all educational levels.[http://www.overweightteen.com/resources.html]

4. The percentage of children and adolescents who are defined as overweight has more than doubled since the early 1970s. [http://www.overweightteen.com/resources.html]

5. The rate of increase of depression among children is an astounding 23%[Harvard University study reported in Harvard Mental Health Newsletter, February 2002.]

6. Physiological problems, plus learned beliefs and behaviors make functional decisions difficult, and the results reinforce the depression in a vicious cycle. [Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences>]