FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

The most important question…will there be long lines at registration????
You may have notice that we have reserved a much larger space for this year’s kick-off. We have also purchased more scales and recruited more volunteers to help. We will have six stations and an explanation sheet and a place for you to sit down and put your shoes back on. All these things should make for a fast, efficient and fun kick-off. That is if you call getting weighed in fun.

Can anyone participate?
Almost! You are encouraged to discuss participation with your doctor if you have any reason to question your ability to exercise. Those who are pregnant should not participate. Extreme weight loss is never recommended. We also encourage family participation, but people under the age of 18 and employees and immediate family members of Wyoming Tribune Eagle and Wyoming Health Fairs cannot be awarded cash prizes.

There is no cost for those under 18, but must register with a step up adult. The goal isn’t for them to lose weight but to learn and be active. Since they are not eligible for cash prizes we have created a special opportunity. Every time one of our under 18 Step Up participants in a workshop or activity they will get to put their name in a drawing box. At the end of the 10 weeks we will draw one lucky winner to get an activity prize package!

Why 10,000 steps?
10,000 steps is based on the US Surgeon General’s recommendation for activity. Walking 10,000 steps a day offers health benefits, from decreasing stress levels to lowering blood pressure. However, if you are someone who doesn’t take many steps in a day, a lower personal goal may be more appropriate. Also, 10,000 steps per day may not be sustainable for some people, including older adults and those living with chronic diseases. Make sure you discuss participation with your doctor.

Do you have to live in Cheyenne to participate?
No. If you work or live in Cheyenne or Laramie County you may participate.

Is there a cost to participate?
Yes - $10. We will accept cash or check at the Registration/Kick-Off Event on Friday, April 19. Those 18 and under are free, but must register with a paying adult.

What if I can’t make it to the kick-off event on Friday, April 19?
TBD

What if I can’t make it to the FINAL weigh-in on Saturday, June 29?
TBD

Are there prizes for the winners?
Yes, there will be $2500 in cash prizes for the winners.

• $500 cash – for % of weight loss for male
• $500 cash – for % of weight loss for female
• $500 cash – for fat loss % for male
• $500 cash – for fat loss % for female
• $500 cash drawing for everyone who completes the challenge by weighing in at the final walk.
• Workshop prizes! Prizes will be awarded at many of the workshop.
• Participation prizes: Random prizes will be awarded for those who report their weightloss weekly on www.StepUpCheyenne.com.
• Prize package for under 18 Step Up participants. Every time one of our under 18 Step Up participants in a workshop or activity they will get to put their name in a drawing box. At the end of the 10 weeks we will draw one lucky winner to get an activity prize package! They will also be allowed to register at our first workshop.

What if I don’t have a scale?
You are welcome to go to the office of Wyoming Health Fairs at 611 East Carlson St. #112 (Indian Hills Shopping Center) between 7:00am and 11:00am on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The Wyoming Health Fairs office will also have a scale available for those weighing over 300 pounds.

Can we work in teams?
The program is not set up to accommodate teams at this time. However, a fun suggestion is to get your friends together and choose one common name but use different ending numbers for your screen names on StepUpCheyenne.com. That way you and your friends can easily find each other.
Example: WeightLossDiva_1, WeightLossDiva_2, WeightLossDiva_3

Can my company or office run their own challenges?
If this is something you are interested in call Rachelle at 633-3145 for details.

Do I have to enter my weight every week on StepUpCheyenne.com?
No, you are not required to enter your weight weekly. However, those who do will be eligible for additional participation prizes throughout the competition. We’ve also added a motivational tracker. You enter your current weight and your goal and it helps track your progress.

PLUS! Every week the Wyoming Tribune Eagle will report the overall weight loss as a total. Such as, “The City of Cheyenne has lost, to date, 2,458 pounds.” We’re hoping for amazing numbers from the community! We encourage you to enter your weight as often as possible.

Will prizes be awarded for the most steps walked?
We are not officially tracking your steps, but you will be able to track your steps on StepUpCheyenne.com for your own motivation. We will also report the final amount of steps walked in the Wyoming Tribune Eagle. (And you never know when the prize people might be watching :)

What kind of support is available to help me successfully complete the challenge?
Various health and fitness professionals around Cheyenne are offering their support services at a discounted price for Step Up! Participants. Go to www.StepUpCheyenne.com for a listing of offers and services.

We will also have structured walking groups to help you get out and move. You will also find support at the workshops and activities. Everyone is just like you…trying to make a difference in your life.

Why did the challenge go from 12 weeks to 10 weeks
Part of it was a timing issue. We didn’t want to start the challenge any earlier due to the unpredictable Wyoming weather, but we had a multitude of requests to end prior to the 4th of July holiday…so here it is…April 19 – June 28. With a $500 cash drawing for everyone who finishes along with an earlier date we hope more people will make it a priority to finish what they started.

Step Up! Eat Well and Move Workshop Series Questions:

Do I have to pay to participate in the Step Up! Eat Well and Move Workshops?
No, they are free of charge.

What are the FREE Step Up! Eat Well and Move Workshops?
These workshops are a series of educational presentations, tours and get-togethers that will take place during the 10-Week Challenge. A complete schedule will be available in the Wyoming Tribune Eagle’s Health & Fitness Guide and at www.StepUpCheyenne.com.

PLUS! Give-a-ways and prizes will be given at many of the workshops.

Can I weigh-in at the workshops?
Scales will be available at many of the workshops.

Final Walk/Run Challenge Questions:

Can I participate in the 10,000 Walk/Run if I didn’t participate in Step Up Cheyenne?
You are welcome to participate in the walk/run for $10. Children 18 and under can walk for free!

How long will the final 10,000 Step Walk/Run Challenge take?
It takes the average person about 20 minutes to walk a mile. It will take most people between 1¼ hours and 2½ hours to walk the 10,000 steps (5 miles). For some, the challenge may be to run the 10,000 steps, in which case they would probably complete the walk in well under an hour.

Website Questions:

How do I log into the StepUpCheyenne.com website?
We have made this even simpler this time around!

You will want to attend the Registration/Kick-Off Event on Friday, April 19. You will be officially weighed in and receive your official ID number. You can immediately log into StepUpCheyenne.com and enter your ID number at the “new member sign in” on the top right corner of your screen. It will take you to a web page where you can choose your screen name and password. You are welcome to use your ID number or a fun word as your screen name. Using your real name is not recommended as that name will be visible to everyone who looks at the website.

If I participated in last year’s Step UP do I have to register?
Yes! All numbers will be cleared in February.

What should I choose for a screen name?
We suggest that you choose a fun name that you and your friends will recognize. Do not use your actual name as it will be visible to everyone who looks at the website. A fun suggestion: get your friends together and choose one name with a different number so you and your friends will be easy to find on the list.
Example: WeightLossDiva_1, WeightLossDiva_2, WeightLossDiva_3

How do I participate if I don’t have a computer?
You will want to attend the Registration/Kick-Off Event on Friday, April 19. We will help you get set up at that time. You can also use the computers at the library. You will then need to call in your weekly weight to 307-633-3145.