Step Up & Scale Down program offers fitness tips, group motivation
IF YOU PARTICIPATE WHAT: Step Up & Scale Down WHEN: Noon-1 p.m. Wednesdays, starting March 25 and lasting 12 weeks WHERE: Llano County Extension Office, 1447 Texas 71 East in Llano COST: $40, including materials TO REGISTER: Contact Jennifer Page at jennifer.reeves@ag.tamu.edu or (325) 247-4849
DANIEL CLIFTON • PICAYUNE EDITOR
LLANO — Sometimes, it takes a group for an individual to lose weight and adopt a healthy lifestyle.
The 2015 Step Up & Scale Down program sponsored by the Texas AgriLife Extension Service and the Scott & White Health Plan is designed to do just that. The 12-week program starts March 25 at the county extension office, 1447 Texas 71 East, and continues noon-1 p.m. Wednesdays.
“One of the best things about this program is the support the participants give to and get from each other,” said Jennifer Page, the Llano County AgriLife family science agent. “The support you get from the other people is a big help.”
During last year’s program, three of the 14 participants lost a combined 120 pounds with the remaining individuals losing more than 100 pounds combined. For those top three, that’s 40 pounds each, which can make a tremendous difference in their lives. Even those who lost a few pounds, gained a tremendous amount of knowledge and experienced success on their path to healthier lives.
“It’s a complete class where they truly do learn about the healthy lifestyle process,” Page said. “Our goal is to help participants improve their health and fitness.”
Participants arm themselves with facts, healthy eating ideas, meal planning methods, exercise tips and techniques. And this is real information, not the latest diet fads or trends.
“There are so many myths out there on the Internet that tell you this or that, but you can’t always trust them. Most have no real research backing them up,” Page said. “In Step Up & Scale Down, we back everything up with research.”
Participants also will get a weekly challenge to help them put what they learn into action.
While the program builds the foundation for healthier living, Page said participants must follow through after it ends. And this can be one of the biggest hurdles for people
“There are so many other things holding you back, this baggage and these emotions,” Page said. “So until you decide you need to do it for yourself, you never will. One of the things we’ve seen by doing it though a group is the incredible support you get. Everybody is there to help everybody else, and it’s really amazing.”
Registration is $40, which includes the materials. People who are members of the Scott & White Health Plan can participate at no cost.
Though people can register the day of the program, Page said it’s best to sign up ahead of time so officials can make sure they have all the materials needed.
Call (325) 247-4849 or email jennifer.reeves@ag.tamu.edu to register or for more information.
daniel@thepicayune.com