Shape Up Southeast's physical and wellness challenge is an avenue for the Southeast Missouri State University community to strive for healthier goals, better ways of treating bad habits and making exercise a daily routine.

"I just want people to understand how important it is to be active, whether it's putting in the hard work at our gym or exercising somewhere else," Dr. Takeshi Fujii, assistant director of Recreation Services, said. "It's a great program because it teaches you mentally how to become a healthier individual, and hopefully that is something you can continue doing after the 10-week challenge."

The 10-week competition is free and everyone that registers can create their own team of friends, family members or co-workers to conquer the challenge. The team competition is divided into two divisions. The top three teams that finish with the best results in each division will be rewarded with a prize at the end.

According to Fujii, the first place prize will include a one-hour relaxing massage while the second place through fifth place teams will receive a 30-minute massage. Shape Up Southeast will also give a prize to the team with the most creative name, which must be original, healthy and bizarre. There may be other prizes included for the top teams as well.

"You don't need a gym membership to lead a healthy lifestyle," Fujii said. "Small steps and choices you make every day do count to have a healthy lifestyle, not temporary, quick-fix attempts."

Team members will track their daily exercise on the Shape Up Southeast website. The website will also let each team print a daily log that informs members of the current team standings, rules and other information vital to the contest.

"I want everyone to be motivated, and I think this incentive program will encourage everyone to keep up with their daily physical activity routine," Fujii said.

Shape Up Southeast also includes the Walk the Walk contest. Rather than doing this contest as a team effort, individuals will be required to turn in their results using a pedometer. Contestants will record their number of steps for 70 consecutive days. Prizes will be the same as the team competition awards.

The registration deadline for Shape Up Southeast will end at 5 p.m. Feb. 3. The competition will last from Feb. 6 to April 15. Walk the Walk registration ends at 5 p.m. Feb. 20. The contest began on Jan. 17 and will last until May 1. Registration forms can be completed by visiting www.semo.edu and searching for Shape Up Southeast.

Winners will be announced at noon on May 4 at the Student Recreation Center-North in the Multipurpose Room.