Shape Up Missouri Encourages St. Louis Kids and Families to Get Fit

Shape Up US is teaming up with Parkway West High School, First Lady Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move in Schools initiative and the FIT Kids Act to bring the outdoor health and wellness event Shape Up Missouri to St. Louis on May 1.

Highlights of the free afternoon include a 5K run, contest to find St. Louis’ Healthiest Family, fitness events and exhibits for all ages, healthy food tastings, hip hop star Eric James, inflatables, jugglers, Radio Disney, big trucks, a mascot Olympics, giveaways and lots more, all focused on promoting fitness and overall health.

Presenting sponsor of the event is Delta Dental of Missouri.

Jyl Steinback, the founder of Shape Up Us and a St. Louis native, said her organization is committed to improving the health, fitness and overall well-being of America’s families.

“Our mission is to create a circle of wellness that works for a lifetime,” she said. “We want to bring together the whole community to celebrate healthy living.”

Shape Up US is part of a national movement to improve the health of communities by preventing obesity in future generations and stemming the tide of heart disease.

The hands-on exhibits and activities will present practical ways kids and families can incorporate fitness and healthy habits into their daily lives.

“Everyone will have what I call an ‘aha’ moment, something that just clicks with them. It could be a new habit they might incorporate personally or share with their families,” said Steinback. “They will see that there is an activity for everyone, that they can make choices that can make a real difference in their health and well-being.”

Individuals and teams are welcome to participate in the 5K run happening at noon. Shape Up Us will donate $2 of each team registration to the charity of the organization’s choice.

To learn more about the event, which runs from noon to 4 p.m., or to sign up for the 5K run, take part in the St. Louis’ Healthiest Family contest and see a video of last year’s Shape Up Missouri event, go to www.shapeupus.org.