In December of 2005, Rajiv Kumar launched Shape Up RI with under 2,000 participants. Now, less than five years later, more than 15,000 Rhode Islanders are making strides toward a healthier lifestyle thanks to the program.

“You don’t have to spend a lot of money to change the environment,” Kumar said.

A student at Brown University Medical School, Kumar started Shape Up RI as an exercise and weight loss challenge. Teams of participants across the state track the number of steps they take each day with a pedometer provided through the program. Those teams can then compete in any combination of three categories: steps, exercise minutes or weight loss.

This year’s 12-week program kicked off last week, with more than 800 teams taking part. Among those participants are Lt. Governor Elizabeth Roberts and the three other individuals working in her office.

“We’re small but mighty,” said Michael Tanaka, Roberts’ director of public and community relations. “It’s actually all part of the lieutenant governor’s commitment to a healthy lifestyle.”

The key for Tanaka’s team is the support offered by co-workers. Last year, Jennifer Wood in his office drafted a full exercise regime for him as part of their Shape Up participation.

“When Shape Up begins it reminds me that it’s time to get back on it,” Tanaka said. “Being part of Shape Up makes you aware of the need to set aside time. It gives you the opportunity to set goals.”

Teams and individual members can track those goals – and their progress – on the Shape Up Web site, which now offers year-round support. This year, the 12-week challenge in the spring will be duplicated in the summer and, for the first time, in the fall.

This evolution is a big step for Shape Up RI, which Senior Consultant Ray Rickman says is the only program of its kind. Unlike most weight loss programs, he has seen a completion rate of 76 percent. His estimate is that 95 percent of diets fail.

“They don’t work because people go out and lose 30 pounds by doing something unbelievable – eating lettuce and drinking water – but they can’t continue to do that,” he said. “What you need to do is change your lifestyle.”

There are small ways participants can do that every day, Rickman said.

“When you go to the grocery store, instead of being very aggressive and trying to park next to the handicap spot, park five spots down. In the course of the year that’s good for two and a half pounds,” he said.

Rickman has been with Shape Up RI since before the program was on the street. When Kumar approached him about the idea, he knew the concept was a good one.

“When I was a kid in Detroit, 80 percent of all kids walked to school. Today in Rhode Island, 80 percent of all kids take a bus – it’s absurd,” he said. “Almost everything in the culture is geared against you exercising.”

Changing that attitude is what Shape Up RI is all about. Although prizes are not given for winning teams, Kumar said adding a competitive element is crucial to provide motivation.

“I think it’s essential because we all have a competitive nature,” Kumar said. “The competition gives you a reason to do it,” Tanaka agreed. “We keep track and we push each other.”

More than 80 companies are active supporters of Shape Up RI, which Kumar says is not surprising. The health benefits are tangible, which can translate to fewer sick days and increased productivity.

“I think employers have come to the point where they realize the tremendous value of maintaining a healthy workplace,” Kumar said. “It’s all about hitting goals for yourself and your team, and the ultimate reward is a healthier lifestyle, a longer life and happiness.”

Some of the other benefits of Shape Up RI include workshops on cooking and reading labels, and free gym passes.

“Shape Up tries to educate people. Our goal is to give everyone 100 athletic opportunities to every participant,” Rickman said, pointing out that most participants lose an average of eight pounds.

Losing weight is a bonus, Tanaka said, but his office will continue to participate just to stay healthy and have a fun activity to share with one another.

“It’s worked out quite well,” he said. “You can make as much of it as you want.”

For more information on Shape Up RI, visit www.shapeupri.org or call 421-0608.