Five Mountains Hawaii, a nonprofit organization in Waimea, is gearing up for the fifth annual “Get Fit Hawaii” program with support from Hawaii Island Beacon Community’s Healthy Eating and Active Living (HEAL) project and local business sponsors.

The popular “healthy lifestyle challenge” is a free 10-week, team-based program, created to help people reduce stress, lose weight, and become more active and healthier overall, while having fun with friends, co-workers, family or other teammates. New this year is the option to join as an individual and participate in the online team.

The North Hawaii team leader training session is from 1 to 3 p.m., Aug. 18 at Tutu’s House in Waimea.

The Get Fit Hawaii challenge gives up to 500 participants, in teams of four to 10 people, valuable tools, resources, rewards and support to accomplish their goals. All participants receive free health screenings, access to fitness activities/classes, great tips from local health professionals, Get Fit Hawaii newsletters and online resources such as webinars, healthy recipes, food/activity trackers, and a great deal more. Plus, participants enjoy weekly group challenges and become eligible to win prizes.

In 2011, there were 223 total participants in the Get Fit Hawaii program in North Hawaii, and the results were very positive. More than 86 percent of those completing the program reported making healthy food choices more often as a result of the program and 60 percent put more physical activity into their lives. Almost 50 percent of the participants recorded a drop in blood pressure, and 13 percent reported reduced stress. All together, team members lost 229 total pounds and 95 total inches.

The program kicks off on Sept. 10 and concludes Nov. 16. Free online registration for team leaders is open now through Aug. 23 for all teams island-wide. One member of each team will be designated as the team leader, who attends a free training session (healthy snack provided) to obtain helpful additional resources, program information, coaching, and gifts.

Team leaders should sign up now at www.getfithawaii.org. General registration and health screening events around the island are from Aug. 27 to Sept. 1, with registration forms available online beginning Aug. 18. The following week individuals may register online or at the Five Mountains Hawaii office in Waimea and get optional health screenings on their own.

For more information, contact Aileen at 887-1281. Get Fit Hawaii is a project of Five Mountains Hawaii.

For more information, visit www.getfithawaii.org or www.fivemountains.org.