Crews Into Shape isn't just about getting into shape, it's about staying in shape and adopting a more enduring and healthy lifestyle.

During March 2015, the Navy and Marine Corps Public Health Center (NMCPHC) hosted the 15th annual Crews Into Shape Challenge, a four-week challenge that uses a team approach to promote wellness, combining the support of colleagues and family members to help participants work toward a healthier lifestyle. Participants earn points for exercising, maintaining or achieving a goal weight, and eating fruits and vegetables.

"This year's challenge drew 311 Crews, comprised of 1,941 Crew Members from across the DoD who made the commitment to 'Crews' in 2015," said Bob MacDonald, Crews Into Shape director at NMCPHC. "This represents an impressive 16 percent increase in Crews and nine percent increase in Crew Members compared to last year's challenge."

An overwhelming majority of participants who provided post-challenge feedback indicated that Crews Into Shape helped them work toward a healthier lifestyle.

According to the 2015 post-challenge survey, 82 percent of the 187 survey respondents indicated that Crews Into Shape improved their daily fruit and vegetable consumption habits and 78 percent said it improved their daily exercise routines. Further, 77 percent of respondents indicated they plan to continue their efforts to eat the daily recommended servings of fruits and vegetables even after the challenge has ended.

The annual challenge is open to all active duty and Reserve service members in the Navy, Marine Corps, Army, Air Force, and Coast Guard, as well as DoD family members and civilians. This year's Crews Into Shape Challenge drew participants from 30 different states as well as countries from across the globe, for example, Japan, Spain, and Guam.

The next official Crews Into Shape Challenge will be conducted in March 2016. However, the Crews Into Shape materials may be used by any organization at any time during the year to sponsor your own local four-week Crews Into Shape Challenge. To access these materials and learn more about the program, please visit the Crews Into Shape website: http://www.med.navy.mil/sites/nmcphc/health-promotion/Pages/crews-into-shape.aspx

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