Dallas, Texas - Diverse women across the country have been challenged to take 10,000 steps a day and limit their added sugar intake to 24 grams a day through Go Red Get Fit and it’s proven to be an effective small step toward healthy living. The results of the challenge have been so contagious that thousands of women have now joined Go Red Get Fit and are taking a stand to be healthy, fit and beat heart disease, the No. 1 killer of women.

Now, the year-long initiative is challenging women to get 30 minutes of cardio per day, at least five days per week, and when making beverage choices, strive to choose water over sugary drinks 100 percent of the time. The American Heart Association recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity, at least 75 minutes of vigorous physical activity, or a combination of both each week.

Go Red Get Fit is a part of the American Heart Association’s Go Red For Women campaign. As the founding national sponsor, Macy’s has helped to raise more than $55 million for the cause since 2004. Women participate in quarterly challenges by joining the Go Red Get Fit Facebook group. Each challenge lasts about 12-weeks, in an effort to turn a behavior into a habit, and are designed to achieve the best opportunity for a healthy lifestyle. The challenges are:

• “Up the Beat and Keep It 100” (June – August): Get 30 minutes of cardio per day, at least five days per week and strive to choose water over sugary drinks 100 percent of the time.
• “I Run This Salty Shaker” (September – November): Get 30 minutes of physical activity, at least five days a week and limit sodium consumption to no more than 1,500 milligrams per day.
• “Follow the Lead to Flawless” (December-February): Scripted exercises of the trainers’ choices and limit saturated fat consumption to 12 grams per day.

The challenge is hosted by three nationally renowned fitness trainers – Lita Lewis, wellness personality and life coach known as “Follow the Lita”;  Ary Nunez, celebrity fitness trainer, whose most notable client is Rihanna, has trained with top schools of dance and martial arts and holds black belts in Karate, Tae Kwon Do and Kung Fu; Scott Parker, “the go to trainer for Hollywood stars,” whose roster includes stars like Jill Scott, specializes in holistic approaches to a healthy mind, body and soul. Additionally, wellness expert and American Heart Association volunteer Maria Guerra provides her fitness guidance and expertise.

Participants share and post messages, photos and videos of successes, encouragement and struggles within the group. “It’s rewarding to see women who haven’t been active in years take control of their health, get engaged in the Facebook group and start making lifestyle changes,” said Holly Thomas, Macy’s Group Vice President of Cause Marketing.

“My numbers on my fitness tracker were 24 percent higher than the previous month. At my doctor’s appointment, she took me off of two of my high blood pressure medications,” says Kristy Ceurvels, Go Red Get Fit Facebook group member. “The daily posts from the women in the group are what keeps me going.”

“I really LOVE this group! There’s so much information shared with one another, great advice and tips, inspiring messages and videos. I am so grateful for this group!” says Lisa Chavis, Go Red Get Fit Facebook group member. “Multicultural women are faced with an increased risk for heart disease but I’ve learned through Go Red Get Fit that I can change that and prevent it by as much as 80 percent, so I’m not taking any chances. I’m transforming my life and receiving the support I need to stay fit for life,” says Lisa.

The challenge doesn’t just come with fitness and health rewards, some participants are randomly chosen to win prizes from Go Red For Women and Macy’s including gift cards and Ideology active wear. One person will win a grand prize, a full experience to the American Heart Association’s Go Red For Women Red Dress Collection presented by Macy’s in New York City in February 2017.