On the move
'Get Moving UD' fall fitness challenge going strong
10:54 a.m., Nov. 2, 2012--University of Delaware faculty, staff and students having been engaged in a fall fitness challenge, “Get Moving UD,” which is co-sponsored by the Office of Human Resources’ Employee Wellness Program and the Student Health Service’s Healthy Hens Program.
The eight-week challenge, which began on Sept. 24, encourages participants to set their personal activity goal and track their total weekly minutes of moderate physical activity. To date, 105,227 minutes of activity have been reported to program staff.
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“The Centers for Disease Control recommends that adults accumulate at least 150 minutes of physical activity each week to promote good health,” said Linda Smith, HealthyU Employee Wellness program coordinator. “It’s great to know that so many people moving more on campus because we know that physical activity helps everyone to be at their best.”
The challenge kicked off on Sept. 20 with a 5K fun run and walk. More than 270 participants completed the newly certified course through east campus, which ended with a lap on The Green. A wellness fair and awards ceremony was held under a tent in front of Wolf Hall.
The event attracted both University and community members, including many students who walked up and ran the day of the event.
“This was a great way to get the fall semester off to a healthy start. Many students were excited about having a 5K on central campus. Last year the route was on north campus and Creek Road. We nearly tripled our participation this year,” said Brittany Van Sickle, graduate assistant in the Healthy Hens program.
Biweekly activities have been scheduled throughout the challenge, which ends on Nov. 18.
Faculty, staff and students enrolled in the program are invited to finish their challenge with a drop-in fitness testing activity scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 15, from 11 a.m.-2 p.m., on the concourse of the Trabant University Center.
Participants who return their activity logs and meet their personal goals are eligible for prizes donated by wellness fair sponsors including UD Recreation Services, Ice Arenas, Student Wellness and Health Promotion, Aetna Healthcare, Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield and Be Truly Well Day Spa.
Race results and weekly program updates are available at the “Get Moving UD” website.
Photos by Lane McLaughlin