Fitness program looks to inspire SCSU students

Working out and staying in shape has never been easier, thanks to the SCSU On the Move Mile High Challenge.

Starting Monday, students, staff, faculty and spouses are invited to get in shape by logging weekly miles, completing weekly challenges and working toward prizes. The program ends May 1.

At the end of the program, a drawing will be conducted for two round-trip tickets to Denver, courtesy of Bursch Travel. The top 10 participants with the most logged miles and challenges completed will be eligible for this grand prize.

The first 100 participants to register will receive a Huskies workout bag, coupons, logbook, free guest speaker series, free fitness classes and free entry for the SCSU On the Move 5K race May 1. The fee is $10 per person or pair up with a friend to form a team.

"We have heart rate monitors, massage coupons and facials. Each week we have different prizes to give away," said Chris Haukos, fitness coordinator at SCSU.

Each week, there will be five challenges available to complete. Upon completion of at least three of these challenges, participants will log the miles in their books and be entered into a weekly raffle for prizes. The more challenges completed, the better the chance to win.

Whitnee Fester, a fourth-year sports management major, is coordinating the event for the second time. She was in charge of the fall program and is looking forward to doing it again this spring.

"I like it. It's a lot of hard work but a lot of people e-mail me telling me how important it was for them," Fester said.

If you complete the minimum of three challenges per week for the first four weeks, you receive an SCSU Nalgene water bottle. At the end of the nine weeks, if you complete the entire program, you receive an SCSU On the Move T-shirt.

As of Tuesday, only 40 people have registered, meaning plenty of room is available for individuals or teams. The program also offers a free guest speaker series which focuses on nutrition and living a healthy lifestyle.

"I think it's a great opportunity, said Fester, "It's a different outlook on working out."

Both Fester and Haukos agree that the competition offers participants added motivation to complete challenges and more importantly getting in shape.

"It's more motivating and gives them something to work towards," Haukos said.

To register, visit the massage studio in Halenbeck Hall before Monday to be eligible. All the events, challenges, dates and other information regarding the program are available on the fitness section of the campus recreation page on the SCSU Web site.