Electronic edition, Vol. 1 No. 19, May 7, 2008

University’s challenge: Be a healthier you!

a woman rides a stationary bike

It’s time to dust off those sneakers and stop making excuses for the wintertime inertia that stood between that inner fit person and the treadmill, spin bike or weight room.

There are even prizes involved!

As part of the Human Resources Management third annual You Fitness Challenge (May 14), university colleagues will be invited to lace up and head toward six stations across campus. At each, fun activities and tips for getting fit will be offered.

New this year: bike tuneups by Back Bay Bicycles, Zumba Demonstrations, REI and Pilates will also be offered.

The first 400 participants will receive a water bottle and entered in a raffle for $100 gift certificates and family packages to Six Flags New England.

"The Healthy You Challenge is a exciting program intended to encourage all faculty and staff to participate in fitness and health activities,” said Katherine Pendergast, vice president of Human Resources Management. “The day offers opportunities to try out new foods, participate in training sessions and try out relaxation techniques such as yoga. And there are prizes for those who successfully visit and participate in all the activities at the stations around the campus. We hope all will come and enjoy and try something new."

As part of the challenge, participants will attend demonstrations, screenings and information sessions at six stations:

  • Curry Student Center, Ground Floor: Smoothies, water bottles, sun screen skin analyzer and skin safety guides will be offered.
  • Xhibition Kitchen: Learn to make your own trail mix with the guidance of Weight Watchers.
  • Marino Center: Fitness demonstrations will be offered in basic pilates and physio-balls, and a blood-pressure screenings and body fat analysis will also be offered.
  • Sacred Space: Yoga for relaxation will be offered, as well as stress management tips.
  • Krentzman Quad: Bring your bike for a tune-up, discuss dental health risks;
  • Library Quad: Learn to Zumba  in this Latin-inspired dance workout and meet sporting goods retailers.

For more information about the annual Healthy You Challenge, please visit www.hrm.neu.edu/healthyyou.