Wellness Week, Pac-10 Challenge Under Way
University of Arizona employees have an opportunity this week to jump start their fitness routines and get in a little friendly competition at the same time.
This week is Wellness Week, when employees, alumni and retirees are invited to strap on their training shoes and work out for free at the Student Recreation Center.
"Fitness is essential to health and wellness,” said Jody Liller, public relations and information coordinator at the department of campus recreation. “We know that working out 30 minutes a day can help reduce the risk of life-threatening diseases, like heart disease and cancer. The idea behind Wellness Week is get help people get a jump start on fitness and embrace a healthier lifestyle."
Wellness Week began Monday, offering afternoon obstacle courses, free Pilates and cross-training classes on the UA Mall, and yoga in the evenings. During the week, the Student Recreation Center, 1400 E. Sixth St., is offering special membership pricing. Rates are scheduled to increase in January.
Happening at the same time is the Pac-10 Fitness Challenge, part of a conferencewide initiative to promote physical activity by having Pac-10 universities compete against each another by tracking the hours of physical activity logged. To participate, students, employees, alumni and supporters can register by logging on to the Pac-10 Fitness Challenge Web site and then begin entering their physical activity during the week.
Participants will be able to compare the UA's minutes of physical activity with those of other Pac-10 schools throughout the competition. The competition takes into account student enrollment and participation levels.
"Many activities are listed, ranging from running and walking to swimming, rugby and more. We'd like to see people register and those involved motivating friends, family, co-workers and other supporters to join in and help the UA meet the challenge and win," Liller said.
The Student Recreation Center serves over 23,400 students annually, 63 percent of the student population, and approximately 1,000 employees, retirees and alumni.
"We have 600,000 entrants each year and we are projecting 1 million after the expansion opens in January," Liller added.
The expansion will add more than 50,000 gross square feet to the site, which currently houses facilities for weight training, cardio and outdoor fitness.
The expansion will include volleyball courts, an outdoor climbing area, a multiathletic court and various other additions.