Students, staff can sign up to win workout equipment, other prizes
By: Jazmin Foster
Finding time to be physically active can be difficult for a busy college student, but the Get Movin’ Challenge motivates and shows students they don’t have to do an extensive workout to be active.
“It’s a great opportunity to improve your physical and mental health while also getting a chance to win a prize,” said Davis Chase, sport and fitness supervisor at Red River College Polytechnic.
In the Get Movin’ Challenge, students and staff who sign up keep track of their steps every day for the month of March to win prizes.
Chase said this challenge will make students more aware of how much movement they typically get in a day and how to improve their exercise habits.
“Exercise has been shown to help reduce depression, anxiety, and stress while improving cognitive function and self-confidence,” he said. “This is highly beneficial, as exercise can help to improve productivity while dealing with the stresses of life as a student.”
Israel Sanchez, a Social Innovation and Community Development student at RRC Polytech, signed up for the challenge because he believes it will motivate him to be active.
“You can get prizes just by doing your everyday things, like walking to the college, the bus stop, and your place,” said Sanchez. “I think there is no better way to motivate people.”
Even though Sanchez says he has a busy school schedule, he sees the importance of finding time to be active.
“No matter what kind of exercise you do, it keeps you very positive and energized all day,” he said.
Chase recommends those with a busy schedule take short movement breaks throughout the day and schedule time to be active in their calendars.
“It all adds up, and becoming more physically active can be as easy as getting up from your chair and going for a short walk,” said Chase.
Those participating in the challenge must reach 7,000 steps for a minimum of 10 days during the month to qualify for one of the prize draws. There will be 21 winners with prizes like workout equipment and gift cards.
The winners will be announced on Friday, April 7.
