Fitness program begins next week

The IU Division of Campus Recreational Sports is preparing to begin its four-week spring session of Step Into Fitness for IU faculty and staff. \nThis walking incentive program was created in the fall at the Jill Behrman Run for the End Zone. It aims to motivate faculty and staff to live an active and healthy lifestyle.\nThe program starts April 9, and all participants will receive a free pedometer and a step tracker sheet to record their steps. If they turn in their tracker sheets at the end of the program on May 10, they will be put into a grand-prize drawing to win a yearlong membership to IU Campus Recreational Sports or a six-session personal training package. Weekly prizes will also be given to participants. \n“The program is geared toward getting walking in at home, work and in people’s everyday life,” said RecSports Director of Fitness and Wellness Chris Arvin .\nParticipants walk on their own times and record them. They will receive weekly e-mails containing walking routes, and tips and benefits of active lifestyles. \nThe walking program is to be done independently, with no maximum or minimum number of steps required. For those interested in walking with a group, walking classes are available, such as the Walk to Wellness at the School of Health, Physical Education and Recreation. \nThe Step Into Fitness organizers are hoping to gain more participants this spring. IU graduate student Allison Chopra is working behind the scenes helping Arvin with the program. Booths set up in high-traffic areas around campus are attracting a lot of members, she said. \n“We already have surpassed the 300 participants that we had last fall,” she said. \nParticipants can register at one of the on-campus booths or online at www.iurecsports.org. Registration is also available at the HPER and Student Recreational Sports Center until April 20.