Clark State Community College has launched its third annual Fitness Challenge for faculty, staff and students.
“We are looking to encourage our students, staff and faculty to decrease stress and improve their overall health,” said Justin McCulla, director of athletics and student life for Clark State.
McCulla said the Challenge has been modified this year to encourage increased participation. “This year, we have two, six-week challenges,” he said. “Also, we are allowing people to join a challenge at any point during the semester.”
The second Fitness Challenge will begin on Monday, October 21.
McCulla said over the past two years, Clark State has revamped the Wellness Center by adding three new treadmills, two new cyber bikes, a step machine, three new racks of weights for squats and the bench press, new dumbbells and med balls/kettlebells.
Clark State continues to build on their health initiatives, which also include a free outdoor fitness park – The Clark State Fit Stop; and most recently indoor walking paths and a newly designed 9-hole disc golf course around the Leffel Lane campus in Springfield.
The Clark State Fitness Challenge encompasses two challenges: overall fitness (based on weight loss percentage) and the step challenge.
Participants will be asked to weigh in and report a number of weekly steps a total of six times (first and final dates are required); or email current weight or number of steps.
Overall fitness results will be based on the percentage of body weight lost and the number of steps will be based on the total amount of actual steps taken throughout the challenge.
“Most of our participants have indicated they have a step count app on their phone or have a Fitbit that tracks their steps,” said McCulla.
McCulla said he is hoping this event will continue to spark an interest in personal health for Clark State students and employees, and more of them will be seen in the Wellness Center. “This is a great event to get people started in the right direction to make sure they are staying healthy.”
Registration is ongoing. Employees and students interested in participating must contact Justin McCulla at 937.328.7819 ormccullaj@clarkstate.edu. Weekly prizes will be awarded, and the overall Fitness Challenge winner will receive a $50 gift card.