[img_inline align=”right” src=”http://padnws01.mcmaster.ca/images/mactive.jpg” caption=”McMaster staff try to keep a red piece of Lycra up during a MACtive group activity.”]The results are in: McMaster's eight week Get MACtive physical activity challenge was successful in helping employees get up, get out and get MACtive.

The Healthy Workplace Group and Employee Health Services coordinated the second annual challenge between March 9 and May 3, 2009. The goal of the challenge was to enhance McMaster's position as a healthy community by encouraging employees to exercise regularly. Not only did the number of participants increase by 20 percent over last year, but employees increased the amount of activity they participated in as well.

“Being active is important for overall physical and mental health,” says Deb Garland, healthy workplace coordinator with human resources services. “Participating in the Get MACtive Challenge with co-workers is also a great way to get to know each other, build relationships and improve the working environment.”

Overall, 466 McMaster employees on 69 teams registered for the challenge, with 54 of those teams qualifying for the grand prize. In total over one million minutes of exercise were logged throughout the challenge.

McMaster's Healthy Workplace Group would like to congratulate all participants for taking a big step toward leading a healthy lifestyle. Special mention goes to team and individual grand prize winners, who were randomly selected from eligible participants: Patricia Pak, who won the individual prize of a climbing wall experience for herself and a friend; Glen Crossley, who won a $100 gift certificate for running shoes; and Viva Las Vegas who won the team prize of individual iPod Shuffles. Additionally, all participants received a certificate of participation and those who qualified received a Healthy Workplace pedometer to help them stay motivated now that the challenge has concluded.

For more information on the Get MACtive physical activity challenge for employees, please contact Deb Garland at dgarland@mcmaster.ca or call ext. 23275.