[img_inline align=”right” src=”http://padnws01.mcmaster.ca/images/MACtive09.jpg” caption=”The 2009 MACtive Challenge runs from Monday, March 9 to Sunday, May 3. “]It's time to dust off your athletic gear and prepare to Get MACtive.
McMaster's Healthy Workplace Group and Employee Health Services have organized McMaster's second Get MACtive Challenge and it's shaping up to be eight weeks of fitness fun.

The 2009 Get MACtive Challenge runs from Monday, March 9 to Sunday, May 3 and includes weekly prizes, activities, giveaways, health tips and of course the opportunity to improve your fitness.

To participate, you must register between Monday, February 23 and Friday, March 6. For registration and weekly submission details, please click here.

Each week, themes and activities will be available for participants to foster team spirit and increase activity levels.

To kick off the Challenge, Karen Belaire, vice-president, Administration, will co-lead the Walk the Boss event. This 30-minute walk around the McMaster community will take place on Tuesday, March 10 starting from the front steps of Gilmour Hall. Susan Robinson, a physiotherapist from the Sports Injury Clinic and Belaire will co-lead the group beginning at 12:30 p.m. Please register for this event here.

Other themes and activities this year include Dance Revolution, MACtivate Your Team, Climb Your Way to Wellness, Fit in Fitness, Funky Fitness Week, a Scavenger Hunt and more.

Prizes will be available each week for individuals who meet the weekly minimum minutes and teams will be eligible to participate in activities for entry into additional draws. All participants who meet the criteria, will be eligible to receive a pedometer at the end of the program.

To learn more about the program, to register for the challenge or challenge events, please visit the MACtive website or call 905-525-9140, ext. 23275.

In October 2008, the Healthy Workplace Group participated in a national Healthy Workplace Challenge. McMaster was recognized as a healthy workplace by ranking 25th for overall workplace health out of over 300 organizations and was the only university ranked in the top 100.