MACtive participants rack up 1.2 million minutes of physical activity

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BY Deb Garland

April 18, 2008

[img_inline align=”right” src=”http://padnws01.mcmaster.ca/images/walking-challenge.jpg” caption=”The McMaster community logged 1,290,295 minutes of physical activity as part of the MACtive Challenge. File photo.”]Since the launch of the MACtive Challenge on Jan. 21 by The Healthy Workplace Group, 393 individuals on 53 teams logged a combined total of 1,290,295 minutes of physical activity.

The grand prize winners of the MACtive Challenge were randomly selected from eligible participants who met the minimum exercise threshold for at least 10 out of 12 weeks of the competition.

The grand prize winners are:

  • Adrienne Hasler, who won the individual prize of a four-month fitness membership donated by McMaster Athletics and Recreation.
  • McLivin', McLaughin', McMovin' won the team prize of a catered lunch for their team. “We signed up for a jumpstart into spring thinking with the accountability to each other that we would take becoming active more seriously,” said one team member. “What we gained was more time with our friends and family and what we lost was pounds and inches. We had a lot of fun and look forward to the next Mactive Challenge.”

    It may have been just a 12-week challenge, but results have shown that participants in the MACtive Challenge were able to make lasting lifestyle changes. The goal of the MACtive Challenge was to help make McMaster a healthier community by encouraging participants to exercise regularly and you helped us meet our goal. Congratulations to all participants and prize winners.

    Are you looking for something to keep you motivated after MACtive? Is it time to spring clean your walking and fitness program? Whether you're still going strong or looking for something to boost your physical fitness, the Healthy Workplace Walking Group is available for all employees.

    This spring, Healthy Workplace is launching the third annual spring Walking Group and providing you with the tools you need to keep physically active. We want to give you a hand in recognizing the walking you do each day.

    The Healthy Workplace Walking Group is designed to encourage physical activity during your busy day, recognizing that you may want to walk on your own or find a friend. The Walking Group will run from Monday, April 21 to Sunday, June 29. For more information and to register online, go to www.workingatmcmaster.ca/healthy-workplace. All participating walkers who submit their minutes by the deadlines will be entered into a monthly prize draw.

    It's not as hard as you think. If you walk to work, walk from your car to work, take the stairs, take a walking break at lunch or enjoy a walk with your dog after work, you are adding valuable exercise to your day. Small steps can make a big difference.

    Two information sessions will help kick off our Spring Walking Group:

  • The first session, Walk This Way, will be held on Monday, April 21 at 12 noon in the David Braley Athletic Centre, Room WB112-113. Registered physiotherapist Melanie Stevens will start off by demonstrating safe walking techniques, providing helpful stretching tips and answering any questions you might have before leading the group on the first spring walk.
  • On Monday, April 28 in MDCL 3022, join us for Put Your Best Foot Forward at 12:10 p.m. or 1:10 p.m. for a half-hour session by Runner's Den staff who will be on campus to show you how to pick the right walking/running shoe as well as discuss other important exercise apparel.

    To register for the information sessions, please visit www.workingatmcmaster.ca/forms/healthy-workplace-event.html.