October 19, 2006

Million Step Challenge has walkers on the way to 500 miles

Close to 40 Northwestern faculty and staff members have donned their walking shoes and taken their first steps toward good health in the new Million Step Challenge (MSC) program.

Simple and flexible, the Million Step Challenge (MSC) encourages individuals to log one million steps or 500 miles on foot by the end of August 2007. All you need to do is lace up your sneakers and start walking. A high-quality Digi-Walker 140-S pedometer is included in the $59 program, and will do the work of accurately tracking your distance and steps.

Introduced to the Northwestern community during the Health and Benefits Fair, the ongoing challenge to increase physical activity in daily life works well for all ages and fitness levels.

Participants can team up with co-workers and friends in the fun, and, as they reach designated milestones, become eligible to win a variety of incentive prizes.

“We all know the benefits of increased physical activity, but sometimes fitting it in into our busy schedules is more easily said than done,” said Nancy Tierney, director of fitness and wellness for the Henry Crown Sports Pavilion and Norris Aquatics Center. “The beauty of the Million Step Challenge program is that all activities count — anytime and anywhere.”

The Million Step Challenge is a joint effort of the fitness and recreation division of Northwestern athletics, the benefits division and nuCuisine.

In addition to the pedometer, the registration kit also includes a logbook for tracking individual progress and general health and fitness information. Campus maps providing trail mileage are also part of the kit.

Details are available at www.fitrec.northwestern.edu.