Simon Rec Center announces the start of its newest incentive program, the Target Fitness Challenge, on Jan. 28, 2002. The Fitness Challenge entails a six-week program tailored for every level of exercise from beginner to advanced, as well as every age group. The program attempts to add an exercise regiment into people’s daily lives. The program, offered to the entire Saint Louis University community, is in conjunction with sponsors such as Target, Centrum, Soft & Dri, Eastbay.com and Right Guard Extreme.

`These companies use this as an opportunity to market to a wider student and faculty based group,” Eric Anderson, Assistant Director of Simon Rec and director of the program, says. “They donate water bottles and T-shirts to use as prizes.”

The Fitness Challenge consists of a six-week plan that is based on the personal skills and abilities of each applicant. Each week the program focuses on an important element relating to health such nutritional food, proper rest and the benefits of walking. The program is very individually based with participants self-reporting their activity rooster and their goals.

“We ask that any participant who is interested to chart their activities using the packet provided by the Rec Center. Then, they can decide at what level of fitness they wish to participate in. At the end of each week, an activity check is included within each week’s goals,” Anderson explains. “After a three week period, we check everyone’s progress and award water bottles to those have succeeded. Then, at the six-week mark, T-shirts are used at as a prize for all the participants who have reached their personal goal.”

The Fitness Challenge falls at a time when many people are interested in incorporating an exercise routine into their lives. The program begins six weeks before spring break so many students are motivated to exercise in preparation.

Also, one of the most common New Year’s resolutions is to develop a healthier lifestyle. “The Rec Center is hoping to fulfill this need,” Anderson says.

Freshman Business student, Michael Paradise expressed interest in signing up for the Fitness Challenge.

“I think that this program sounds like a good way to get a workout,” Paradise said. “It can help keep me in shape for rugby.”

Jon Zammener, freshman Business student, also believes the program will be a success.

“Something like this can keep people motivated to workout on a regular basis,” Zammener explained. “Motivation is something we all can use.”

For all those interested, whether it is a student, faculty member or alumni, the deadline for registration is by Monday, Jan. 28, 2001. Packets are available at the Simon Recreation Center and can be returned to the Administrative offices upstairs or by faxed in at 977-3555.

“We want to make this as easy and accessible as possible to everyone. That is why each week we offer the option to fax, email or drop off the progress sheets to us,” Anderson explained.

Everyone is strongly encouraged to make the six-week commitment to the Fitness Challenge because of the number of benefits it offers.

“Even though six weeks is a relatively short time, the program offers people the opportunity and the incentive to add exercise to enhance their lives,” Anderson encourages.