As spring break approaches, some students wonder what they will look like in swimming suits on the sandy beaches of various spring break locations. Many students still make late night trips to their favorite fast food locations. As the waistlines extend, the desires to become physically active diminish.
A great opportunity to get active is kicking off on Monday Feb. 27 at 5 pm on Intramural Field 1 on the campus of Sam Houston State University. Walk Across Texas is a wellness program that was created by the Texas Cooperative Extension and is designed to help individuals establish a habit of regular physical activity.
“Walk Across Texas is a great way to get active and become fit,” said senior communications major Shanequa Claiborne. “I can’t wait to get my pedometer.”
Participants of Walk Across Texas are asked to form groups of up to eight individuals that are willing to motivate their group members to achieve the goal of walking 830 miles, the distance across the state of Texas.
Pedometers are given upon registration so that participants are able to record their miles and log them on the Walk Across Texas website, http://walkacrosstexas.tamu.edu. The program will last eight weeks equaling about 13 miles per individual per week.
As college students, it may be difficult to find the time to work out at the gym or pass up a trip to “grab a bite to eat.” According to the National Center for Health Statistics Web site, some 31 percent of college-age students are overweight or obese. Physical activity is directly linked to helping lose extra pounds.
“Incorporating physical activity into a daily routine is challenging for some, but it doesn’t mean that you have to spend hours at a gym or do something that doesn’t please you,” said Health Programming Coordinator Michelle Lovering. “It’s important to do something you might enjoy, such as walking a dog, rock climbing or playing basketball. In addition, physical activity can be increased in small ways by simply parking farther away from the store, walking instead of driving across campus or taking the stairs.”
The kickoff will begin with registration from 5 to 5:30 p.m. and the ceremonial first walk at 5:30 p.m. There will be demonstrations from instructors from the Health and Kinesiology Center, guest speakers, appearances from Orange Pride and Sammy the Bearkat and nutrition information.
If you have any questions, contact Michelle Lovering at mlovering@shsu.edu or visit the Walk Across Texas Web site at http://walkacrosstexas.tamu.edu.