“Think you’re not getting enough exercise? Think again – just walking to and from your classes may be a better workout than you think. Encompassing about 218 acres, the University of Akron campus is a perfect place for students to leisurely exercise. The Recreation & Wellness Center, along with the College of Nursing, have commissioned a Step By Step Walking Incentive Program for all students, faculty, staff to promote an active lifestyle.”
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Think you’re not getting enough exercise? Think again – just walking to and from your classes may be a better workout than you think. Encompassing about 218 acres, the University of Akron campus is a perfect place for students to leisurely exercise.
The Recreation & Wellness Center, along with the College of Nursing, have commissioned a Step By Step Walking Incentive Program for all students, faculty, staff to promote an active lifestyle.
Developed by Wellness Councils of America (WELCOA), the free program sets a goal for members to walk 10,000 steps a day by Nov. 22.
If the thought of surrounding yourself on campus all day long is too dreadful, the Metro Parks that serve Summit County are exceptional locations to exercise as well. The Metro Parks maintain about 9,000 acres with more than 120 miles of trails. With 13 developed parks, students don’t have to live near campus to enjoy these parks.
The 44th annual Fall Hiking Spree is a great way for students to reap the benefits of walking. The program requires participants to hike eight or more assigned trails between now and Nov. 30.
First-year hikers who live in Summit County will receive a free hiking staff and an annual shield. If you live outside of Summit County, it costs $10 for first-year hikers and $5 for veterans.
Usually, the parks are open every day from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m., making it easy for traditional and nontraditional students to participate.
If walking doesn’t energize you enough, you can take part in one of the many running activities near campus. One of the most exciting events is the 5th Annual Akron Road Runner Marathon on Sept. 29 at 7 a.m. The six-hour race begins and ends in downtown Akron, making it accessible to most students.
Think that 26.2 miles is too intimidating? The marathon does offer other options, like this year’s new half-marathon. If you’re not in shape for that, there’s also a two-person relay, as well as a five-person relay to take part in. In the two-person relay, one runner will run 15.5 miles and the other will run 10.7 miles. For the five-person relay, the 26.2 miles is split into two 10Ks, two 5Ks, and a 12.2 K.
If you’d rather race with less people and more fall scenery, the Maize Valley Market & Winery is sponsoring the Wines, Vines, & Pines 5K Fun Run Cross Country Event Sept. 29 at 3:30 p.m. in Hartville.
The completely off-road race passes through the Winery’s vineyard, pumpkin patch and a neighboring Christmas tree farm. Participants will also run through the corn maze and the woods on either gravel or grass paths.
One of the many perks to this race is that for every entry in the race, runners will receive free tickets to the Winery’s 8th Hot Air Balloon Lift, in which about a dozen balloons will lift off between 5 and 6 p.m.
For those participants who arrive to the race early, they will have the opportunity to take part in the Wine and Wool Festival to watch wool demonstrations, purchase wool hats, gloves, and scarves and take wagon rides through the pumpkin patch.
No matter what level of intensity you are exercising, you can still have fun while doing it. Join one of the many fall fitness festivities on or near campus and experience a healthier you!
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