If you missed participating in last year’s statewide NE150 Challenge, you’re in luck.
UNMC is continuing the challenge this year, but adding a twist.
Last year, the UNMC group had 469 participants log 216,987 total miles in the event designed to celebrate the state’s sesquicentennial. This year, faculty, staff and students once again are encouraged to register and log at least the same number, if not more, miles than were logged in 2017.
This year, however, UNMC leaders are challenging last year’s participants to recruit their work colleagues to join them in the fitness activity — especially colleagues who have expressed an interest in becoming more physically active on a regular basis.
“We encourage everyone to participate and also recruit and support a coworker or two to join the UNMC team,” said UNMC Chancellor Jeffrey P. Gold, M.D. “Participants can log miles in a variety of ways and help UNMC build a culture of wellness. We can make great strides (no pun intended) if we all move more and sit less.”
Incentives will be available to participants whose team members each complete 150 miles of activity by Dec. 31. All those who register for the program will receive a red and white rubber wristband with UNMC’s brand and the phrase “What Moves U?”
“Physical activity is important, but more is not always necessary or even necessarily better,” said Peter Pellerito, fitness specialist, Center for Healthy Living. “It does not need to be difficult, dull and time consuming. An effective strengthening exercise can be completed in less than two minutes, a stretch in less than one minute and cardio can be accumulated in multiple short bouts throughout the day.”
The wristbands, Pellerito said, are intended to motivate participants by helping them focus on the reason(s) for becoming more active.
So, why wait any longer?
2017 participants may email Pellerito to continue their participation. New members may register at www.ne150challenge.com. Once you receive your confirmation e-mail, simply log into your account and click “groups,” “find a group” and search for “UNMC” to join the main UNMC team. Participants may create or join multiple groups, but all sub teams should start with UNMC (followed by the sub team name).
Individuals who participate in any amount of regular physical activity achieve some benefit, Pellerito said. “Something is always better than nothing and even small things when done consistently, can make a significant difference over time.”