Exercise Fair to help students shape up their lives

By Nicole Tropf
The Collegian

From eating too many cheese puffs while watching “American Idol” to not getting enough exercise, those who want to learn about why they aren’t in tip-top shape can get information about fun ways to work out at today’s Exercise Fair.

Wellness Services has organized a student-peer educator group, “Wellness Ambassadors.” Its goal is to provide knowledge about the issues that make people unhealthy. These ambassadors will provide information on how to improve lifestyles at the Exercise Fair today from 2-6 p.m. at the Student Recreation Center.

According to Cherie Pettitt, a Fresno State health educator, two goals should be accomplished by attending the Wellness Exercise Fair.

“One: awareness about the main health issues that are seen on campus, and two: awareness about the different activities that can be considered exercise. Exercise does not have to just include the word ‘treadmill,’” Pettitt said.

Members of the campus community who signed up to participate in the Exercise Fair will each receive a water bottle upon arrival. The participants will also be included in drawings where incentives will be given to positively reinforce healthy lifestyles.

Visitors of the fair will have the opportunity to win yoga sets, pedometers and other prizes as they proceed to stick to the Wellness Challenge.

“The Exercise Fair is the first of four big WA events that will be hosted this spring. There is also a Nutrition Fair, a Community Fair and a Stress Less Day coming up,” Wellness Ambassador Coordinator Tara Powers-Mead said.

According to Wellness Services, there are six categories that contribute to a person’s entire wellness, including emotional, intellectual, occupational, physical, spiritual and social wellness.

The Wellness Challenge began Feb. 14 and will end April 25. Those interested in the Challenge will choose 10 WellChoices that may include physical activity, healthy eating, self-nurturing and more. The participants can then track their progress online while choosing three activities to attend on the Wellness Services activity calendar, and later can be entered into the grand prize drawing to receive a seven-day cruise to Mexico.

Comment on this story in the News forum >>