Torch, Fall 2004

mid-January. Exercise sessions are a minimum of 30 minutes and can include aerobic exercise and/or strength training. Participants in the Challenge try all types of aerobic activity — Tae Bo, jogging, running, rollerblading, racquetball, step aerobics, Pilates, basketball, Scottish dancing, hiking, snowshoveling, and swimming. Many take advantage of the exercise and strength training machines and climbing wall in the new Fitness Center. Initially, incentive awards for the Challenge (contingent on the completion level) were simple — a mug and then a polo shirt. “However,” Shortt explained, “as we progressed, few people wanted another shirt or mug. Offering gift certificates to restaurants and businesses allowed families to share a meal together, celebrating their hard work. Others can buy books, music, or candles from the University Bookstore.” Shortt said many chose to further their fitness quest by purchasing sporting equipment or clothing at a local sporting goods store. The human resources office, as well as Dr. Irene Alyn, chair of the department of nursing, make the incentive program possible each year by earmarking part of their budgets for the incentives. Offering a variety of awards is challenging and does take extra time. Shortt added, however, “The joy that people express when they receive their awards is worth every bit of trouble. They are encouraged that the University cares for them and their families in a personal way.” Shortt noted that the FIT Challenge promotes a positive and supportive family atmosphere in which families work together to meet high standards and to reflect Christ’s love in the CU community and beyond. “We do not want to promote a CU culture that is hypercritical, judgmental, or condescending toward people’s struggles or failures in health- related matters,” she said. Fall 2004 / TORCH 5 The goal of the FIT Challenge is four-fold: • Encourage faculty, staff, and their families to be faithful stewards of the health God has given them. • Teach participants how to draw on God’s resources and please Him as we continue to be and become faithful stewards of our bodies. • Encourage families to exercise together. • Provide opportunities to learn how to exercise safely and effectively in a way that improves fitness. Reflecting biblical motivation and principles in the FIT Challenge was one of Shortt’s priorities. She noted, “People have interrelated dimensions: spiritual, physical, intellectual, emotional, and social. People can learn, make choices, and influence life’s events in order to establish personal and family health. … Christ must be at the center of all we do — our reason for changing our behavior, as well as the One who empowers the change. There are many helpful secular programs and resources, but some stem out of an underlying New Age worldview. As Christians, our motivation for change must be rooted in pleasing God and growing more like Christ in order to produce change which bears eternal fruit.” Now entering its seventh year, FIT has become a 12-week incentive program designed to encourage faculty, staff, and their families to become active and stay active. Participants commit to exercising three to five times per week for 12 weeks, beginning in