Registration for Active U Autumn, MHealthy’s six-week physical activity challenge, opens Tuesday. This is the third year for the fall program, which saw more than 8,000 faculty, staff, students, employee spouses/other qualified adults (OQA) and retirees log nearly 7 million activity minutes in just six weeks last year.
This year, Active U Autumn is offering a new physical activity option for those who may be just starting to exercise or haven’t been active in a while. The “Blue Track” encourages participants to exercise at least three days a week and gradually build up their activity over the six-week program.
Isaiah McBryde, a senior network analyst for Information and Technology Services, participates in MHealthy’s introductory Simple Steps class. Photo by Scott C. Soderberg, Michigan Photography.
“Everyone will have the opportunity to do Active U Autumn’s standard Maize Track: at least 30 minutes of activity a day, at least three days per week,” says Colleen Greene, MHealthy senior wellness coordinator. “However, based on your answers during registration, you may be invited to join the new Blue Track, which encourages at least 20 minutes of activity at least three days per week for the first two program weeks. Then, over the last four weeks, you’re encouraged to increase your activity a bit more. Our Active U programs have always been for every fitness level and adding this new option gives everyone the opportunity to succeed and reach their goals.”
Isaiah McBryde participates in MHealthy’s Simple Steps, an exercise class that helps participants get back to regular exercise, and plans to sign up for Active U Autumn this year. “I’m now at a healthier weight, my confidence has soared and I don’t find myself becoming tired after activities,” says McBryde, a senior network analyst for Information and Technology Services. “I try to keep my exercise routine fun by opening up to new activities like Active U Autumn and not being afraid to seek change.”
Participants can still look forward to many of same features as Active U Autumn’s winter counterpart:
• Participate as an individual, a twosome or on a team.
• Participate with a spouse/OQA, even if they are not employed by U-M.
• Track physical activity minutes online or using a mobile device like a smart phone or tablet.
• Make an optional donation to support a worthy U-M fund or program.
• Chance to win prizes just by logging activity.
To help kickoff Active U Autumn, MHealthy is hosting the following outdoor events in September. These free events encourage the university community to find the fun in physical activity and include games, activities, giveaways, healthy snacks, information booths and more. More information is available at www.mhealthy.umich.edu/auaevents.
• Tuesday: MHealthy Play Day, University Center Patio, U-M Dearborn, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
• Wednesday: MHealthy Play Day, McKinnon Plaza, U-M Flint, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
• Sept. 17: MHealthy Play Day, Ingalls Mall, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
• Sept. 19: Cancer Center’s 25th Anniversary Walk/Run, Nichols Arboretum, 7:30-9 a.m. (register for this event only at www.mhealthy.umich.edu/run).
• Sept. 19: MHealthy Play Day, University Hospital Courtyard, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Participation in Active U Autumn, the MHealthy Play Day events, and the Cancer Center’s 25th Anniversary Walk/Run, qualifies benefits-eligible faculty and staff to enter MHealthy’s November Grand Prize Drawing for a chance to win one of six $500 American Express gift cards. Employees attending one of the events must bring their U-M ID and get it swiped at the event to be entered.
Sign up for Active U Autumn Tuesday through Oct. 1 at www.mhealthy.umich.edu/autumn. Track activity Oct. 1 through Nov. 11.
