Registration is now open for UB’s seventh annual Step Challenge, a free initiative sponsored by the UB School of Public Health and Health Professions (SPHHP) to encourage UB community members to get outside this spring and exercise.
“Exercise provides a better functioning immune system, better mental health and increased cardiovascular capacity,” SPHHP director of marketing, communications and outreach Grace Lazzara said.
The Step Challenge will run the entire month of April and will celebrate National Public Health Week, which takes place this year from April 4-10.
To partake in the Step Challenge, participants need to connect their fitness trackers to the mobile app MoveSpring. Participants may join individually or register in teams of two or more. “Captains” can invite members to join their team by sending out invitations through the app before or after registration.
Prizes will be randomly awarded to participants each week, regardless of the number of steps they log — making all participants eligible to win rewards such as HelloFresh gift cards, FitBits, Bose headphones and more.
“So make sure to take this perfect opportunity to step together with colleagues, friends and family, and reap some evidence-based benefits,” Lazzara said.
Kayla Estrada is an assistant news/features editor and can be reached at kayla.estrada@ubspectrum.com
Kayla Estrada is the opinion editor at The Spectrum. She is an English major who enjoys rainy weather, “Bob’s Burgers” and asking people who they voted for. When she’s not writing, she can be found hunting for odd-looking knick-knacks at the nearest thrift store.