VCU Recreational Sports to hold VCU Fitness 500 challenge

Virginia Commonwealth University's Department of Recreational Sports will host the VCU Fitness 500 -- a six-week exercise program featuring a diverse group of fitness activities designed to help people reach their fitness goals.

Some of the fitness activities will include aerobics, Martial Arts, weight training and basketball. Individuals will register as teams and can participate in the VCU Fitness 500 in either the men's, women's or coed divisions. Once teams have registered, individuals can exercise at the Stuart C. Siegel Center, Cary Street Recreational Complex or the MCV Campus Recreational and Aquatic Center.

All three Recreational Sports facilities will have a VCU Fitness 500 log book where participants will keep track of the number of hours spent exercising. Participants are not required to work out with their team, but are asked to record the number of hours spent exercising in the log book at their chosen facility. The sum of hours spent exercising by each team will be made available weekly so participants always will know where their teams stand in the race.

After six weeks, the total number of hours spent exercising by each team will be converted into miles, and the first two teams in each division to reach 500 miles will receive a prize. The competition begins March 22 and ends May 4.

Registration for the challenge is now taking place and will continue through March 21. Individuals can register to join a two or three member team. Those who don't know anyone participating in the VCU Fitness 500 can register as a free agent and will be placed on a team chosen by the recreational sports staff.

In addition, Recreational Sports has personal trainers for people interested in one-on-one fitness instruction. Trainers are available to meet with clients in one-hour sessions. Individuals also can sign up for body fat, nutritional, and health/fitness assessments. There is a moderate fee charged for personal training and the various assessments.

This semester Recreational Sports is offering over 50 fitness classes. Registration opens March 8 for the second session of classes, which begin March 22. For information on the Fitness 500, a complete list of offerings, or more information on the wellness centers or sports fitness programs, visit www.students.vcu.edu/recsports or call 804-827-0316.