LCU to host virtual March Madness Fitness Challenge for community

Get ready to lace up your sneakers and don your workout gear! Louisiana Christian University is hosting a virtual March Madness Fitness Challenge for the campus and the Central Louisiana community.

The March Madness Fitness Challenge is part of LCU’s Step Up, Cenla program funded by The Rapides Foundation.

“By providing this fitness challenge, we hope to inspire and motivate others to get active,” said Dr. Sonia Tinsley, chair of the Department of Exercise Science. “With the spring weather, there are so many opportunities to get outside and be active.”

The challenge is open to all ages and fitness levels. Whether you’re a fitness enthusiast or just getting started, LCU wants you to get active this spring. You can participate individually or with a group—whether that’s family, friends, coworkers, or a classroom. A prize will be awarded in each category: individuals by age group, community team, worksite team and school team.

Participants will track and record their minutes of physical activity each week instead of recording steps. Approved activities include walking, jogging and running, aerobic exercise, swimming, yoga, weight training, bicycle riding (stationary or on a path), pickle ball, tennis, and gardening activities such as raking and pushing a lawn mower.

In addition to the challenge, LCU will be offering free workouts at the Parrish Fuller Fitness Trail starting Monday, March 17, at 4:30 p.m. The workouts will be led by Dylon Draper, a certified specialist in fitness and nutrition. The workouts are designed for all fitness levels, especially beginners. The workouts take place every Monday and Wednesday, March 17 – April 9.

The community is also invited to attend lunchtime wellness walks at the Parrish Fuller Fitness Trail each Monday and Wednesday, March 17-April 9, as well.

“The goal of Step Up, CENLA is to increase physical activity in our community,” Tinsley said. We want to create a culture in which physical activity is the norm for members of our community.”

For more information, email Sonia.Tinsley@lcuniversity.edu.