Healthy Gators 2010 kicks off new year with Walking Gators program

January 25, 2008

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — The University of Florida Healthy Gators 2010 coalition encourages faculty, staff and students of all fitness levels to de-stress during the workday, meet new people and get fresh air and exercise with the new Walking Gators program beginning at 12:15 p.m. Tuesday.

The lunch-hour walking program will kick off at each of the six routes throughout campus: Swamp Route, Uphill Challenge, Cultural Plaza Route, Century Tower Route, Healthy Herd Route and HSC Route. Chris Machen, chairwoman of Healthy Gators 2010 and UF first lady, will walk the Century Tower Route starting at Library East on Tuesday.

“This is a great opportunity for everyone to take a break during their work day and take time to do something healthy for themselves,” Machen said. “We encourage everyone to participate and start their new year out on the right foot.”

Participants have the option to begin any route at its starting point or to join along the way at designated pick-up points and times that are listed on each route’s map. Each route, approximately 20 minutes long, will be led by a route leader every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday throughout the spring semester.

Healthy Gators 2010 encourages everyone to participate in the program at least once a week and contribute to making the University of Florida healthier for all faculty, staff and students. Registration is not necessary to participate.

“Housing staff are excited about participating in the new Walking Gators program,” said Sharon Blansett, assistant director of housing for marketing, public relations and research and Uphill Challenge route captain. “Many have been walking the Uphill Challenge Route for years – alone and in small groups.”

Coalition members are working together to focus on stress relief and increasing physical activity for the 2007-2008 school year. Visit HealthyGators.hhp.ufl.edu for more information about the Walking Gators program and other resources for stress relief and increasing physical activity.