Members of the TCU faculty/staff who are ready for a friendly competition will improve fitness step-by-step during “Frog Legs: TCU 2006 Pedometer Challenge.” The 10-week program kicks off at noon, Tuesday, Feb. 14 at the University Recreation Center where participants are invited to put on their walking shoes and start the Challenge.

Over 900 participants from 61 faculty/staff teams will each receive a free pedometer and compete in the friendly competition. Teams will also set walking goals, including visualizing the distance by choosing a Texas city with a distance from Fort Worth equal to their goal.

"It is estimated that close to 1,000 faculty/staff members will participate," says Trey Morrison, campus recreation director of fitness and wellness. "The response and participation levels are amazing and exceeded expectations."

Pedometer Challenge will provide an opportunity for TCU faculty/staff members to build friendships, get out more on campus, improve their health and wellness and have fun. The Challenge, a joint effort between campus recreation and human resources, is something everyone can participate in and it promotes health and wellness among TCU employees.

Being physically active and eating healthy improves overall health. These choices also decrease the risk of serious medical conditions associated with being overweight like Type 2 diabetes, stroke, heart disease, high blood pressure and several types of cancer.

"Hopefully participants will continue to be more physically active after the program ends," said Morrison. "Pedometer Challenge will emphasize the long-term health benefits of walking and making healthy lifestyle changes."

For more information, visit http://www.campusrec.tcu.edu/.

-30-