Get fit in 2007!

Getfit@mit, MIT's annual three-month, team-oriented fitness challenge open to all members of the Institute community, will begin on January 22, 2007. Team registration opens at the end of the month. Don't miss out!

"The getfit@mit challenge is intended to encourage exercise during a time of year when the cold weather and short days make it more difficult to stay active," explains Maryanne Kirkbride, MIT's clinical director for campus life. "It's a chance for you to start making exercise a regular part of your life, a habit." In fact, of the 70 percent of getfit participants who began exercising more as a result of the 2005 challenge, almost half continued exercising at this increased level for the rest of the year, right up until the 2006 challenge began. Additionally, about a quarter of participants in each previous year have reported losing weight, reducing stress levels, and sleeping better. About 40 percent reported improvements in general mood.

This issue of health@mit profiles several successful teams and individuals who have participated in getfit@mit over the last two years. If you still need some inspiration to participate in the 2007 challenge, read on!