Winston-Salem State is offering a campus-wide initiative called “Rams Walk” to bring awareness to the students about the importance of physical activity and its relevance to overall health.
The new program, created by Cynthia Williams-Brown, began Sept. 20.
“Rams Walk is designed with all people in mind, something simple, yet a great way to get in shape and stay healthy,” said Williams-Brown, chair and associate professor of secondary education.
“Some main areas the program is targeting are weight loss, high blood pressure prevention and control, increased levels of good cholesterol, and reduction in the risk factors for type 2 diabetes.”
It is a walking program that works with all schedules and accommodates every fitness ability.
Rams Walk will include a nine-month walking series in which participants will be asked to log their daily steps. A pedometer will be provided to all student participants. “At first, when I read the fliers, I thought it was going to be easy and something I would get bored with very fast,” said Arthur McIllwain, a junior education major from Charlotte.
“Then when I logged on the web site on the flier I saw it had more to offer the participants.”
The program offers two types of walking groups. There are walking groups for participants who want to take part in a structured program; these groups meet twice a week.
There is also a program for participants who do not want to walk with a group.
All walkers will be asked to log their daily steps and weekly sessions. All participants will be encouraged to walk at least 10,000 steps per day.
“Physical fitness is a huge part of band, if I had more time I would definitely join this program,” said Leigh Taylor, a junior management information systems major from Greensboro.
“When I heard about Rams Walk, I told my mom to come join, and with no hesitation she said ‘yes.'”
Along with the walking program, there will be two seminars focusing on the importance of physical activities and nutrition.
Registration is required and is available online, or in person at the Department of Secondary Education in Anderson C131 .