Step Up Your Physical Fitness Game in August

Duke staff and faculty invited to join ‘Fit in 15’ for a month of aerobic activities

hand weights, a running shoe and other fitness equipment
LIVE FOR LIFE's "Fit in 15" challenge encourages participants to engage in moderate aerobic activity for 30 minutes per day for 15 days during the month of August.

If you’re like most average Americans, chances are you spend too much time sitting and not enough time moving. And sitting too much can lead to poor health.

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ most recent data, 26% of men and 19% of women meet the recommended aerobic physical activity guidelines of at least 150 minutes (2 hours, 30 minutes) of moderate physical activity per week.

LIVE FOR LIFE, Duke’s employee wellness program, is reviving the “Fit in 15” challenge, which encourages participants to engage in moderate aerobic activity for 30 minutes per day for 15 days during the month of August.

That activity can be anything from walking to running to swimming to biking to strength training.

Those who complete the challenge requirements can earn $50 in LIVE FOR LIFE Dollars, a monopoly-like money that can be used for fitness related items.

"Challenging yourself and registering for the Fit in 15 challenge this August would be a great opportunity for anyone in our community to work on their fitness and overall well-being by obtaining the motivation we all need to stay active, healthy and thriving," said LIVE FOR LIFE Fitness Specialist Carlos Valesquez.

The latest evidence shows that meeting recommended physical activity guidelines can have long-term health benefits, including preventing heart disease, high blood pressure, risk of dementia, diabetes and overall quality of life.

Register for Fit in 15 now and share your fitness activities on social media using #Healthy Duke or send them by writing working@duke.edu for a chance at prizes.