As February rolls in, the charm of winter at UNC Greensboro begins to fade for many students. The cold can create mental barriers to exercise, a sentiment echoed by doctoral kinesiology students Bryan Montero Herrera and Chad Wessinger. They stress that our brains often seek to conserve energy, discouraging outdoor activity that requires movement.
To combat the winter slump, UNCG Recreation and Wellness (RecWell) introduced the Iron Month Challenge. It invites students and members of the Kaplan Center to engage in physical activities throughout February by simply tallying distances walked, jogged, cycled, or swum, providing an opportunity for friendly competition and connection.
Inspired by the rigorous Ironman triathlon, the Iron Month Challenge emphasizes individuality. Participants can set personal goals and paces as they accumulate distances across the month, fostering a supportive environment that encourages participation at all fitness levels. Kellee Crumby, RecWell’s Aquatics Coordinator, emphasizes creating a welcoming space for those new to exercise.
Registration is free, allowing participants to join the challenge at any time. Eric Becker, RecWell’s Assistant Director of Aquatics, highlights the low risk and high rewards, encouraging students to explore fitness while potentially winning prizes. This initiative aims to revitalize fitness routines established in the New Year while fostering community.
Wessinger and Montero Herrera propose three essential strategies for making exercise enjoyable. First, adding a favorite playlist can elevate moods and motivate movement, as music can transform the experience of exercising. Montero Herrera’s research indicates that tempo-matched music can influence performance positively, making workouts more engaging and enjoyable.
Secondly, engaging in social activities can bolster motivation. Participants can connect via group chats or the newly created Slack channel during the Iron Month Challenge, sharing experiences and encouraging each other. These social elements introduce a sense of accountability and camaraderie to the journey.
Lastly, it’s vital to set oneself up for successful routines. Realistic scheduling, accommodating individual preferences, and various challenge levels ensure everyone has the chance to participate. Crumby notes adaptive equipment is available, and other fitness facilities are valid for accruing distances, allowing students to choose spaces that resonate with their activities.
The long-term mental benefits of exercise are profound. Engaging in regular physical activity not only has immediate effects on mood and cognitive function but also offers cumulative advantages. Wessinger emphasizes the value of establishing consistent fitness habits, aiming for improvements in cognitive health and memory that will last well into adulthood, making each step toward fitness a step towards mental well-being.
UNC Greensboro’s Iron Month Challenge invites students to overcome winter’s inactivity by tracking distances walked, jogged, biked, or swum throughout February. Graduate students Bryan Montero Herrera and Chad Wessinger highlight mental barriers to exercise, while the challenge promotes fitness through music, social connections, and personalized goals. Free and accessible, it encourages lasting habits for improved cognitive and mental health.
The Iron Month Challenge at UNCG serves as a spirited initiative encouraging students to engage in fitness throughout February. By tackling mental barriers with strategies that include music, social support, and personalized fitness plans, participants are motivated to integrate exercise into their routines. As the challenge progresses, it fosters a sense of community while promoting lasting mental wellness. Exercise not only cultivates physical health but also enriches cognitive abilities for a lifetime.
Original Source: www.uncg.edu
