Allen Center’s Winter 100 Program Keeps Members Motivated

MyKayla Hilgart

mhilg143uwsp.edu

The Allen Center is challenging its Cardio Center members to keep active during Wisconsin’s deep freeze with an incentive to win free prizes during the Winter 100 program.

The program began on Monday, Jan. 27 and will run through Friday, March 14, which marks the beginning of spring break for University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point students. Members can easily sign up with a scorecard and log their miles.

Any type of cardio miles count and members can mix and match from any machine of their choosing: ellipticals, bikes, treadmills, rowers, stair steppers and more.

After 50 miles, members receive a free water bottle. After 100, they earn a T-shirt and a recognition at the front desk of the Cardio Center. After they complete their 100, they can start a new card if they choose.

“The Winter 100 aims to give members motivation during the winter months and a reason to keep track of their miles, to get to 100 is quite the accomplishment,” said Katie Ayello, a desk attendant at the Cardio Center.

So far the challenge has nearly 300 participants with an impressive four finishers by only the second week.

Devon Feldt, a senior elementary education major, finished first in an astounding three days by running, biking, and using the elliptical. He is excited for it to warm up so he can run the Green Circle Trail again, but the challenge gave him an opportunity to push himself while there is still snow on the ground.

Feldt has been challenging himself at the Allen Center for quite some time now.

“In high school I was a pretty big guy, like 325 pounds big. When I came to college, I decided that it was time for a change, and I chose to get in shape,” Feldt said.

Feldt is now down to 130 pounds and has a lot more energy. He even runs races and takes part in Tough Mudder competitions.

“I was able to complete the challenge in such a short amount of time because I spend a lot of time at the Allen. I go for at least two hours a day, and I don’t have a problem with waking up early,” Feldt said

“To aspiring Winter 100 participants I would say that you are awesome and to keep it up.” Felt said. “Don’t worry about how long it may take you, 100 miles is a long way. No matter how fast you go you are lapping everyone on the couch.”

The full-time staff members are also participating in the Winter 100, challenging themselves along with members to reach their full potential.

Beth Northuis, a health and fitness specialist at the Allen Center, is behind the Winter 100. This is one of the busiest winter workout seasons she has seen in a while, and she believes that the program provides substantial motivation.

The Winter 100 is not the only program keeping students moving. Find Your Fit Week is running through this week and offers stress relief, workouts, fitness testing, food and prizes. In addition, there are some new yoga and pilates classes starting up.

According to Northuis, the staff at the Allen Center works to bring its members motivation and worthwhile programs to keep them active year-round. There will be many programs to watch for in the coming months.