Getting Fit

By Maddie Gehling ‘17

Bradley’s fifth Fit Fair filled the Markin Center with a variety of vendors, food stations and exercise activities for a day of fitness. The event, organized by the University’s Get Fit, Stay Fit initiative, encouraged members of the campus community to pursue healthy lifestyles.

Maggie Thon ’17, a health science major from Vernon Hills, Illinois, noted the day provided useful bridges to helpful resources.

“This is my favorite event that Bradley hosts,” she said. “I think it’s more accessible, it’s a friendly way of helping people realize that it’s easy to take care of their health.”

Students from the College of Education and Health Sciences participated in the day’s events. Doctor of physical therapy students offered flexibility screening. Nursing students offered information about cancer and cardiovascular health. Community wellness provided information about distracted driving. Dietetic students and dietetic interns offered nutritional information and demonstrations

Members of the dietetic intern graduate program also worked at the Fit Fair. Lauren Jones, one of the interns, encouraged visitors to make fitness a priority.

“Find that balance,” Jones said. “It’s easy as a student, to get wrapped up in homework,” Jones said. “Find that balance and make sure you’re taking time for health and choosing good options. That will help you in everything else.”

“A lot of the booths catch students’ attention,” said dietetic intern Lauren Jones. “For example, I’ve been able to talk to a lot of people about conflicting information they hear about protein. We’re here with the guidelines backed up by science to give people answers.”

Get Fit, Stay Fit partnered with campus recreation and dining services to host the event, which drew 30 vendors.