Weight and blood pressure screenings, massage therapy specials, a biking and running workshop and free injury, foot and spinal screenings are among the many events the athletics and recreation department has planned for individuals of all fitness levels during Northwestern’s celebration of National Physical Fitness and Sports Month in May.
The primary goal of the National Physical Fitness and Sports 2007 Celebration is to inspire as many individuals within the University to commit to 30 minutes of moderate physical activity at least three days each week to help prevent chronic disease and result in healthier and longer lives.
Free 14-day trial membership passes are available through the month of May. For details visit
Northwestern faculty and staff members, students, alumni and the general public are encouraged to develop lifelong habits of regular physical activity and participate in the scheduled events.
Most of the following activities will be held at the Henry Crown Sports Pavilion and Norris Aquatics Center. To pre-register for some of the programs (as noted below) contact the Registration Office at (847) 491-4303.
? Free Fridays for Northwestern faculty and staff, May 4, May 11, May 18 and May 25. In an effort to help promote the establishment of regular physical activity, faculty and staff will have unrestricted use of fitness facilities and group fitness classes held at the Henry Crown Sports Pavilion, Norris Aquatics Center, Patten Gymnasium and Blomquist Recreation Center every Friday in May.
? Free healthy weight and blood pressure screenings will be available at 5 to 7 p.m. Monday, May 14 and Wednesday, May 16; 7 to 9 a.m. Tuesday, May 15 and Thursday, May 17; noon to 1 p.m. Friday, May 18; and 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, May 19.
? Massage Therapy special, May 1 through June 15. Those who purchase a 30- or 60-minute session will receive a 30- or 60-minute session at half price.
? National Health and Fitness Day, May 16. Free access to all fitness facilities and group fitness classes throughout the day. Other free offers for the day include spinal, healthy weight and blood pressure screenings. There also will be a biking and running presentation (see below).
? ?Keep Your Biking and Running Workouts Fun and Injury-free? presentation, 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 16. Light refreshments will be provided. Pre-registration is recommended.
? Lunchtime Presentation, ?Don’t Let It Happen To You!…Preventing Obesity in Adulthood,? featuring Jonathan Maks, M.D., noon Wednesday, May 2. Dr. Maks specializes in internal medicine and geriatrics. He is with the North Shore Physicians Group in Wilmette and is a clinical instructor at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine. A free light lunch will be provided. Pre-registration is recommended.
? Free Injury Screenings, 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 9 and Tuesday, May 15, provided by AthletiCo, a provider of outpatient orthopedic rehabilitation throughout Chicago and its surrounding suburbs. Pre-registration is recommended.
? Free Foot Screenings, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Monday, May 14, will be provided by podiatrists from the Foot & Ankle Clinics of America, one of Chicago’s top suppliers of orthotics. Pre-registration is recommended.
? Free Spinal Screenings, 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 16, will be provided by a naprapath from the Center for Natural Therapy in Evanston. Pre-registration is recommended.
? National Bike to Work Day, 8 to 10 a.m. Friday, May 18. Free bagels and juice will be available at the Henry Crown Sports Pavilion and Norris Aquatics Center (while supplies last) for those who bike to work.
? Active Older Adult Celebration Week, May 29 through June 1. Free access to all group fitness, PrimeTime Fitness classes, as well as the Zumba group fitness class (a fusion of Latin and international music and dance themes with interval and resistance training and easy-to-follow dance steps) that will be held from 11 a.m. to noon Wednesday, May 30.
? Active Older Adult Celebration Week, Active Aging presentation, ?Osteoporosis, What it is and how to help prevent it,? 12:10 to 12:55 p.m. Wednesday, May 30 featuring Michael DiMuzio, Ph.D., director of the North Shore Osteoporosis Center in Deerfield. A free light lunch will be available for those who attend. Pre-registration is desired.
? Active Older Adult Celebration Week, Friday Sampler, June 1, 7 to 8 a.m. and 10 to 11 a.m. Tai Chi class; 11 a.m. to noon Gentle Yoga; noon to 1 p.m. Healthy Heart Checks; and 1 to 2 p.m. Line Dancing.
For more information about these May and June events call (847) 491-4303 or visit
Staff and Faculty Invited to Attend Brown Bag Sessions on Fitness
Faculty and staff members are invited to attend one of the two ?brown bag? sessions the Northwestern University Staff Advisory Council (NUSAC) has scheduled in partnership with the health facilities on both campuses.
Both sessions are being held in conjunction with National Physical Fitness and Sports Month this May and will focus on exercise, stress management and wellness
The Evanston campus session from 12:15 to 1:45 p.m. Thursday (May 10) will be held in the Lake Room of Norris University Center. Representatives from the University’s Henry Crown Sports Pavilion and Dellora A. and Lester J. Norris Aquatics Center will present the program. For more information about the Evanston campus fitness facilities visit
The Chicago campus session from 12:15 to 1:45 p.m. Wednesday, (May 16) at Strawn Hall, Robert McCormick Hall, 350 E. Superior St., will be presented by representatives from the Holmes Place Health Club. Information on the Holmes Place facility is available at
Participants will learn how to incorporate exercise into their daily lives; the effect regular exercise can have on stress levels and overall well-being; and ways to keep the body healthy and flexible.
Each session also will focus on the services provided by the health and recreation facilities located on that campus.
For information about NUSAC visit