Florida A&M women walked together nearly every day the past week in a bid to improved their health. Organized by FAMU’s Women’s Center, the seven-day walk was a challenge to get women together. It was part of a larger effort this summer to improve women’s health awareness that includes seminars and an essay contest.
Women met at FAMU’s Eternal Flame, in front of Coleman Library, and walked to the far end of Lee Hall, taking about 20 minutes both ways. They had two sessions each day.
“The idea for the fitness walk came from National Women’s Health Week about two weeks ago,” said Women’s Center coordinator Chika Ofuani. “We want to promote physical activity among women of color in the area and made it accessible by walking between Coleman and Lee Hall.”
Participants’ names were added to a raffle drawing but only once daily. Organizers will draw one name for a free massage on Tuesday, May 31.
Women who walked told The FAMUAN Online that they hoped to increase their level of fitness and get active.
“I’m walking to be healthy and lose weight. It feels good to be out here doing something to better myself. It sure is hot, I’m glad the walk is only 20 minutes. I can manage that,” FAMU library assistant Mrs. Fadiora said.
Another library assistant, Mrs. Lang, said: “”I want to keep up with my working out. I know I don’t work out that much so this walk will inspire me to boost my activity some more.”
The Women’s Center implemented two classes to pledge to be healthy for 2.5 hours also to win a free massage. Participants have to walk over to the Sunshine Manor to participate in ZUMBA and body sculpting. ZUMBA is on Tuesdays from 6 p.m-7 p.m. Body Sculpting is on Thursdays at the same time.
The Women’s Center is active all summer. Upcoming events are through FAMU Info in your FAMU e-mail account. An essay contest is scheduled for a $300 dollar prize due July 1. The topic is on the importance of health for women of color.
For information on the Women’s Center, log on to Face Book and search for Sunshine Manor. The twitter account is TWITTER/FAMU4WOMEN. For questions or concerns, contact Ms. Chika Ofuani @ 850-599-3145.