Staff and faculty step out for Heart Walk

By Tiffany Chen

February 14th, 2008 was more than just Valentine's Day this year — it was the date of the 2nd Annual "I Heart Walking Week" Finale. UCLA Recreation turned a day traditionally associated with chocolate and other yummy yet unhealthy goodies into a fun-filled, good-for-the-heart day.

Participants at the "I Heart Walking Finale" walked around the track at Drake Stadium, clocking in as much as five miles. They also learned strength exercises that can be performed with exercise tubes, and enjoyed free samples of healthy, wholesome foods and drinks.

The event concluded a week of exercise in which more than 600 members of the UCLA community took part. UCLA faculty and staff were invited to use their lunch breaks to get up and moving and rejuvenate their mind and bodies. Each day, guided walks around UCLA were offered, along with free goodie bags.

Harriet Hutton, a staff member in Capital Programs, said she had so much fun during last year's First Annual I Heart Walking Week that she came out again this year. At the finale, she looked back on the week and happily said, "Yesterday I had a long conversation with someone from work who I didn't particularly know, and we had a great time talking on the walk!"

But the fun doesn't stop just because I Heart Walking is over. Sign up for UCLA Recreation's iWorkout to enjoy the rewards of exercise throughout the year, to receive a free iWorkout exercise tube and pedometer and other benefits.