Countdown to Turkey Challenge starts

TeamOC offers several classes to students including Zumba and Yoga. Photo by Abby Bellow. — Morgan Barnett teaches a TeamOC zumba class to Oklahoma Christian University students. *Photo by Abby Bellow*

Halloween and Thanksgiving bring about hordes of candy, turkey and pies that can veer students off fitness plans.

That’s why this year Oklahoma Christian University is hosting Countdown to Turkey Challenge, a six-week exercise event leading up to Thanksgiving. Carlee Holden, fitness class employee, created the challenge to keep students on track during the year’s rough patches.

“Basically it is just to get people thinking about working out a little bit more going into the holidays,” Holden said.

The challenge is free but requires at least four workouts and attendance to one TeamOC class per week during a six week period. Those who complete the challenge will get a free Dub athletic fit shirt.

The classes are the normal TeamOC fitness options that Oklahoma Christian offers. Each day the fitness center has different classes. People who attend the classes need to check-in by using their Oklahoma Christian ID.

“A few weeks ago I just thought of the idea, and just kind put it together,” Holden said. “Basically, it’s just to remind people about getting in the Dub and getting workouts.”

According to Holden, the sign-ups look promising for the Turkey Challenge.

“I don’t know how many are going to actually follow and complete the whole challenge, but I got 103 coming to try,” Holden said.

Professor of Education Darin Martin said he thinks this event might boost his gym time.

“I already go to the Dub a few days each week, perhaps this event will encourage me to go more,” Martin said. “For 99 percent of people working out at some level is important and beneficial. People who are in shape can do more and stay healthy more days of the year.”

The challenge starts on Oct. 12 and will end on Thanksgiving, Nov. 26. The challenge is designed for each participant to work around his or her own schedule.

“It’s not like a one-time event,” Holden said. “It’s a challenge that everyone completes on their own time. Basically, the goal is to do 24 work outs from Monday to Thanksgiving.”

This challenge is open to all Oklahoma Christian students, faculty, staff and those who have a paid membership at the Dub.