On Tuesday, June 18th from noon-1:30 pm walk on over to the Illinois State Archaeological Survey, corner of Oak Street and Stadium Drive (one block west of 1st Street) for a lunch-time Atlatl Challenge. Learn how Native Americans used an atlatl to throw spears a greater distance and try using an atlatl to hit a target. We will be set up just south of the volleyball and basketball courts on Oak Street. The event will run , but will be rescheduled to later in the week in the event of rain. No preregistration necessary. Event sponsored by the Prairie Research Institute.
Tech Services is sponsoring a Rec Room Takeover activity at the Illini Union Rec Room on Friday, June 21st from noon to 1:00 pm. Unlimited bowling, shoe rental and billiards is included. You are welcome to get lunch at Union food vendors and bring this in with you (no food from outside vendors is allowed). Participants will sign-in upon arrival and 2,000 bonus steps will be added to their count on the back-end. No RSVP required. Please come join us, have some fun and earn a couple thousand bonus steps!
Ever doodled in your spare time? Want to learn how to create art from your doodles? The College of Fine + Applied Arts is sponsoring a Well-Doodle class on Wednesday, July 10th from noon to 1:00 pm at the Art + Design Building. Well-Doodling is for everyone, from people with no art experience to skilled artists. The goal is to enjoy the process, to be mindful, and create together. Fall into a relaxed state of mind as your doodling becomes your mental focus. Registration is required and the link to register will be added here soon.
You will receive 2,000 bonus steps for participating in each of these activities. Why not earn 6,000 and attend all three?!
Earn 9,000 Steps: Spend an hour with your Amazing Illinois Race team members or other participants, and get an introductory look at KETTLEBELL TRAINING for cardiovascular fitness, endurance, and flexibility. Team Denpasar, Indonesia (PRI) members, Aaron Thomas and Sam Chakravorty, will lead an hour long session using kettlebells and bodyweight to get your stiff and achy bodies moving in multiple planes of movement. A lot of us spend countless hours sitting at our desks (and at home or in the car), often with bad posture, leading to tightness, imbalances, and lack of flexibility throughout our bodies, from head to feet. As an example, excessive sitting can lead to weakness in the gluteal muscles, and tightness in the iliopsoas muscles, leading to an imbalance, stress on the back, and ultimately back pain. Come and learn a few basic movements to counter some of the harmful effects of desk fatigue.
In this beginning-level practice session they will take you through a dynamic warmup routine (no weights), and follow it up with a heart-friendly exercise routine using kettlebells, bodyweight movements, and stretches. This class is considered to be fairly physically intense (9,000 steps earned!), so they would like to caution that individuals with injuries or other mobility impairments keep this in mind when signing up. Prior experience with kettlebells is not necessary, and kettlebells (ranging in sizes from 5-60 lbs) will be provided to those who attend. A yoga mat, towel, and adequate hydration are highly encouraged. Participants will also be encouraged to work out bare feet, or with minimalist footwear. All sessions will be held indoors.
Their goal is to introduce you to kettlebell movements, and give you some basic programming you can take back to your home/work/gym to develop a healthier body that can better withstand the rigors of sitting! You don’t need an expensive gym membership or hours in your home gym to develop a routine that is challenging and sustainable.
The location is Urbana’s Independent Media Center, 202 S. Broadway. It is located in the historic Post Office building near Lincoln Square Mall. The floor is hardwood. They recommend doing the session bare feet or in minimalist shoes. Socks only might be slippery, and is not recommended.
Complete the Doodle calendar to select your preferred day & time: https://doodle.com/poll/k8isigz53eeirfaf. Classes run 9-10am, and typically run over- but you may leave at 10am if need be. You will receive an email confirming the date and time of your class. If there is high demand, they may open up space in their weekday classes on Mondays and Wednesdays 5:30-6:30pm.
Aaron and Sam are kettlebell trainers, and are offering their services free to all Amazing Illinois Race participants for one session. You will earn 9,000 steps just for attending one session!