The third annual Pump Up Your Heart challenge returns to the Auburn Rec and Wellness Center this February. The month-long competition will have a kickoff event on Jan 31. from 5 to 6 p.m. and its grand finale on March 3 at Yoga Rave. The winners will be announced at Yoga Rave on March 3 this year.
Leanne Greene, assistant director of campus recreation marketing, said there are several "exciting changes" in store for participants this year.
"One of the biggest differences is we've got a lot of involvement from each of the seventeen sororities," Greene said. "We have a representative that's tying in with us to work with each of the sororities to increase participation and...to raise awareness about the event."
Rayna Chupp, senior in industrial systems, said that they let the group fitness instructors that are already involved with the Auburn Rec and Wellness Center represent their sororities if they want to.
Greene said the kickoff event is new for the event this year. At the kickoff event for the challenge, the first 100 people in will receive a free tank top at the door.
"That brings everybody together [and] we'll inform everyone about the rules," Greene said. "Then we'll do a little workout so that kicks things off in a really fun way."
This year's prize selection process is different than years' past. According to Chupp, a student admin/group fitness instructor, the top three sororities that win the challenge can choose which prize they want.
"They put in their preferences in advance," Chupp said. "
This year's prizes include a pool party with a popsicle vendor and music, a rock climbing wall party and a practice space for Greek Sing at the Rec Center, according to Chupp. These are the three prizes that the top three sororities in the challenge can choose from.
"A lot of girls are always having to practice in small, confined rooms, but we'll give [the winners] mirrors and the Tiger Room," Chupp said. "That and [Panhellenic] points."
Chupp said the goal of the challenge is to provide a "sisterhood event for Panhellenic and give back to them" through the competition.
"A large portion of the women that participate in group fitness are Panhellenic," Chupp said. "We'd like to give back to them for being so involved."
The competition's winners are determined by a point system, according to Chupp. Participants sign up for classes on the IM Leagues page, select their sorority in the box provided, and be placed on a spreadsheet for points to be counted, according to Chupp.
"We don't have any sign ins anymore, so we don't have to handle paper copies or people scribbling down their name," Chupp said. "It's a very efficient way this year."
For more information, visit the Auburn Rec and Wellness Center's page.
Do you like this story? The Plainsman doesn't accept money from tuition or student fees, and we don't charge a subscription fee. But you can donate to support The Plainsman.
