Spartan Slimdown
The Spartan Slimdown is a 12-week weight loss and lifestyle change program offered by the McNiff Fitness Center for up to 16 UT students per semester. Guided by a nationally certified and experienced personal trainer, participants engage in two, one-hour group workouts per week. In addition, participants workout with another participant three times per week. Participants are given a journal to keep track of eating habits and meet as a group with a registered dietitian monthly. Every third Friday, for two hours the group will gather for their progress assessment and a group challenge. The goal of the program is not only to lose weight, but to encourage healthy, lifelong exercise, eating and stress reduction habits while creating a support group of friends.
How to Participate
Unlike group fitness classes or personal training, Spartan Slimdown requires students submit an application to participate. The program requires 12 weeks of dedication at an average of 10 hours per week commitment in order to be successful. Applications for the Spring 2012 semester are due Dec. 8, 2011, by 12 p.m. Applications are accessible online, in the McNiff Fitness Center and the second floor of the Dickey Health and Wellness Center. The fee to participate is $60. Students who complete the program are reimbursed $30.
Interest meeting
Upon the application deadline, the trainers invite prospective participants to an interest meeting on Friday, Dec. 2, at 3:30 p.m. This provides a sneak preview of the program to better allow participants to decide if the program is right for them, to ask questions and meet other participants. Students are expected to exhibit their motivation, communication and desire for change during the meeting.
Dates and Deadlines
The Spring 2012 program will start the week of Jan. 23 or 30 depending on the number of applications received. The deadline to apply is Thursday, Dec. 8, at noon. Please check back regularly for more updates.
Questions
Download the Frequently Asked Questions document or contact Katie White, assistant director of Campus Recreation, at (813) 257-3151 or kwhite@ut.edu.