Contest will determine fittest school in Philly

By Erin Brodbeck
Collegian Editor
December 6, 2006

Ever wonder which college in Philadelphia is the most physically fit? Maybe not, but from Jan. 24-Feb. 21, a winner will be declared when La Salle competes with Temple, Villanova, Drexel, Philadelphia University and St. Joseph’s in the very first “Philly’s Fittest College” competition.

“This is a great program that will help raise the activity level of students and staff at La Salle,” Angela Marfisi, Director of Campus Recreation, said.

The contest is being sponsored by Philly FIT magazine and Flip Fitness, a card game that allows players to get a total body workout with no equipment and in any space available, even the confines of a college dorm room. The competition is open to both students and staff.

The winning school earns the title “Philly’s Fittest College,” and the team will be featured in the March/April issue of Philly FIT magazine in addition to receiving a cash prize of $2,500.

“It’s a very exciting competition,” Marfisi said.

Participants can sign up Dec. 7 in the IBC Fitness Center or at the men’s basketball game in the Tom Gola Arena. Each school expects 100 students to compete and meet with a Flip Fitness trainer twice a week throughout the competition. Players are also encouraged to use the Flip Fitness card deck and T-shirt they receive after paying the $15 entrance fee to exercise when they are not in training sessions.

At the beginning of the competition, each player will have his or her body weight, resting heart rate and body fat percentage measured. The team that finishes with the most improvement in these areas will win the title. The winning school will be announced Feb. 26.

brodbecke1@lasalle.edu