Swing dancing, massage, a triathlonand the largest Zumba class ever offered at West Virginia Universityare among events on tap as the Student Recreation Center prepares to celebrate National Collegiate Health and Wellness Week March 5-9.

Students, faculty, staff and all those eligible for Rec Center membership can also participate in free health screenings to further develop healthy lifestyles.

Our goal is to build health awareness by planting a seed,said Sherri Restauri, program manager.If we can get people to think about changing one aspect of their lives, to improve their health, then we have succeeded.

Events kick off Monday, March 5, with the Wellness Week Information and Service Fair in the Rec Centers Free Zone.

This year the Rec Center is partnering with the Student Health Advisory Board and added several new information tables and services, including booths from student organizations.

Also new to the fair are cholesterol and glucose screenings, offered by the Rec Center and University Health Services. The screenings are limited to the first 40 participants on a first come, first served basis.

Additionally, Sue Cochran will provide Reiki demonstrations, a form of energy balancing.

Throughout the week, a variety of activities will be offered including scuba, acupuncture, a triathlon, free chair massages, a Zumba class, swing dancing and kayak roll sessions.

The Zumba class�€scheduled in the three-court gym at 6 p.m. March 7�€is a popular fitness program inspired by Latin Dance. It combines high energy music from all over the world with easy to do dance steps in a cardiovascular workout that burns calories while toning the entire body.

The triathlon will take place inside the Rec Center beginning at 4 p.m. Tuesday, March 6. Participants will swim 450 yards (nine laps down and back) in the pool, bike four miles on stationary bicycles and run two miles on the indoor track.

The male and female winners will each receive a $100 prize package that will include WVU gear and gift certificates.

The triathlon is limited to the first 40 people to sign up. Participants must pre-register at the front desk of the Rec Center by Friday, March 2.

The week wraps up Friday, March 9, with a free day at the Rec Center, during which time WVU employees and their families can utilize the facility free of charge with a valid employee ID from 6 a.m. to midnight. Employees and families can also enjoy all the regularly scheduled classes at the Rec Center for free that day.

Also on March 9, the Rec Center will haveKids Climbat the climbing wall from 4-9 p.m. for children ages five and up. The cost is $5.

The Rec Centers programs and activities are part of WVU s Wellness and Nutrition Initiative established by WVU President David C. Hardesty Jr. to get students, faculty, staff and the community more physically active and aware of campus wellness options.

* SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

*Monday, March 5

4-7 p.m.�€Wellness Week Information/Service Fair, free zone

1-7 p.m.�€Blood drive, four-court gym, court number three

6-9 p.m.�€Discover Scuba, lap pool

Tuesday, March 6

3:30-5 p.m.�€Acupuncture, meeting room

4 p.m.�€Wellness Week Modified Triathlon

6-8 p.m.�€Free Chair Massage, upper weight and fitness room

7:50-11 p.m.�€Swing Dance Instruction, multipurpose room A

Wednesday, March 7

6-7 p.m.�€Zumba Class, three-court gym

6-8 p.m.�€Free Chair Massage, lower weight and fitness room

Thursday, March 8

6-8 p.m.�€Free Chair Massage, free zone

8:30-10:30 p.m.�€Kayak Roll Sessions, lap pool

Friday, March 9

6 a.m.-midnight�€Free Day at the Rec

4-9 p.m.�€Kids Climb, climbing wall