Second #PACKINACTION Challenge Redefines Health and Wellness

This year’s first day of classes brought with it more than new syllabi and course schedules. On Aug. 15, University Recreation kicked off its second #PACKINACTION 30 Day Photo Challenge which invites all members of the NC State community to document their wellness journey and share their favorite healthy habits with other members of the Wolfpack.

Following the introduction of  #PACKINACTION last fall, this year’s challenge brings an entirely fresh set of ideas to the table. With themes, such as “New Friends,” “Get Outside” and “Express Yourself,” students and all members of the community can share how they choose to stay healthy while taking part in the fun.

Daily winner for “New Friends” Anne Rollinson stays active by hitting the trail for runs and playing volleyball with friends. A sophomore studying business administration, Rollinson also likes to stay fit by taking advantage of the many group fitness classes offered by University Recreation. “They are a good way to have fun when you’re working,” she says. “They also help to keep you accountable since you’re signed up for a class.”

Nupur Khadiklar, daily winner for “Break a Sweat” exemplifies a more creative way to get a workout in by taking to the indoor climbing wall at Carmichael Gymnasium. A senior studying civil engineering, Khadiklar says, “UREC has pushed me to try new things and expand my comfort zone. I have been backpacking, caving and climbing and [have] met lots of new people through UREC.” Through her involvement with University Recreation this participant shows that breaking a sweat does not always have to be in the weight room.

As a junior studying economics and statistics, Nicole Vallandingham participated in the challenge by sharing a photo of her healthy, homemade “lunch of the day.” As the daily winner for “Good Eats,” she promotes a healthy lifestyle and balanced diet through her Instagram page filled with detailed workout descriptions, recipes for delicious meals and desserts and plenty of positive encouragement for her followers.

The #PACKINACTION challenge encourages participants of all ages, majors and talents to get creative and personalized in how they choose to stay healthy. Members of the NC State community can take part in the challenge by following @ncstateurec on Instagram and looking for our challenge photos posted daily at 9 a.m. Followers can then post photos of their own interpretation of the daily theme with the hashtag #packinaction before 11:59 p.m. each day.

Daily winners receive small prizes and can see their photos posted to the #PACKINACTION page on our website. After the final day of the challenge on Sept. 12, the winning photos from the contest will be compiled into a collage and the photographers will be entered in a random drawing for the chance to win the grand prize.