For ten weeks, staff members at the Durban University of Technology sweated it out during the grueling Summer Shape-Up Challenge in a bid to become healthier and fitter.

The Challenge, organised by Samantha Rajcoomar, Employee Assistance Programme Specialist at the University, was also aimed at increasing staff morale as well as easing personal and work related stress.

The classes, run by professional fitness instructors from Virgin Active and the DUT Fitness Centre, were held three days a week at the Fred Crookes Sports Centre’s Aerobics Room on the Steve Biko Campus. The Challenge attracted about 105 staff members.

During the last day of the Challenge, DUT staffers who had participated in the initiative looked excited and ready to take on the warm summer months.

“The turnout was excellent throughout. We never had a session with less than 50 people, they were committed, showed perseverance and took responsibility for their health,” said Rajcoomar.

Healthy looking bodies were not the only prize during the last day of the Challenge.  Prizes were won for various categories. These were Most Weight Lost, Trainers Choice, Most Attendance and Overall Summer Shape-up Champion.

The prize for Overall Summer Shape-up Champion was awarded to Sunthrasagren Moodlier from the University’s Electrical Power Engineering Department, who also happened to be the oldest person to join participate in the Challenge. Moodlier lost 4.1kg, 5.8% body fat and had a 90% attendance rate.

The Shape-up Challenge proved to be a great success and is expected to be an annual event.

–          Phumeza Msongelwa and Siphephelo Sibiya

Pictured from left: DUT Summer Shape-Up Challenge Overall Champion Sunthrasagren Moodlier.