Pat Kenney
Campus News Editor
As a college, we pride ourselves on being leaders and go-getters. We love it when students take initiative, grab the bull by the horns and plunge right into a challenge.
For sophomore Sport Management major Brandon Buono, this couldn’t be more accurate. As a member of the Springfield College Y-Club, Buono and other club members have the privilege to travel to London for spring break.
However, there is just one little problem…the endless amount of walking.
“Harry Rock, our advisor for the trip, told me about all the walking that there is going to be and I thought, ‘Well then, let’s get walking,’” stated Buono.
So walking he did.
With ideas flowing in and out of him, Buono decided to open his walking up to the Springfield College community. After posting, “So I’m thinking of walking the track in preparation for London on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday at around 8 pm. If anyone wants to join me, you are more than welcome to” on his Facebook wall, something completely unexpected happened.
President Mary-Beth Cooper committed to walking.
“I didn’t realize what kind of reaction I was going to get, especially from President Cooper,” continued Buono, who plans on walking even after spring break is over.
Now every Monday and Wednesday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 6:30 p.m., you can find Buono and Cooper wandering around the track deep in conversation. But wait, that’s not the best part! Anyone can join them.
If you are free and want to socialize, or if you just want to get some easy exercise in, Buono and Cooper are more than happy to have you.
“I know people have busy schedules, but whenever they can come, whenever they can make it,” said Buono.
So, why walk?
Well, did you know that on average people takes 2,000 steps per mile and it is ideal to walk at least 10,000 steps, or five miles, each and every day?
In order to burn off one single M&M, you would have to go out and walk the length of a football field. Think about that the next time you thrust your hand into the candy bowl.
Also, walking not only improves your life span, but can also burn body fat, help control your appetite, relieve stress, slow down aging, improve flexibility and posture, reduce depression and even make you happier.
It is important that we continue to walk and remain as healthy as we can. That being said; get off your butts and join Buono and Cooper on their walks around the track.
Who knows what might happen.