Fitness buffs can get more than toned muscles in October — they can help contribute to cancer awareness and research.
The Coors Fitness Center added a pink treadmill in August to raise awareness for breast cancer and research. In October, fitness equipment manufacturer Cybex will donate 10 cents for every mile logged on the treadmill to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation in recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
“There is not a cap for how much can be donated, so we are encouraging its use as much as possible,” says Ruth Brown, director of Ritchie Center marketing.
Treadmills in the center average about 1,000 miles per month, Brown says.
“The treadmill adds a little color to our cardio deck and it helps us give back to our community,” says athletic and recreation manager Tiffany Ulatowski, who worked with Cybex to bring the treadmill to DU.
The pink treadmill is the first fundraising initiative of its kind at Coors Fitness Center.
Ulatowski says it makes sense for the Ritchie Center to help with the initiative and promote health and fitness as a way to battle cancer.
“We have many members who have battled or are battling breast cancer,” Ulatowski says. “Studies show exercise can help prevent cancer and help people stay in remission after having fought cancer. In many ways, exercise is the best medicine any doctor can prescribe because of all the diseases it can help prevent.”
Non-members can purchase a daily pass to run on the treadmill for $15 or $10 if they visit with a current member.