With a new snowstorm closing in on Pittsburgh seemingly every day, the weather seems right for naps and hot cocoa. Monday, in an effort to avoid this mindset and instead get students off the couch and in motion, Carnegie Mellon's physical education department will kick off its annual Fitness Challenge.  Now in its sixth year, the Challenge urges its participants to keep active during the long cold weeks between now and the spring season.

The Challenge lasts for six weeks, January 24, during which time the charge is to exercise for at least 20 minutes, four times a week. Taking the time to hit the gym might not seem conducive to students' busy schedules, but Donna Morosky, director of fitness and the founder of the Fitness Challenge, says that exercise can be incorporated in unexpected, schedule-friendly ways.    The theme of this year's event is "Step Into Fitness," and as an alternative to concentrated time on an elliptical machine or a basketball court, participants are encouraged to take at least 10,000 steps (about five miles) per day. The goal is not necessarily to lose weight, build muscle, or train for the Olympics, but to achieve a generally healthier lifestyle.

Participants can work as little or as much as they want. Some see this as an opportunity to jumpstart a fitness plan, whereas others use it as a way of gauging progress or maintaining their current activity levels. They keep track of their progress on the "honor system," by marking each exercise session with a sticker on a chart in the main hall of the UC. Morosky says the stickers are a simple, fun way to keep students motivated throughout the Challenge.

"The stickers are such a focus; it's like a mark of pride to exercise," she says. "There have been days that people rush in first thing Monday morning and are so proud to ask for two stickers since they worked out over the weekend."

Last year, the Challenge attracted over 280 participants. This year, Patricia Stragar, the current Challenge director and the operations managers for fitness and aquatics, hopes to draw in over 300.

Students can still sign up for the Challenge at the UC Athletics desk, where they can also purchase pedometers for $5 to keep track of their daily steps.

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