Faculty & Staff Fitness Challenge

Mrs. Gasser (left) and Ms. Meklus (right) spend time on the treadmill during their planning period. Photo Courtesy of Mrs. Gasser.

By Embyr Hesson ‘25 
March 22, 2025

TOLEDO, OH – Students have clubs, sports, and classes to meet and bond with other students. Teachers on the other hand do not have as many opportunities to build a bond with others, especially for those working in different subjects or parts of the building. 

To enhance these bonds – and promote health – some St. Ursula Academy faculty and staff participate in the Faculty & Staff Fitness Challenge.  

This challenge was started by Mrs. Allard, a past Physical Education teacher, and is currently being run by Mrs. Gasser. 

It is meant to bring “healthy competition between the faculty and staff and a way to bring a connection between the adults of the building,” said Mrs. Gasser. 

The challenge is team-based and encourages physical fitness time in everyone’s day. To keep it fair, the teams are split between individuals who workout frequently versus those who rarely or do not normally workout.

The challenge is based on which team spends the most time exercising and usually runs for about 5-8 weeks depending on the yearly school calendar. 

Once the challenge ends, each person on the winning team receives a prize, usually a gift card of some sort. 

This challenge has given the faculty and staff who participate a way to learn more about each other and better opportunities to work as a team. 

Any adult in the St. Ursula building is welcome to join the challenge.