Staff members are invited to join Active Aggies, a group scheduled to meet after work three times weekly during the fall quarter for walking, jogging and running, plus training and nutrition tips.

Team training like this is a great way to motivate yourself to exercise, said Active Aggies organizer Bob Wachter, injury prevention specialist on the Davis campus. "And you can go at your own pace," he said.

The exercise can lead to improved health and reduced stress, which is good for employees and UC Davis, Wachter said. The Active Aggies activity is partially funded by the campus's Be Smart About Safety program.

UC Davis Sports Medicine interns will lead the training sessions. Wachter credited Stacey Streuber, sports performance lab supervisor, for coordinating the interns' participation.

Active Aggies sessions are scheduled from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday starting Sept. 23, following this regimen:

Tuesday and Thursday -- 15 minutes of warm-up and coaching, followed by 45 minutes of exercise on well-lit Davis trails.

Wednesday -- Nutrition and training tips, followed by light workouts and occasionally a review of such topics as stretching, shoe selection, pacing and the psychology of running.

The cost is $30 for the quarter, with participants eligible to compete for $500 in prizes -- for Active Aggies only -- in the annual Davis Turkey Trot, this year scheduled for Nov. 22.

Wachter said Active Aggies are expected to attend 70 percent of the Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday sessions. And, on weekends, participants are asked to meet up with fellow Active Aggies for 30- to 60-minute exercise sessions.

Meeting place is the southwest side of Toomey Field, just north of the North Entry garage. Registration and more information. Questions should be directed to Wachter at (530) 297-4605 or rawachter@ucdavis.edu.