Due to overwhelming demand, the University of Louisiana at Monroe Activity Center has extended the registration period for the 2009 Spring Melt Down.

Participants who would like to enroll in the eight-week weight loss and fitness program may register through 5 p.m. this Thursday. The registration period was scheduled to end at 8 p.m. Monday.

Many were unable to attend Monday night’s open registration, so the extension gives people another chance to get in on the action, said Wellness Program Coordinator Ashley Harper.

Now in its fifth year, the program provides the campus community and people in the greater Monroe area with easy-to-follow nutritional guidance and physical fitness recommendations to accomplish their individual goals.

Points are tracked through e-mail and awarded for positive behaviors such as exercising, eating well and drinking plenty of water. Points are also awarded on the basis of percentage of weight and inches lost.

The Melt Down is open to the public, 18 years and older, who have a working e-mail account and who pay the $5 registration fee. Fees will be pooled and then awarded to participants earning the highest points at the end of the program.

Harper said registration and additional information is available by e-mailing harper@ulm.edu. Registrants will be entered into a drawing to win a free personal training session valued at $20.

“With every new participant, the winnings grow – don’t miss out on this last chance to melt down and win money!” said Harper.