Clif Bar has launched a campaign to encourage college students to take active outdoor breaks to maintain their or physical and mental health. The campaign mirrors one launched earlier this year by Keen, Inc., which has been promoting the idea that workers should take a 10-minute “workplace recess” each day


Beginning Sept. 15 and continuing while supplies last, Clif Bar is rewarding college students who post their active study breaks on Twitter with a Clif Bar Energy Pack to energize their pursuits. Collegians who follow @ClifBar on Twitter and post their active #StudyBreak will be eligible to receive an Energy Pack that includes Clif Bars, fitness tips, water bottles and other items intended to make outdoor recreation fun.


“Clif Bar wants college students to know that getting outdoors for an active study break isn’t just a good idea for physical health, but can help you stay mentally sharp in the classroom,” said Carly Lutz, brand director, Clif brands. “Getting out of the dorm and going for a run or a bike ride around campus is an essential part of keeping your mind in shape, as well as your body.”


The campaign plays on a trend highlighted by trends guru Marian Salzman during her keynote speech last month at the OIA Industry Breakfast at the Outdoor Retailer Summer Market in Salt Lake City. Salzman predicted businesses would increasingly focus their marketing on how certain products and activities enhance brain function. Salzman tied the trend to aging Baby Boomers seeking to maintain their mental prowess.


“The benefits of outdoor activity are scientifically undeniable,” notes Clif Bar in a press release that goes on to list ways college students benefit from getting outside and working up a sweat:


  • Cardiovascular Fitness Improves Cognitive Functioning: Activities that improve cardiovascular fitness, such as cycling and running, lead to improvements in cognitive functioning in ways that benefit every college student, including memory, how fast information can be recalled and the ability to pay attention.
  • Exercising Outdoors Beats Hitting the Gym: Compared with exercising indoors, exercising in natural environments creates greater feelings of revitalization and increased energy, helps people relate better with others and is a serious stress-buster.
  • Outdoor Activity Can Stave off the Dreaded Freshman 15:
    Research suggests that as many as 70 percent of college students gain a significant amount of weight between the start of college and sophomore year. In addition to the brain benefits of exercise, burning just an extra 143 calories per day-about what a 150-pound person will burn in 15 minutes playing Ultimate Frisbee® or 20 minutes of roller skating3-can mean 15 fewer pounds at the end of one year.
  • College is the Perfect Place to Develop Lifelong Healthy Habits: A student’s role as “learner” during the college years makes it an ideal time to develop new healthy habits outside the classroom, and the earlier those exercise and nutrition habits are formed, the greater the chance they will stick for life.