NIU students and faculty and DeKalb area residents will have a chance to raise money for the national fight against AIDS while burning off calories.

The Office of Campus Recreation will hold its second annual “Friends for Life Workout Against AIDS” from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., said Recreation Center Coordinator Fabian DeRozario.

The aerobics program is sponsored by the City of Hope National Medical Center in Duarte, Calif., in an effort to raise money nationwide, he said.

All proceeds from this year’s “Aerobics Against AIDS” will go to the Beckman Research Institute to assist in the national fight against AIDS, DeRozario said.

This includes areas of research, treatment and education about AIDS, he said.

Although Chicago has been involved in the program for several years, Tammy Newquist, president and consultant of The Health Exercise Program, Inc., Sycamore, was asked to begin the program in the DeKalb area.

Fifteen aerobic presenters will represent five local agencies, she said. Each instructor will exercise to his or her own style and level for about 10-12 minutes.

In addition to The Health Exercise Program, Inc., the agencies are Fourth Street Fitness, Kishwaukee Family YMCA, Sycamore Community Center and NIU Club Aerobics, she said.

Every participant must obtain sponsors who will make at least $25 in contributions, which are tax-deductible, to the City of Hope, DeRozario said.

However, anyone who does not have a sponsor can pay a $10 fee.

The three-hour program is open to all ages and fitness levels. Door prizes also will be available.

“It is conducive for all levels, for both guys and girls,” Newquist said.