At Work Challenge teams tough it out
For six weeks we have been following the progress of more than 40 teams who have put themselves into the running for the 2016 Fittest Loser At Work Challenge.
Now midway through the contest, team captains and members reveal what has surprised everyone so far; and just how challenging it truly is to revamp your eating habits, adopt a group exercise program, and shed those unwanted pounds.
Hanover Police Department's Team Pounds for Blue have put their professional skills to good use for this contest.
Team captain George Sullivan details their winning strategy: “The biggest surprise for the team has been our ability to work together and achieve our weight-loss goals,” he said. “One of our biggest achievements is the ability to monitor each other, while still supporting other team members.”
Team Pounds for Blue knows how to put on an inspirational group exercise event. Lifetime fitness instructor Chris Brunet led the blue team through a vigorous dance and workout session designed to burn calories and take your breath away.
Not to be left on the sidelines, officer McGruff — the crime dog, joined the team moving and grooving to the tunes.
“Our goal is to have people see this team of motivated police officers improve our health,” says Sullivan.
Losing a combined 69 pounds to date, coming together fuels their willpower to stay the course.
City of Rolling Meadows Team CORM realizes all team members share common challenges in their workplace and personal lives, says team captain Terry Valentino.
“We actually thought we'd race through with weight loss,” says Valentino. “We have lost the typical routine of grabbing a quick lunch in the same office that weighed us down before.”
Team CORM discovered brisk walks refresh and renew the team for afternoon work.
“By meeting and walking during lunch,” Valentino says, “we have found an outlet to talk and share personal experiences that was not typical of our office setting before.”
Carol Stream Public Library Team Improving Circulation captain Mary Pellico shares the diverse range of surprises her team has experienced in the challenge. “I have found it very easy to change my diet,” says team member Dani Masnovi. “The motivation to exercise is still low, maybe due to the cold.”
Fellow team member Laura Hays agrees. “Exercise has been the hardest part. I'm focusing more on eating well and the weight is coming off. Now if I could just move more,” she said.
But for fellow teammate Krista Kellner, food has been a challenge: “Diet has been the most difficult for me, due to after work hunger and the temptation of eating out.”
Clearbrook Team Withering aWeigh captain Kristen Daniels says experiences run hot and cold. One team member couldn't be happier, pulling that size smaller pair of pants and belt from the closet. Another reports feeling healthier, along with significant positive mood changes. In contrast, a fellow member feels the “newness of the competition” wearing off and frustration sets in when dining out with friends.
Rounding out this week's update, PepsiCo Beverage Company 2 Team Pepsi Pals team captain Jacqulinn Wenzlick lets us in on progress for this group. “Most surprising is that we have been able to work out consistently. As a team we're less stressed and changes are being noticed,” she says. “The most difficult adjustment has been changing what we eat.”
Your At-Work Challenge quote of the week was inspired by the Hanover Police Department Team Pounds for Blue and their continuing commitment to empower their group and go the distance: “Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together is progress. Working together is success.“ Henry Ford.