advertisement

At Work teams form bonds during challenge

The Fittest Loser At Work program is coming to an end and participants are looking back on memorable moments.

Some teams during the challenge bonded during activities, team weigh-ins, and group workouts, but other teams bonded in a different way.

Floria Jhang, team captain for the La Grange Girls of Amita La Grange Memorial Hospital, says "One hectic day, our manager brought in doughnuts and pastries. We were all starving and we devoured the sweets. Afterward we felt guilty, but one of the girls said if one goes down, we all go down together, with laughter following. This challenge has helped to bring us together not only working out, but through food."

Many teams experienced personal issues throughout the challenge, preventing them from focusing and reaching their goals.

Ed Poczatek, team captain of Pump Supply Pounders of Pump Supply Plus in Elgin, experienced a broken collarbone during a skiing trip early in the challenge, but that did not stop him.

Ed says, "No lifting, but walking and proper nutrition is still my focus."

Ed refused to give into his injury by not only attending the Indoor 5K, sponsored by Elk Grove Park District, but managed to run the entire race.

The Indoor 5K was an activity that many teams found memorable and inspiring.

Northwest Suburban High School District 214's Wildphats were uplifted by the Indoor 5K. Team captain Adriana Eloiza says, "It felt as if the 5K Challenge solidified us as a team. I personally was very proud of my team's performance."

Garry Kiekens, team captain of We 5 Losers, has gained strength during the challenge and says, "There is a plan for all five of us to possibly run a 5K all together if we can get our schedules together, but we all still will be working out and checking in with each other."

Other teams have had fun throughout the challenge by playing tricks on each other.

Sue Turco of Turco Roofing has several teams participating this year and says, "The one person with the biggest change is wearing loose clothing. We are trying to trick the other teams not letting them know how much she has lost."

Healthy Heroes team captain Carolyna Castaneda of DRF Trusted Property Solutions decided to play a trick on her team and co-workers by bringing in a doughnut box filled with veggies.

Carolyna says, "The rest of our staff did not find it so funny, but watching all the reactions as people went into the lunchroom and opened it was hilarious though."

Getting through the challenge was difficult for most of the teams, but luckily with some fun and determination, participants have become closer with their teams.

Team WOW from Wings Program, Inc. has fun at the Indoor 5K. From left to right: Deyanira Suarez, Judy Flint, Denise Urban, and Bruna Srb. Photo courtesy of Team WOW
Elk Grove Park District's Elk Strong shows off their before (top) and after pictures. From left to right: Aileen Tischauser, Jennifer LoBosco, Irene Faciano, Leigh Ferstein, Bill O'Malley, and Brenda Piscopo. Photo courtesy of Elk Grove Park District
DRF Property Solutions' Healthy Heroes avoided sweets and enjoys some tasty veggies. From left to right: Joyce Gillette, Carolyna Castaneda, Ellen Ramirez, and Kelli Aiardo. Photo courtesy of Healthy Heroes
Article Comments
Guidelines: Keep it civil and on topic; no profanity, vulgarity, slurs or personal attacks. People who harass others or joke about tragedies will be blocked. If a comment violates these standards or our terms of service, click the "flag" link in the lower-right corner of the comment box. To find our more, read our FAQ.