At Work teams talk best, and worst, workouts
When it comes to physical activity, teams participating in the Fittest Loser At Work Challenge are discovering new passions — as well as a few aversions.
In Week 4 of the challenge, teams were asked to sound off on their workouts. Team members shared what they liked, what they disliked and what they found difficult.
In Itasca, the Now Eliminating Calories (NEC) team from Quality Assurance and Solutions, has been bursting with activity. Team members have been working out at the Fittest Loser Resort in Bloomingdale and the team participated in an indoor 5K race at the Elk Grove Park District's Pavilion Fitness center.
“What an experience,” says Betty Berngard. “There was so much energy throughout the place. It was really fun.”
Berngard and Kim Holms have both enjoyed attending classes at the Biggest Loser Resort. “It feels like boot camp going to these classes, but after you are done you feel like you have accomplished a lot,” Berngard says. Holms agrees: “The trainers do a great job of pushing you outside your comfort zone,” she says.
Each team member has his or her likes and dislikes when it comes to working out. Holms enjoys boxing classes, rope slams, planks, kettle ball swings, wall sits and pushups. Her least favorite exercise is the “burpee.” Other members report disliking pushups and running.
Meanwhile, Larissa Torres is discovering that on old enemy is becoming a new friend. She used to hate the elliptical machine. But that's changed. “I end up having a great workout on it,” she says.
Lisa Dressel finds it difficult to get motivated to visit the gym on occasion. “There are days when I really need to talk myself into it because I just don't feel like going,” she says. “However, once I'm there and get going, the mindset changes.”
The team credits its captain, Jesse Lopez, as being one of the reasons for its success. He's been encouraging members to try activities, gives them advice on nutrition and exercise, and keeps the office treats healthy.
Another team is building bonds and experiencing more energy as a result of exercise. The Work In Progress team from Clearbrook, a nonprofit organization in Arlington Heights, says that the challenge has brought the team closer and strengthened friendships between members. The group enjoys participating in a variety of group activities together — including the recent 5K race at the Elk Grove Park District's Pavilion Fitness center. This team is big on supporting each other.
“I was running my second lap and tripped, nearly hitting my face on the floor,” says Grace Smiley, of the 5K race. “Most would have found this embarrassing, but I picked myself up and started laughing with my team.”
Team Captain Brittany Knight says that Jessie Wlodarski and herself have developed a co-captain mentality and helped push other members to achieve their goals. Unfortunately, it's not always sunshine and rainbows. Rigorous activity has its price.
“I don't like the days I can't get out of bed because I'm so tired,” said Emily Fencl.
The Fat Free Bees, a team from Bee Line Support, Inc. in Elk Grove Village, has discovered the rigors of burning calories as well. Some team members were surprised to learn how few calories they burn working out for half-hour compared to the amount of calories that it's possible to consume in five minutes if they're not careful.
When it comes to activity, some group members enjoy working out with a personal trainer while others with family and friends. Team Captain Christie Simpson reports that team members most enjoy riding their bicycle and going for walks — especially since the weather has been warming up.
Activities that are not on the popularity radar include “treadmills, running and Zumba,” she says. Some of the most difficult activities for this group are planks, yoga and stair climbing.