At Work Challenge teams ready for home stretch
For almost three months more than 40 corporate teams across the Chicago area have competed in the 2016 Fittest Loser At Work Challenge.
Now in the home stretch of this competitive race, team members reflect upon the their fitness journey and the challenging experience to be part of a group wellness contest.
Team Robertshaw 1 captain Lori Tumilty, says working together as a team was important to her group.
"The Robertshaw 1 team unanimously voted our best moments were activities accomplished together, including exercises. We have all learned so much on this journey, and have been able to get to know each other better. It's been a wonderful experience," she says.
Wheeling High School, Team Wildcat Warriors, knew they were going to be schooled on fitness.
"We started this experiment determined, and a little scared. Twelve weeks seemed like a long time," says captain Erin Brooks. "But it flew by, and we experienced moments of great pride with completing the indoor 5K back in March, dropping clothing sizes and giving up junk food."
Team Wildcat Warriors laughed and toughed it out together, she adds.
"While we didn't finish all the challenges, our team shared moments of personal victory and triumphs over tough obstacles, for which we are extremely proud," says Brooks. "After finishing the Orange Theory workout, the coach noted, 'You are stronger than your excuses.' Indeed, we all are."
Display Supply & Lighting Inc, Team Take 5, realized they shared many moments to take away from this experience.
"We have great memories, says team captain Jeremy Kitlinski. "First up, our Valli Produce shopping trip where one of the team kept trying to entice his other teammates to eat habanero peppers. Then we signed up at the gym, and no one on the team brought workout clothes," he says.
An adventurous sense of humor kept Team Take 5 on the path to fitness.
"During the indoor 5K, the team had fun with the participant dressed as a storm trooper. We all looked foolish trying out cardio kickboxing," says Jeremy. "All these moments are memories, forever with our team. Thank you Daily Herald and all of the sponsors."
For TTI Inc, Team The Sveltes, team workouts and exercises hold their special memories of this challenge. "When Pure Barre came to our office (it was a) great time," says Lisa Shay. "Not one of our typical workouts."
One member even roped her boyfriend in on the fun.
"Everyone enjoyed Cross Kick Fitness," says Michelle Sprainis.
Jennifer Kendrick remembers Orange Theory. "We braved a blizzard to get there, but we all survived," says Kendrick.
Team member Karen Lacson, still holds tight to her title of "Zumba Queen."
Cell Trak Technologies Inc. 2, Team Straight Outta Cell Trak took a walk on the culinary wild side sampling yam noodles, which failed the taste bud test.
Getting back into the kitchen, the team competed in the company's iron chef contest, taking home top prizes. "It was hilarious to watch and hear the judge's comments," says captain Kym Malkin. "Everyone went nuts over the food."
Captain Kym Malkin shares her personal fitness success. "One very special moment for me was putting on a bikini, for the first time in years," says Kym. "There's something about this accomplishment that just makes you feel so proud. I took this time to reacquaint myself with me; I don't have to hide anymore in a sea of black clothes. For me, that is the prize I got out of this contest."
Hanover Park Police Department, Team Pounds for Blue sees their participation in the At Work Fittest Loser Challenge to be the "fire" they needed to change unhealthy habits.
"We have all stayed connected, so nobody lost their way," team captain George Sullivan says.
Team Pounds for Blue grew close over the last 12 weeks, eating and working out together. "The greatest moment for our team was the final weigh-in," says Sullivan, "Where we finally saw results of all our hard work and sweat. Each team member is healthier and has lost weight. I want to thank the Daily Herald for allowing us to participate in the Fittest Loser Completion."
Your At-Work Challenge quote of the week: "Starting Strong is Good. Finishing Strong is EPIC." Robin Sharma.