Fittest Loser At Work challenge teams dig for motivation

It's been seven weeks since nearly 40 corporate teams across the Chicago area signed on to this year's Fittest Loser At Work Challenge. Designed to bring co-workers together with the goal of improved fitness and weight loss, this challenge relies on the power of team unity to propel each member to achieve his or her health goals.

Carol Stream Public Library, Team Improving Circulation, sees strength within their team. Member Krista Kellner says, “I've been hearing encouraging things from teammates, both commiserating about bad food choices or sharing healthy snacks.”

Fellow member Mary Clemens adds, “My teammates are very committed and their resolve encourages me to keep at it.”

That togetherness also inspires each team member, and the group as a whole, to look for tangible results from their efforts. The dual questions on everyone's mind now are “What changes have been noticeable about the team?” and “What feedback has been received from outside the team?”

City of Elmhurst, Team Elmhurst Waist Management captain Valerie Johnson confesses her lack of success so far, “Four members of our team are working hard to win this contest and are losing some serious weight,” she says. “I haven't pulled my share of this contest and plan on using their drive to kick start my workouts.”

Wood Dale Park District, Team Capital W, has much more than spring weather to smile about: “Our team is noticing each other's successes,“ says team captain Kristin Sromek. The group has been hearing lots of “Wow you look great! Have you lost weight?” feedback from friends and family.

“We've had some ups and downs, but everyone is focused going into the last month of this challenge. We can feel energy increase and see it in each other's faces. Our smiles are brighter,” she says.

Lake Street Animal Hospital, Team Pounds for PACT, notices that their journey with this contest has revealed food weaknesses and strengths.

“Our team hit a hard plateau on weight loss. It's frustrating for everyone to eat well and increase our activities, but not see the weight coming off,” says team captain Carol Homann.

Not to be deterred, Team Pounds for PACT has a plan. “We're tired and a little discouraged,” says Homann. “But we are continuing on with some new group activities planned to include Orange (Theory) Fitness and kickboxing.”

Carol Stream Public Library, Team Improving Circulation, noticed food challenges posed with Easter.

“My family enjoys a buffet dinner, including a birthday celebration complete with cake and ice cream,” says team member Laura Hays. But she found that making good food choices at other meals allowed her to still enjoy the day.

All the teams are invited to participate in events to help them learn how to eat better and be active.

“Team activities include the meditation webinar, 5K, on-site Zumba with Pure Barre on the April schedule,” says Tsurumi America Inc, Team Pumpers, captain Debbie Diaz.

In addition, the teams meet once a week to review progress.

“We're putting together an exercise chart to post on our company intranet,“ says Diaz. “Team members will log their activities and this will help encourage and praise each other. Our families remain supportive with understanding and walks.”

Team Robertshaw1 sees participants dividing into two groups. “Some members are energized and seeing results, while others feel dull and listless,” says Robertshaw 1 team captain Lori Tumilty. “Overall, we feel once the weather turns for outdoor walks, our motivation will improve.”

This team, however, sees hope on the horizon. “There's quite a lot of support among the team, family and friends,” Tumilty said. “Everyone is excited about future activities and events on our calendar for this contest.”

TTI Inc, Team The Sveltes, captain Deb Gallagher has noticed how important team participation is to keeping motivation high. “There is camaraderie when we work out as a team,” she says.

Team The Sveltes also welcomed Pure Barre to their office.

“There was a lot of praying in our conference room that day,” says Gallagher. “With smiles on their faces, the team was asking for any help possible to get through that exercise class.”

Everyone survived and there are plans for a follow up session.

Your At­ Work Challenge quote of the week: “I hated every minute of the training, but I said, “Don't quit. Suffer now and live the rest of your life as a champion.” Muhammad Ali.