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Fittest Loser At Work: Team energy is up and the outlook is positive

Spring is in the air, and so are the changes experienced by Fittest Loser At Work participants.

Many teams have acquired new skills and habits during the challenge thanks to sponsored activities, demonstrating diet tips, injury prevention, and how to properly execute workouts.

One of the most common changes participants are experiencing is change of pep.

Kimberly Jurkowski, team captain of Schaumburg Park District's “Schaumburg Shredders” says, “The teammates have noticed an increased amount of energy in one another as well as a more positive outlook on life in general. The old saying stands true — when you're happy with yourself, you tend to do better in life!”

Staying positive and having strong willpower have been a welcome change for teams.

Team captain Martha Sarabia of Tempco Electric Heater Corp's “Chicas Fitness (Fitness Girls), says her team has a positive mental outlook.

“More energy allows us to concentrate on working to achieve our weight loss and we're happy to have the results we're seeing,” Sarabia said.

Kim Holm of NEC Display Solutions' “Weapons of Less Consumption” says, “Mentally, I am feeling stronger some days and feeling defeated others. It is part of the process, you cannot feel at your best all the time. Emotionally, most days are good, other days I want to stress eat.”

Some participants are acquiring new habits, with positive results.

Maria Maurer of Mount Prospect Park District's “The POWER Crew” says, “For the first time I am continuously exercising instead of quitting and starting after 3-4 days. I have the mindset now not to give up even when I am aching.”

Others are battling sugar addiction, but Bruna Srb of WINGS Program, Inc.'s team “WOW” says, “I'm finally having some progress with eliminating sugar and carbs from my everyday diet.”

Participants are feeling stronger from working out and trying to build up their endurance and strength.

Barb Merner, team captain of Fitz Chem LLC's “Skinny Dippers” says, “Physically I noticed that my muscles are really getting back to where they were before. I have always been strong, but I am seeing the definition come back in my arms and legs.”

Teams have support from family, friends, and co-workers, but many have formed friendships with their At Work teams.

Team captain Aileen Tischauser of Elk Grove Park District's “Elk Strong” says, “The friendships that have formed are great. They talk about their lives and their families and have bonded.”

Many significant others have been very supportive for participants during the challenge.

Jenny Mcgoon of Mount Prospect Park District's “The POWER Crew” says, “My husband takes on extra dad duty and constantly kicks me out of the house and says ‘I've got this babe … You go take care of you!'”

Michelle Lopez, team captain of AVS Companies' “Out My Weigh” says, “My significant other has noticed a difference in me and my habits changing for the better.”

Even readers, like you, have been cheering on At Work teams.

George Sullivan, team captain for Village of Hanover Park's Finance Department's “Hanover Net Loss” says, “Everyday citizens of Hanover Park while paying a water bill and even a parking ticket at the finance department will say they have been monitoring the team in the Daily Herald and they hope that we reach our goals.”

Fittest Loser At Work participants being instructed on how to use a foam roller to help pain and prevent injury during a Dick Pond Athletic activity. Courtesy of Karyn Kraske
Fitz Chem LLC's "Skinny Dippers" are pictured with healthy food options, representing the total weight they've already lost. From left to right, Brandy Thompson, Barb Merner, Sonja Jacobson, Lori Tobler, Laura House. Courtesy of Skinny Dippers
Members of Team "WOW" of WINGS Program, Inc. have tossed the junk food and are focused on eating healthy. From left to right, Bruna Srb, Deyanira Suarez, April Brayton, Judy Flint, and Ilona Jurczyk. Courtesy of Team Wow
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