Last year, when I volunteered to be our health and wellness cheerleader, I had somewhat selfish intentions. You see, over the past year, I had lost 35 pounds and actually managed to keep it off for long enough that it seemed like it might last this time. My whole adult life, my weight has fluctuated wildly, and while shopping for new clothes is actually pretty fun for me it’s both exhausting and expensive!

If I’ve learned anything from all of this expanding and shrinking, it’s that small changes can make a big difference—in both directions. So, I knew having the extra incentive to set an example for everyone at the ‘ville, I would be more likely to stay on track.

Wondering how I’ve been doing? Well, I’ve been up to my old tricks lately, and over the past six months I’ve packed on a little extra around the middle. Nothing too serious; but enough to make me start looking at the next skirt size up!

Good thing we just kicked off our 2012 10-Week Fitness Challenge! It’s similar to last year’s challenge, which you can read about here; but with a few notable improvements.

Last year, our big focus was exercise. That was great, except we discovered that this only encouraged activity, which meant we were still at will to eat cookies for breakfast, cheese and crackers for lunch, and gummi bears and popcorn for dinner (true story, I’m afraid). So, this year, we added two additional point-earning categories for eating the RDA of both fruits and vegetables.

We also noted that there is a big difference between leisurely walking the streets of Manhattan on vacation and doing the P90X workout. Yet, we had only accounted for one level of activity. This year, we earn one point per minute for low-intensity exercise and two points for high. This not only addresses a pretty big disparity; it also inspires participants to step up their workouts.

The final major change we made is the addition of an optional weight loss goal. Those who want to drop a few pounds signed up for this, and while they don’t earn points for weight loss, the person who loses the highest percentage of their original weight will win a prize. And, I imagine, be pretty proud of him- or herself as well! I will conduct this aspect of the challenge similarly to our Hold it for the Holidays competition, which you can read about here.

Throughout the 10 weeks, we’re planning on activities to keep everyone motivated, like bringing in a fitness guru to teach an informational session, arranging for a healthy recipe potluck, and providing added incentives for participating in a fitness event, like a marathon or charity walk.

Like me, everyone is really motivated to make some positive, lasting changes. Actually, I can hear the crunching of carrots and celery right now as I type. And, for real, the swishing of a hula hoop in the cubicle next to me. Ah, the sweet sounds of wellness!

From walking laps around the parking lot, to planning sensible meals, to packing our refrigerators with healthy foods, Baudvillians are committed to some serious lifestyle changes! 

Do you have a health & wellness program at your organization? We'd love to hear about it, and so would our readers!

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Allison is a self-proclaimed Copywriting Diva and has the certificate to prove it! She’s been writing for Baudville for three years and has worked in a variety of business settings for more than 18 years. Before becoming a professional writer 11 years ago, Allison worked as a department manager where she used Baudville products to motivate her team. She’s what we call a true believer! 

If your office is anything like ours during November and December, then there’s probably a tray of cookies, a tin of peppermint bark, and/or a basket of gourmet cheese around every corner—as well as a sneaky little feast fairy waiting to sprinkle on the unwanted pounds. Definitely not the kind of holiday magic any of us is wishing for!

Knowing that weight is much easier gained than lost (I’ve done both; it’s true!), we decided to encourage our fellow Baudvillians to “Hold it for the Holidays” as part of our ongoing health & wellness campaign.

Holding it for the Holidays is simple (in theory): participants pledge not to gain any weight for the entire 6-week season. But, to make sure that there’s more at stake than the ill repute of a broken promise, we added a little incentive. Curious? Read on…

Starting your own Hold it for the Holidays challenge is easy. Here’s what to do:

• Buy a digital scale (to ensure accuracy), and set it up in a private area.
• Set start and end dates. Ours started before Thanksgiving and will end after New Year’s Day.
• Invite everyone on staff to participate voluntarily.
• Require each participant to contribute $10 and weigh in (confidentially) at the start of the challenge. (We assigned one person to monitor the private weigh ins and take down each person’s weight.)
• Sweeten the pot with a matching donation from the company fund.
• Encourage participants throughout the challenge with tips & ideas for staying on track.
• Require every participant to “weigh out” at the end of the challenge.   
• Split the pool of money between all successful participants!

For our challenge, we have 20 participants (about 25% of the company), and I can tell by the vibe that we’re all in it to win it. But it’s not like there’s a great deal of money at stake. We reasoned it out and determined that $10 was the sweet spot: not so much that it prohibited participation; but enough, including the company match, to make it appealing and worth the effort.

We also know that many people make a mental vow to stay on track during the holidays; but get derailed the second the lid comes off that first box of chocolates. This challenge helps provide the consciousness, accountability, and motivation to stick to it!

What ways do you promote health & wellness during the holidays? Share your ideas with us—we’d love to hear them!

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Allison is a self-proclaimed Copywriting Diva and has the certificate to prove it! She’s been writing for Baudville for three years and has worked in a variety of business settings for more than 18 years. Before becoming a professional writer 11 years ago, Allison worked as a department manager where she used Baudville products to motivate her team. She’s what we call a true believer!  

Today’s story from Jason is the final post in our Health and Wellness series. I’m not gonna get in trouble by saying that I saved the best for last; but I did save the winner!

Yep, Jason was the fearless leader of the team that won our Healthy. Active. You! Challenge. Known as the Super Awesome Warriors (SAW), his team dominated the entire 10 weeks. Why? Because they had a captain who was 100% committed to Leading by Example!

Jason took his role really, really seriously – and used it, as well as his own internal drive, to help his team bring home the big win! 

Read on…

What motivated you to make healthy lifestyle changes?
I did not like the way I looked. I would think of every excuse NOT to work out or eat right.  
 


Was the Baudville challenge an incentive? 


Baudville was a huge incentive. Being a captain, I was accountable to my team. How could I expect them to generate points if I wasn't going to do it myself? This challenge is exactly what I needed to get my butt in gear and get my workout on!
 


What kinds of changes did you make and what results did you see? 


I started eating right and doing the P90X workout. I cut out fast food and pop (for the most part). I drink water all day. I started counting calories and eating smaller meals more times per day.

I have seen great results. I have lost 13 lbs. and gained muscle mass. I am able to do more physically than I have in YEARS, including push ups, pull ups, and sit ups (which I could not do on day one of the challenge). 
 


How do you feel about those results? 


I am extremely happy with the results that I am seeing so far, as is my wife! :) 
 


At any time did you struggle to keep on track? If so, how did you handle it? 


Oh yes, I had my fair share of struggles. Working until 7p.m., I would get home, eat dinner, and NOT want to work out. What kept me going was my team here. I HAD to get my points for the day. I HAD to do my workout in order to get those points. Also, I feel that whenever I DON'T want to work out, it ends up being the best workout. 
 


What advice do you have for others who want to make healthy changes? 


Life is about choices. You are in life where you choose to be. By that, I mean: if you don't like something about yourself or life then you have to change it. If you don't like your life, then change your life.

The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results. If you want to get healthy or lose weight; but you still eat the same and don't exercise, it’s not going to happen. If you get a membership to a gym and DON'T use it, you’re not going to change. YOU have to make the change. Tell yourself that you have to do this.

Each and every one of us can come up with an excuse every day why we don't do something. Heck, I work out between an hour and an hour and a half every day. I give myself a reason every day why I shouldn't work out that day. I then make the choice to do it. Push all your excuses aside. I have kids, I have a family, I lead a busy life, BUT I don't let that stop me. If anything, I use that as more of an incentive.



Do you have plans to continue your progress or maintain your status quo? Please share. 
 

Yes, I do plan on continuing. I am so happy with all the progress that I have made, and I hope that my success will encourage others to get in shape also. My family has started working out also. 
 


Anything else? 

JUST DO IT... Make the choice... Make the change...  

Whoah! Is that a testimony or what?! Jason’s team came, they SAW, and they kicked some major booty! Well done everyone!

Have you been following this series? What do you think: are you inspired to start a company-wide wellness program? Tell us about it!

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Jason is the Supervisor of our Distribution Center, and has been bringing his spirit and energy to Baudville since 2008. If you received your order quicker than you expected (which is always our goal!), then you know Jason and his distribution team have been working in overdrive!     

 

You may have noticed that throughout this week of health and wellness posts, I’ve been hinting at Baudville themes that correlate to the topic of the post. Today, I’m going to shout it out loud: Together Everyone Achieves More!

Katie boosted her success drastically by forming a support group – actually, several – of her family, friends, coworkers, and even strangers. Read what she has to say about how working with a team is great way to create accountability and encourage action – and get results!

Take it from Katie…   

What motivated you to make healthy lifestyle changes?

I have a history of Type II Diabetes and heart problems in my family. A couple of years ago I was also diagnosed with high blood pressure, which is often the first sign that it’s only a matter of time before heart problems and other health issues start to appear. It’s been a wakeup call for me.

Was the Baudville challenge an incentive?
When the Fitness Challenge details were announced, I realized that it was an incredible chance to make a new start. I began tracking my food and water intake before the challenge even started to get into the habit early. I see a real difference this time because I’m making these changes with the support of my team and friends here at Baudville. That support has been amazing and I’m very grateful for it!



What kinds of changes did you make and what results did you see?

I’ve been interested in “real” food for several years – getting away from processed items as much as possible – but haven’t done anything to track my intake over time. I also committed to exercising 2.5 hours per week for the duration of the Challenge and have hit that goal consistently.
 
As a result of these changes I have lost a total of 14 lbs. and I’ve had a lot of “non-scale victories” as well. Clothes fit better (or have gotten too big!), it’s easier put on and remove rings on my fingers, and I can carry a basket of laundry up two flights of stairs without losing my breath!

How do you feel about those results?
It’s wonderful!! The real bonus for me is that my husband jumped on board immediately and he is also seeing significant positive changes as a result. And, because we exercise as a team, we also get to spend more time together.



At any time did you struggle to keep on track? If so, how did you handle it?

The weekend before July 4th was a double-whammy – filled with graduation parties and potlucks. I did actually gain about two pounds over that weekend; but, I had seen so much positive change up to that point, I gave myself the weekend off to celebrate and then got right back into my fitness plan on Monday. 



What advice do you have for others who want to make healthy changes?

Commit everything to your goal. Don’t put off the exercise because it’s raining out – go walk in the mall instead! Work your other social plans around your exercise times, not the other way around. Throw away the potato chips now, don’t just say that you won’t buy another bag after this one is gone.
 
Also, build your own team. Try to get your spouse, kids, friends, family, coworkers, etc. on board. Register for a site like MyFitnessPal.com and build relationships there for support, encouragement, and motivation. Start a Facebook page dedicated to your goal and invite everyone you know. In the end you are the only one that can make the changes, but it is so much easier to do it with the encouragement and support of others.



Do you have plans to continue your progress or maintain your status quo? Please share.
I set a low goal of 10lbs and wasn’t sure I’d make it; but I’ve lost 14 and that amazes me! I’ve decided that I want to go further, so I’m going to try for a total of 50 lbs. I don’t know if I’ll make it, but now I know it CAN be done!



Anything else?
It’s never too late to commit to making these changes. And, and once you start, don’t stop! If you do stop – DON’T STOP STARTING AGAIN!

Has forming a team helped you stay on track with your fitness goals? Tell us your story!

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Katie has been a member of the Baudville team for about a year and a half. Working as a Level II Customer Service Rep, she delights our callers with her gift for gab and her expertise in all things related to recognition. Not sure which products you need? Katie does! Just give her a call…

One of the ways to earn big points in our fitness challenge was to eliminate an unhealthy behavior. But, to claim the points, we had to quit the offending act for the entire 10 weeks of the challenge. Oi! Many of us cut out fast food; others pledged to get the recommended daily intake of water. But, our hero, Ryan, went for the big guns.

Here he is to tell you about it...

What motivated you to make healthy lifestyle changes?
Basically, I noticed that I wasn’t able to move like I used to on the basketball court. At that point my mind began to run wild…I became incredibly concerned that I wouldn’t be able to play the part in my child’s life that I’d always dreamed of. She’s three now, and I want to be able to keep up with her at 13! And 23!!

Was the Baudville challenge an incentive?
More like a reminder…

What kinds of changes did you make and what results did you see?
I quit smoking!! I’m feeling better as the days go by! It’s like I have another gear on the court. I’m still working on shedding some weight so most underestimate me out there and I LOVE IT!!!

How do you feel about those results?
I’m feeling the best I’ve felt since early High School!!

At any time did you struggle to keep on track? If so, how did you handle it?
I did struggle at times. It was mainly when we would go out for dinner and drinks. For some reason the taste of beer amplified my cravings by 20!! But, I managed to stay strong and remember my motivation.

What advice do you have for others who want to make healthy changes?
Find your motivation. I have a picture of my daughter Olivia on my desk, in my car, and, of course, all over the house. She’s all the motivation I need. A single tear of joy falls…

Do you have plans to continue your progress or maintain your status quo?
I’m not going to change much. I like the way I feel and the extra $1800+/year I will be putting in my pocket without buying cigarettes every day!!

Wow! All I can say is: Way to Go, Ryan!

Quitting smoking is not easy; but it can be done. Have you quit smoking? Share your tips and advice for how to make it happen!

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Ryan is fairly new to the Baudville team; but what he lacks in tenure he makes up for in bodaciousness. As a Customer Service Rep, he transmits his can-do attitude directly through the phone lines. He also has an affinity for the exclamation point (in case you didn’t notice!!).