What started off as an annual New Year’s resolution among a few sales department employees, 16 staff members at the American are now tightening their belts this year for the St. Louis American Weight Loss Challenge.
It’s a friendly competition among American employees with a lot at stake— healthy weight, less body fat, lower blood pressure, increased muscle mass and for the grand prize winner, a trip for two to Las Vegas.
“While the thought of the contest was a great idea, we wanted to give a little extra incentive for individuals,” said Kevin Jones, chief operating officer of the American. “The company is expanding its health coverage to create a healthier St. Louis—- – what better place than to start- right here?”
Vida Medina said she is highly motivated by her colleagues, company incentives and personal health rewards.
“I’ve been so busy. I have five kids and I’ve been grabbing fast food and not exercising at all. And, I have high blood pressure. My doctor told me all I have to do is lose weight and he’ll take me off my blood pressure medicine,” Medina said. “I’m very competitive, so this will motivate me.”
The group is divided into four teams of four. Team members will encourage each other to stay on track. Each person decides how he or she will lose the unwanted weight. Most are choosing a combination of changing eating habits and exercising.
“I’ve been exercising 30 minutes each night at home,” said Angelita Jackson, graphic artist and challenge participant.
Following weekly weigh-ins a $10 Wal-Mart gift card will be earned by the male,female and team with the highest weight loss percentage each week. On June 27, the team with the highest weight loss percentage will earn $75 Wal-Mart gift cards for each member. The male and female with the greatest weight loss percentages will each earn a $100 Wal-Mart gift card and four Six Flags tickets. The overall winner of the challenge will earn the grand prize of his/her choice between one $1,000 gift card to either Macy’s, American Furniture and Electronics or Schnuck’s grocery or a three-day, two-night trip for two to Vegas – which includes airfare, hotel and $250 in spending money.
“I think it’s good and very motivating with great incentives,” said Charmane Brown, sales assistant who keeps fit by cutting back on food weaknesses and exercising.
She and other non-participants – “the fit group,” will be cheerleaders for more than half the American staff in their weight loss goals. A couple of self-appointed junk food police are playfully keeping an eye out for vending machine activities -which is enough to keep some indulgers at bay.
“Instead of the soda machine, they can redirect me to the water machine,” said Sports Editor Earl Austin, Jr. “I’m cutting carbs, starch and soda and exercising to go along with it.”
Taking on the challenge as a group may be the key to success for many members.
“Sometimes it’s hard to get motivated to work out by yourself, but when you have other people doing it, it makes it much easier,” said Melvin Moore, graphic designer and fit group member.
“My real goal is to feel better and to have more energy,” said Kate Daniel, American executive assistant and challenge member. “I’m young, but I’ve noticed as I’ve become less active and let my eating habits slack that at the end of the day, I just feel exhausted – and I shouldn’t.”
After weeks of holiday celebrations, participants weighed in January 2 weighing 3,715 pounds with a goal to lose 629 lbs by June 27.
The American will provide updates on the progress of teams in upcoming issues of Your Health Matters.
