We’re off and running, biking, swimming, golfing, etc. Wellness is now on the radar of our Contributing Team Member’s minds. And a focused part of this is our Fitness Challenge. Everyone set personal goals as well as an overall goal for their teams of three. Some goals focus on weight loss, some on number of minutes exercised/week and others on specific physical performance improvements.

And we’re competitive…a number of the teams are averaging 5 + hours/week of exercise for each team member! The editorial comments are entertaining about the type of exercise that is increasing heart rates, things like….walk through “hell-like” temperatures, rollerblading while dodging chipmunks and slapping mosquitoes while biking.

For the most part, we’re moving more and having fun. And the fun isn’t just during the exercise it is also about the accountability of what counts as exercise. Our barometer is exercise that gets your heartbeat up for 30 consecutive minutes or more.

The beauty to this type of challenge is the team-like spirit, and the versatility of different exercise types/times that meets the needs of individuals. Here’s another great resource for exercise options at different outdoor locations around West Michigan EcoTrek Fitness.

Here are a couple of ideas to begin a fitness challenge:
•Have your team members create their teams (3 – 4 on each is a good number) and other components of the competition – they’re more likely to take part
•Develop goals – with individual needs in the forefront, but with the spirit of teamwork
•Provide resources/tips/ideas along the way for the competitors and even your non-competitors

Soon, we’ll have some on-site exercise classes, our kickball league begins and we’ll be teaming up for the Grand Rapids Mud Run in August.