RICHMOND, Ky. -- From flabby to fabulous is the mantra after the holidays. By March you either love the results of your hard work and sensible diet, or you've given up.
If you're among those who have given up but want to regain your motivation to be fit and fabulous by swim season, here's a boost. The Blue Grass Army Depot Office of Occupational Safety and Health launches the Spring into Fitness program just in time to help Blue Grass employees assess their health and adopt a fitness regimen. Spring into Fitness evolved following an inquiry from an employee expressing an interest in a wellness program.
From there the depot's Employee Safety Council began to think of ways to address the issue. Their initial idea--a walking program--jump started the planning process and following more input from leadership and employees, Spring into Fitness was created.
Launched on April 19 and set to end June 10, for 8 weeks, one hour a day twice a week, employees will have the benefit of unwinding after their work day in addition to contributing to a healthier lifestyle.
In addition to encouraging a healthier lifestyle, Col. Joseph Tirone, Blue Grass Army Depot commander, hopes the program will reduce the number of injuries related to muscle over exertion.
To join, employees must be registered, enrolled with their supervisor, include a physicians' signature as proof of ability to participate as well as agree to maintain a program activity roster. Programs will include aerobic or cardiovascular fitness activity with the option to combine the two. Melinda Kruger of Nutri-Style, LLC., Richmond, Ky., will serve as nutritionist, while plans are underway to provide group work outs for participants.
Derek Rutledge, Office of Morale, Welfare and Recreation, Blue Grass Army Depot, offers further assistance as trainer for Spring into Fitness participants. His prior experience with depot employees includes the "Biggest Loser" challenge which ended early April. The program is a step toward helping maintain the health and livelihood of the Blue Grass workforce, but a larger problem is front and center in Kentucky.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Preventions' 2008 Obesity Trends study, 29.8 percent of Kentucky's population was considered obese. While 29.8 percent seems small in respect to the population, of the six states with dramatic increases of obesity their percentages range from 30.1 percent (South Carolina) to 32.8 percent (Mississippi -also the nations' highest).
In a 2009 Trust for America's Health report, Kentucky's 29.8 percent placed it seventh among states with the highest incidents of obesity. Rutledge suggests simple things are in fact beneficial.
"Running and walking every day is obviously going to help with your overall health," he said. Rutledge insists the current participants aren't new to exercise and he saw them often in the depot gym prior to Spring into Fitness. "Basically, I feel my role is more (of just) helping the people that don't quite come in here as often," he said.
In helping participants, Rutledge administered a simple survey of capabilities and expectations. Participants were asked to identify the result they were seeking: weight loss, improve cardiovascular fitness, flexibility or strength training. Initials results of the survey' "Just from the surveys, weight loss is the main thing," said Rutledge. With each person in mind, he plans to establish individual regimens. Spring into Fitness could very well help keep Kentuckians in the Blue Grass region from adding to the statistics.
Beyond those factors, some are generally excited about the idea. "Many of us become caught up in the business of our lives and don't make exercise a priority. Spring into Fitness provides the opportunity for employees to develop positive habits.
"The assistance of a physical fitness trainer and classes on nutrition will help (employees) make informed choices for a healthier lifestyle," said Elaine Saunders, Occupational Safety & Health Manager, Blue Grass Army Depot.
While working your way to a healthier lifestyle, the program incorporates standards and measures to assure accountability and commitment. You must sign in every day you participate or lose your chance to continue with the program. With somewhat of a one and out rule, the program aims to maintain its honesty and propel the program into place for perhaps another year. This year's approach, including employee participation and success, will determine the future of the program.
Overall, not all federal agencies take the same approach to wellness. And if your agency doesn't currently offer a wellness program, you can still add activity to your lifestyle.
Here are tips from the CDC.
Adults need at least: 2 hours and 30 minutes (150 minutes) of moderate-intensity aerobic activity (example, brisk walking) every week AND muscle-strengthening activities on 2 or more days a week that work all major muscle groups (legs, hips, back, abdomen, chest, shoulders & arms)
OR 1 hour and 15 minutes of vigorous intensity aerobic activity (example, jogging or running) every week AND muscle-strengthening activities on 2 or more days a week that work all major muscle groups (legs, hips, back, abdomen, chest, shoulders & arms)
OR An equivalent mix of moderate and vigorous intensity aerobic activity AND muscle-strengthening on 2 or more days a week that work all major muscle groups (legs, hips, back, abdomen, chest, shoulders & arms)
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