Spc. Kelly Acevedo
Public Affairs Office
FORT POLK, La. — Expect fitness to be part of your normal work routine thanks to the 10,000 Steps a Day challenge. The Bayne-Jones Army Community Hospital’s Department of Public Health’s annual challenge has begun and encourages all participants to get motivated to achieve personal fitness goals.
Approximately 300 participants have formed 27-30 teams Installation Management Command, Forces Command and Medical Command. Though the 2023 challenge is already in progress, mark your calendar for next year because it’s free to join and provides incentives for all participants.
The competition kicks off at the beginning of the year to align with personal fitness goals. Given that every new year is a chance for new beginnings, the challenge influences people to get moving and stick with accomplishing a desired result. The hope is the challenge motivates participants to form healthier habits and lifestyle choices by incorporating walk time during and after their work schedules.
Geneva Meredith, a health promotion technician with BJACH’s DPH, helped coordinate the challenge and is excited for the participants. “Some of the teams are highly competitive which is good because after this challenge they will feel inspired to participate in upcoming challenges we have that are beneficial,” Meredith said.
DPH hosts fitness and health events to support people who need help with staying determined throughout the year. There are classes offered such as weight management, stress management and nutritional readiness to help people understand their bodies to reach goals.
“The challenge increases readiness for the army on the civilian side to support our troops and maximizes physical readiness for military personnel,” Meridith said.
Participants who may have limitations due to personal health reasons are welcomed to join with the approval of a health provider. “Even if its 3000-4000 steps, the important thing is that they are getting up and moving,” Meredith said.
No one is excluded and everyone can go at their own pace. All teams have been provided with an activity sheet that allows them to convert steps allocated from doing chores, lifting weights or other types of movement. Wearing a pedometer or using a smart phone can help total up the amount of steps
taken.
Team captains report the total amount of steps the team has reached weekly.
The challenge ends April 16.
Meredith has some advice for those looking for ways to incorporate fitness outside of the challenge.
“If you have a dog, go walk with them. Instead of watching a movie with family, go on a family walk to get your steps in. Use stairs instead of elevators and put on a song with a strong beat to dance,” Meredith said.
This is the year to stay committed, determined and driven. Push to unknown limits and devote time towards a better life.
For more information call the BJACH DPH at 337-531-6880.
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