LHP’s Wellness Challenge is in full swing, with 14 teams vying for cash prizes and the ultimate bragging rights as the company’s fittest employees! The challenge, which kicked off July 1 and runs until July 28, awards points for various physical activities like steps or paddles.
The team with the highest average score by the end of the month will be crowned the LHP Management Move More Challenge champions! Individuals on the top three teams will each receive gift cards: $150 for 1st place, $100 for 2nd and $75 for 3rd.
We caught up with members of leading teams to see what’s helping them stay motivated and active (team points reflect data received as of noon on Tuesday, July 22):
Beersheba Sloths—28,300 points
Stewart Hale, Community Manager, and David Judkins, Maintenance Technician, Beersheba Heights Tower
Taking a break from biking, a trimmer, slimmer, happier Stewart
The Beersheba Sloths are anything but slow! This team has held first place since the competition began. For Stewart, the Move More Challenge is another valuable tool to keep him on track with his successful weight loss journey. His health transformation began earlier this year after a candid conversation with his physician—who suggested bariatric surgery—and a “tough love” moment with his wife. These conversations coincided with the start of another LHP wellness event, prompting Stewart to implement diet changes and increase his activity. He lost 15 pounds in a little over a month. This momentum led to his “Misogi” —Stew’s Summer Solstice Celebration—a demanding 64-mile bike-hike-paddle challenge he completed in June.
“The contest is encouraging me to do something hard each and every day, and I need that,” Stewart says. “Also, I have made a commitment to David. If I don’t do my part to keep us moving forward, not only will I be letting myself down, but David as well.”
David cycling and racking up the points for his team
Team member David has been an avid road bide cyclist for nearly four decades. He also incorporates free weights and stretching into his fitness routine. “I don’t want to let my teammate down, so that pushes me,” David says about his motivation. “Another drive that helps me stay active is my 10-year-old grandson, Heath. I want to be able to continue being involved with him in his activities. And everyone who has grand babies will totally agree when I say, ‘Grand Babies make the world go ‘round!’”
1100 Warriors—26,126.5 points
Sade Logan, Community Manager, Evergreen Villas, and Michelle Thornbury, Community Manager, The 1100 Studio
Sade at the ready for a game of kickball
The contest is a perfect trifecta for Sade. “I love winning, I love prizes, and I also love staying in shape,” she says. An avid sports enthusiast, Sade played basketball for the University of Kentucky, Robert Morris University and professionally overseas. “As a former athlete, I love to work out, play basketball and I also play co-ed adult kickball,” she says.
What motivates Michelle? “Of course, a prize on any level is always nice,” she says. “But more importantly, staying motivated and active is crucial for me. Two years ago, I weighed over 320 pounds and I was miserable. I was unhealthy, and my body ached from the extra weight. After surgery, I lost over 150 pounds, and it changed my life.” To maintain her progress, Michelle swims, enjoys boxing and kickboxing, and walks regularly. “Staying disciplined on all levels of life for me is extremely important,” she says.
Paper Pushers—21,946 points
Kelly Duncan, Community Manager, Westview Tower, and Kirk Wilkerson, Community Manager, The Pines
Kelly says that Kirk is motivating her to be more active. “He is very active with working out and running and I am just trying to keep up!” she says. “I am trying to be more active for health reasons, and this challenge has helped me get in into a regular exercise routine.”
Kirk on the run
Kirk has always loved running and working out. He says this challenge has come at a great time to give him additional motivation, and with Kelly’s influence, it has pushed him to be even more competitive. “My daughter recently placed in the State Track Championships and is going to Nationals with her AAU Track Team,” says proud Papa Kirk. “We are headed to Texas at the end of the July for her meet and we both have been training together pushing each other to the max.”
Disney Queens—16,192.5 points
Jennifer Brown, Assistant Regional Manager, and Brandy Ford, Regional Manager, Corporate
Beating the heat! Jennifer walks (away from camera) with water bottles in tow
For Jennifer, the contest kicked off with a burst of steps at Disney’s Animal Kingdom and Epic Universe earlier this month. Her activity continued on a cruise where she opted to climb stairs to avoid crowded elevators. “I love to walk, and the thrill of the competition is great,” she says.
Meanwhile, Brandy is prepping for her own upcoming trip to Disney. She is getting in shape by doing activities with her daughter after work, including trips to the zoo and Gatlinburg.
Happy Feet—15,059.5 points
Reggie Brown, Maintenance Supervisor, Dandridge Tower, and Tamakieta Monroe, Community Manager, Southside Manor
Reggie’s motivation for exercise is twofold. “I am definitely hyper and can’t be still anyway!” He is also inspired by observing residents at Dandridge Towers exercising, stretching and walking. “They do this routine every morning. They look very good for their age and are a motivation for me. The prize is awesome, too.”
Tamakieta maintains a consistent exercise routine, walking every morning and evening with a daily goal of at least ten miles when time permits. “I’ve been traveling a lot so my steps aren’t where they should be,” she says. “My motivation is being healthy, tasting wine, enjoying food, and lots of desserts with no guilt LOL.”
Good luck to all the participants! For more information about the challenge, visit the LHP Wellable app.
