Why did I participate in the WHC?
- To move away from the high end of my healthy weight range and closer to the bottom end
- Be able to eat healthy low fat foods for six days and know that each day brings me closer to my "holiday" (What a motivation tool)
- Knowing that your strategies can be incorporated into a lifestyle change and not just a quick fix diet
- Adopting an "I can do it" attitude, especially when i was going to be in the "public eye" at work
- Increase a slow metabolism and hopefully increase my energy levels
- Look better leading up to the summer months and increasing my self esteem
- Improve my overall fitness level
- And the possibility of winning the major award sounded like a great incentive
What type of work do I do and what have been the benefits to my health, fitness and lifestyle?
- I work in a call centre environment working on a computer and answering a steady flow of calls
- Instead of sitting down in my lunch break, I now go for a WHC power walk around the factory on an empty stomach and wait an hour before eating again
- Making sure I do not eat the wrong choices at work and at home, by preparing all my meals for the day in advance
- Placing a copy of the 12 motivational strategies on my desk, helped me to keep on track
- It made me remember that I am not perfect and that mistakes were ok, they only made me more determined
- My energy levels were nothing short of amazing, what a difference it made to my day
- I started to like what I saw in the mirror and my clothes were more comfortable
- My organisational skills were greatly improved
Which program did I follow in the WHC and why?
- The advanced program
- I have always enjoyed exercise and was already doing power bar classes using weights and jogging twice a week
What were the physical and mental health results that I achieved?
- I met the target set out for me by losing 4 kg and a total of 30 mm of body fat
- I was flabbergasted with how many cm's I lost off my waist, my target was 5cm, and I lost 15cm
- I have gained more muscle tone which has improved my self image
- The fluid retention that I suffer from has decreased
- Drinking all that water made my blood flow very quickly at the blood bank (usually I am very slow)
- I am very proud of myself and feel great. I know I can continue with my new lifestyle change and get to my "pre-baby" weight goal in a slow and safe way in the future
The benefits the WHC had on my department. Reasons why there should be more in the future and why other employees should do it?
- More regular walking partners at lunch time and a lot of new walkers could be seen from other areas / departments
- Requests for copies of the WHC book after seeing me stick to it and achieving results, which is a good indication that others would do the WHC when there are more in the future
- Get more organised in every day living, feel good about yourself and gain self pride in your achievements. Happy workers, happy workplace!
In closing, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU. What a great way to kick start a healthier lifestyle.
By Michelle Bruhn, Victoria – Cadbury Schweppes
My fitness improved by leaps and bounds …
"I work in administration all day so I am sitting down all day, plus being tempted by all the goodies available all day. Throughout the challenge, my fitness improved by leaps and bounds. I am more motivated to go out and meet new people, now the embarrassment of my size has gone."
By Cathy Stern, NSW
Feeling absolutely inspired …
"The benefits I believe that the challenge (WHC) had on the company was improved health and well being for all the employees who participated. There were other work colleagues closely following my progress and feeling absolutely inspired to try as well."
By Fiona Parks, NT
Healthy happy and motivated employees …
"My belief system is that healthy happy and motivated employees will ultimately lead to a more productive workplace. It is a great opportunity to start on the weight loss campaign and improved health."
By Terry Love, Tasmania
It also contributes to a healthy workforce …
"On behalf of Fluor, I would like to thank you for conducting a successful Workplace Health Challenge. Our employees enjoyed the program as team members were comparing exercise, diet and weight loss ... their positive weight loss is not only a personal achievement for the individual but it also contributes to a healthy workforce."
By James Haylock, Fluor Global Services
An average of 5kg weight loss …
"... the participation rate ultimately exceeded our targets and an average of 5kg of weight loss per participant was achieved."
By Rob Vesty, International Power Hazelwood
Absolutely this has changed my life …
"Most blokes who did the challenge showed positive results and I would like to see more of this. Absolutely, this has changed my life!."
By Reuben Falzon, Mine Operations
It set an example …
"We formed a team for the WHC because it made it more fun, a competition and more of a challenge. It made more of a team effort and provided encouragement and motivation. As a team, a lot of support was provided to team members. It set an example to the rest of the PORKIE workers, having a fitter and leaner workforce will produce better results."
Team 'Dee-4-Kate" - Mining Operations, Hazelwood Power (collectively lost 40 kg)
Workers thrilled with downsizing!
"HAZELWOOD Power workers have been dramatically downsized, but this time even unions will be thrilled with the results.
The Morwell power station is now almost 500 kilos lighter after a weight loss program for more than 100 staff recorded stunning results.
The employees collectively lost 40 kilos a week and 485 centimeters of waist measurements during the course of the 12 week program. A mine employee at Hazelwood recorded the highest weight loss, the man shedding 18 kilos during the 12 week program. Employees lost an average of four kilograms each.
The director of the weight loss program, Mr. Julian Smith, said the program had been tailored for the workers.
"It was a program specifically designed for workers who work long hours, shift work and what not," Mr. Smith said of the program which took into account the respective age and fitness levels of its participants.
He added the program mainly centered on a sound nutritional program and that exercise was only a small component - less than two hours per week.
Hazelwood Power's program was the founder's first in Victoria.
And Mr. Smith indicated there would be several other companies in Melbourne and the Valley prepared to embark on the weight loss regime next year.
By Neil Hickey The Express, 2002
Achievable goals …
"Dear Julian, myself and another work colleague completed the WHC and found the program to be more than a tool for weight loss; it also provided useful information on the incorporation of both diet and exercise to improve our health. The team spirit of the participants and coordinators made it an enjoyable program with achievable goals and no shortage of encouragement and advice."
"INSPIRATIONAL AND LIFE CHANGING PROGRAM ... JUST DO IT."
BAE Systems, by Doug Day
