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Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Office “Biggest Loser” Competition
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Last week, I talked about some of the flaws of “The Biggest Loser” television show. However, I also talked about some of the good things that you can get from it.
An Office Trend
A trend that is beginning to pick up is a trend of business office employees competing to be “the biggest loser.” Most often, it is either the employer or manager that begins to spearhead the program. If not, he or she is a fool.
Cost to Employers
The cost of health has been sky-rocketing for employers in the past two decades, and it’s not looking any better. Studies also show that obese employees have more sick days, which leads to absenteeism and decreased worker productivity. This, of course, drives up the cost and expenses to the business and even other employees.
Other Programs not As Effective
I have heard of a few people getting together in an office to do a weight loss program like Weight Watchers, or some kind of diet like Atkins. However, no exercise is involved and you most likely will gain the weight back. The difference in a competition that is like “The Biggest Loser” is that exercise is involved.
How it might work?
To my good fortune, I have trained a couple of clients that were involved in an office competition such as this. Of course they won, but I got some details of one I thought I would share how it worked. In a group of about 10 employees, each pitched in $100 into a pool. This comes to $1000. The employer matched the the total and invested an additional $1000. The program lasted 16 weeks and you were required to incorporate a diet and exercise program (no cheaters who are looking to do liposuction). At the end of the competition, the winner gets the $2000.
What if you don’t have much weight to lose?
Now, what if you have just a few pounds to lose or you’re just wanting to get fit? Well, I will still advise you enter the competition. By investing the $100, you are more likely to make a concerted effort to get fit. If you’re already fit, you can volunteer to be a leader (which the employer will smile favorably) and your coworkers will also appreciate. You can also request that other things are measured, such as body fat and maybe include a fitness test (you should hire a professional for this).
I have read many different ways to do an office fitness and weight loss competition. The largest amount of people I am aware of involves 84 people. Unlike the body transformation programs you have seen in health clubs or Body for Life, a fitness program in the work environment can improve camaraderie and improve worker productivity. My hope is that the trend expands and continues.
Are you involved in a program similar to this or have that about starting one? Let us know about it.
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