Hatch has been taking part in a Wellness Boot Camp at the WAC (Wisconsin Athletic Club). We decided to get some photos and some thoughts on the whole process.
Instructor Jason
So how did this whole thing get started? Leigh explains; “The Wellness Boot Camp evolved when Lori and I met with Ian Casmer (Manager for the Wisconsin Athletic Club) back in February. We were originally looking to learn more about the WAC’s Corporate Wellness Program and different things we would possibly utilize internally at Hatch in 2012. As we were meeting, ideas were being tossed around when the idea of an internal Boot Camp was discussed. Lori then suggested it would fun to compete against other clients in the Milwaukee area similar to the “Fittest Executive” the WAC sponsors. The MMAC (Metro Milwaukee Area Chamber) was also pushing for a stronger Wellness Program and was heavily involved with the Well City Milwaukee program and also members of the WAC. Ian felt MMAC would jump on board with the boot camp challenge as they did!”
Each of the participants was evaluated through several tests:
Resting Heart Rate
Active Heart Rate
Flexibility
Hand Grip
Chest Press
Body Fat
At the end of the Boot Camp each of the participants will be evaluated along the same lines and the group that has the highest percentage of improvement will be declared the winner.
Although weight loss will almost certainly occur, that’s not the end goal. That having been said, we asked Kristin if she could feel a difference after the first 5 weeks. “Definitely. I feel like I’m in better shape and I’ve certainly changed some of my eating habits. I’m starting to plan a whole week’s meals in advance so that I can stick to the new diet.”
And while Julie hasn’t noticed much of a difference physically, the program has made her take a look at her dietary habits. “I have really tried to vary my diet – I normally tend to eat the same thing all time but I have been changing things up a bit.”
Leigh adds, “I’ve been a consistent runner in the past (3 to 5 miles several times a week) but joining this Boot Camp has utilized muscles I never knew I had! I’m hoping the soreness will eventually end and will hopefully see a difference in my strength. I’m more committed to a different type of work out – especially changing from a late night run to early mornings which I feel has made me feel better throughout the day! I still need to eliminate some of the sugar in my diet but have definitely made some positive headway adding more fruits / vegetables each day along with healthier overall meals.”
Besides varying workouts and diets, the participants are also looking at the way they approach a workout. Kaitlin adds, “I think one of the biggest things I have changed and been more aware of is my stretching. I have always worked out a lot with no regard to stretching. I make it a point to stretch before and after I work out.”
The workout changes each week. The group has already been through several including Treading, Cardio-Boxing and Tabata, which is high intensity interval training. This week was PiYo, a cross between Pilates and Core training with a whole lot of Yoga thrown into the mix.
In addition to the new workout each week, the group is also given a specific dietary challenge. This week the challenge is to cut out all canned foods, no doubt to lead the group to make fresher food choices.
Check back in a few weeks to see how the Hatch team fared in the challenge. After the challenge they may be up for a drink as alcohol was the first thing they had to cut out for the duration of the program.
