Exercise Programming, Part 2

Posted by William on December 14, 2011

Special-case motivation

Although keeping members motivated is never easy, members who participate in Special Case Monitoring tend to stick with the program. “We find that with the education and the lectures we offer, there’s a lot of self motivation going on,” says Assistant Program Manager Glen Newman, who adds that members are always quick to register for new programs. “We just get the wheels spinning — they’re the ones who keep them turning,” he says.

But program participant John Richardson says the fitness center staff is a big reason why members keep coming back. “They’re great at everything they do — they really take care of us,” says Richardson, who has been participating in the program for two years. Richardson initially sought help from the fitness staff because, as he says, “I was overweight and out of shape, and having difficulty chasing airplanes at the airport, sometimes missing flights.” After entering the Special Case Monitoring program at moderate to high risk for heart disease, Richardson is now considered low risk and maintains a rigorous three- to four-day-a-week exercise schedule. His commitment to fitness has helped him trim his 230-pound frame to a healthy 190 pounds. “I feel great — I’ve got a lot more energy now,” he says, adding that he likes the convenience of working out at lunch because, “I find it’s a great ‘pick-me-up’ in the middle of the day.”

Fitness center staff members, who are employed as consultants to AlliedSignal by MediFit in Teaneck, N.J., say their goal is to encourage the same enthusiasm and results enjoyed by Richardson and Welsh. Furthermore, Program Manager Christine Kane Haskins says staff is committed to improving the health status of company employees, if possible, without the use of medication.

More than exercise

To further educate its employees about health-risk management, AlliedSignal invites employees to participate in annual research programs that offer intensive training in the areas of exercise, nutrition and education. So far, staff has conducted research on cholesterol and hypertension and next year plans to target type II diabetes. Says Haskins, “The research programs offer individuals an opportunity to get very targeted intervention. We offer group sessions and ‘lunch ‘n’ learn’ programs where they can be with peers who share their same condition.” The research programs, she says, serve as a buffer for anyone who is hesitant about starting an exercise program. “Being with others who share the same restrictions lets them know they are not alone,”.