Torch, Fall 2004

as the best treatment,” she stated. “At the Fitness Center, I am able to find relief through the use of the Nautilus ® and exercise machines, as well as the racquetball and indoor tennis courts. The FIT Challenge was a great incentive, and my joints have never felt better!” In step with one of the goals of the FIT Challenge, some participants use the program as a way of encouraging their families to exercise together. The Bolender family is very active, and the Challenge provides an additional incentive to keep that up. Jeff is an assistant professor of exercise and sport science and coaches the men’s and women’s track and field teams. Shari is a stay-at-home mom and is in training for her fourth marathon. She averages eight miles of running a day and lifts weights twice a week. She says the FIT Challenge is a nice reward for the work she is already doing. “I exercise so much that it is great not having to cook one night in exchange!” she exclaimed. Last year the Bolenders collectively chose a restaurant gift certificate as their reward. “We told the kids when they signed up “For example, with the recent media emphasis on obesity as a public health problem worldwide, some people may consciously or unconsciously point a finger of blame or criticism at those whose weight is more than what is deemed healthy. Some may even think they are ‘spiritual losers.’” In contrast, Shortt said the aim is to encourage people wherever they are on the health spectrum. “Our goal is victorious living, evidenced in many ways, from increased health knowledge and application of Scripture in life’s challenges to lost weight, improved fitness, and ultimately, a closer walk with Christ,” she noted. “We want our programs to reflect this.” Compared to 75 participants in the first year, this year 341 people committed to exercising in FIT Challenge. Of those, 68 percent successfully met their goals. Some are genuinely athletic, while others are simply interested in keeping fit. One participant had a baby during the Challenge and still finished at the maximum level. Some use the Challenge as part of their medical regimen. Debbie Johnson, wife of Budget Director Rod Johnson, has lupus and needs to exercise for therapeutic purposes. She sees the FIT Challenge as a good motivator to help her in that effort. “Because lupus is a disease that affects the joints and muscles in the same way as arthritis, doctors recommend continued movement and exercise 6 TORCH / Fall 2004 FIT Challenge Wellness Center Seminars E ducation is another aspect of the Wellness Center. With that in mind, the Wellness Center staff is working to better educate and assist the University family in maintaining and maximizing their health, reducing their health care costs through illness and disease prevention, and promoting discernment in health-related decisions. The Wellness Center staff believes it is important for people to understand health and fitness, and so in meeting that objective, seminars are offered on a variety of topics. These are designed to inform faculty, staff, and their family members about health topics of concern to them, as indicated in interest surveys and questionnaires. Many people have expressed an interest in learning more about cancer prevention, stress reduction, diet, and fitness training, and experts are brought in during the academic year to discuss those topics and provide instruction. A weight reduction accountability group is also offered. Deborah Holt, a licensed counselor, has presented a seminar aimed at helping women recognize the early signs of burnout and develop strategies for reducing stress. In her practice, Holt stresses her belief that mental health plays a critical role in overall fitness. “The direct link between emotional and physical health has been well- documented for some time,” she explained. “God has made us complex spiritual-physical-intellectual-emotional beings. By keeping our emotional and spiritual lives well-tuned, our physical well-being cannot help but be enhanced.” Besides education and instruction, another goal of the seminars is to provide opportunities for people to meet others who are interested in the same health-related topics. The popularity of these seminars, along with the diversity of topics, is evidence that that objective is being met. In addition to these seminars, throughout the year the Wellness Center sends out a monthly wellness newsletter and hosts fun health- related activities and a variety of health screenings.