Here Comes Spring!

With spring (hopefully) directly around the corner, a time of renewal and re-commitment will arrive. The nice, warm weather may start to detract from your gym time. However, working or exercising outdoors is a phenomenal way to change up that "boring" workout! I am not suggesting that you quit going to the gym, because there are many wonderful machines to workout on there; however, yard work or exercise outdoors can boost the spirits of almost anyone. Re-commit to outdoor exercise. Outdoor exercise does not solely consist of running or walking on hard pavement. Be creative with your workouts. Take a trip to a state park and walk the paths or if you or someone you know owns a considerable amount of land; explore, explore, explore (of course, get permission first).

Recommitting to Yourself

The holiday season has ended for everyone and a few of the Thrivers have hit that mid-program slump. The newness and excitement of the program has almost worn off and the weight and inches drop off a little bit slower, which causes the Thrivers recommit to their goals in the beginning. All have seen what proper diet and exercise can do for one's health and self-confidence; however, the goal of this program is not to simply lose weight, but to change one's lifestyle habits forever.

So, whatever obstacle stands in your way of continuing your new, healthier lifestyle remember the feeling of a "new you" with more energy after the first couple weeks of the program.

REMEMBER: This program doesn't work, unless you do!!!

The Greatest Thriver Program

My name is Nate and I am the Wellness Coordinator at the Henry County Health Department. If you search blog names you will probably find a few with the terms "greatest thriver" in the title; that's because all of those bloggers are participating in a program called "The Greatest Thriver." My first post is an attempt to introduce the program to anyone that is unfamiliar with it. You can read the shorten version here and then visit our website, www.greatestthriver.com, for a more thorough description. Also you can check out the updated weights and measurements of this year's participants.

"The Greatest Thriver program is a county-wide program that was developed to create an awareness to the 'growing' problem of obesity in our immediate community. Ten applicants are selected from a continually growing number, e.g. 86 applicants last year, and are assigned to one of two trainers and their respective fitness centers. Forest Ridge Medical Pavilion and the Henry County YMCA and their trainers volunteer their time to help educate our 'thrivers' on the benefits of exercise and a healthy diet. The thrivers' weight, body fat percentage, measurements, blood work, etc... are measured periodically throughout the 8 month program with the 'winner' being selected based on a variety of those measurements and other variables. The ultimate goal of our program is not to just change that lifestyles of the 10 participants, but to reach out to the community and influence more people to make a change in their lifestyles."

We have had great success in our first 2 years and are already seeing success in this year's program. Visit our website to read about the success stories. If you have any questions about our program, feel free to comment and ask me...and if you feel the need to change your lifestyle, start your own "Greatest Thriver Journey" and let me know about it!