‘Biggest Loser’ – RMH-style

  
Staff Report
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The RMH Wellness Center has partnered with local company Rosetta Stone, a leading provider of technology-based language-learning solutions, to create its first corporate “Biggest Loser” challenge.

In this 12-week weight-loss challenge inspired by the hit TV program of the same name, participants compete in teams to win cash and other prizes, according to Melissa Stover, RMH Wellness Center wellness coordinator.

“We have been offering Biggest Loser challenges for our individual members for three years,” Stover explained. “Because of the program’s great success with our own members, we wanted to create a package that local businesses could offer to their employees in a corporate setting.”

Stover noted that the program includes enticements like group workouts and weekly challenges to help participants achieve weight loss goals. Participants receive weekly nutritional tips and earn points for working out, whether at the gym or individually.

“A program like this is especially helpful to individuals who need motivation to exercise consistently, eat a more balanced diet and set and reach healthy lifestyle goals,” Stover explained. “What better way than through the support of co-workers? While Rosetta Stone is the first to take on a corporate ‘Biggest Loser’ challenge through the Wellness Center, we’ve already had brisk interest from a number of other local businesses.”

Shawna Patton, Rosetta Stone Human Resources manager and an RMH Wellness Center member, saw the event’s popularity among Wellness Center members and pitched the idea to her organization. Now, more than 90 employees have signed up for a corporate challenge tailored specifically for the Harrisonburg-based company.

“We’ve had an annual weight loss competition, but it was pretty much a once-a-week weigh in and weekly recipe or reminder,” Patton said. “This seemed like a great way to make it more interactive and interesting and help to build excitement. It’s invaluable to us to have an interesting, robust program that will encourage healthy habits—one that is based on reliable health information compiled by the Wellness Center.”

The final weigh-in for the Rosetta Stone corporate challenge is April 9.

Local businesses interested in offering a corporate “Biggest Loser” challenge to help employees reach their weight loss and fitness goals may call the RMH Wellness Center at 540.564.5694. For more information on the RMH Wellness Center, visit www.rmhwellnesscenter.com.