Dal employees living well? Challenge accepted!

Looking to build off of the success of last semester’s program, the Dal Employee Live Well Challenge is back this January to help Dalhousie’s faculty and staff make the commitment to a healthier lifestyle.

The nine-week, 12-session course offered at Dalplex is exclusively for Dalhousie employees and features information sessions, professional guidance from a dietician, yoga classes, and consistent support from Dalplex personal trainers Anne Falconer, Devon Norris, and Ryan Cairns. With many New Year’s resolutions already sliding by the wayside, the program’s group dynamic fosters continued participation and relies on peer support to help participants move towards their personal exercise goals.

The program only costs $25, which includes a pedometer, and participants are eligible for prizes at the end of the program.

Making a shift

Donalda Mitchell-Snell, a Dal employee for over 25 years and the winner of last semester’s Dal Employee Live Well Challenge, took the trainers’ advice of "just try" to heart and noticed a significant shift in many aspects of her life.

“I learned how little effort it actually takes to become more active and how even small changes in your lifestyle can create big benefits," she says. "I truly feel much better now emotionally and physically than I did before I participated in the Live Well program.”

The program is tailored to Dalhousie’s employee base, with an emphasis on workplace-specific information such as tips for staying active at work, healthy food options while on campus, and courses available to faculty and staff. Ms. Mitchell-Snell feels that many of her fellow employees would be surprised by how easy it is to incorporate exercise into their workdays. “It is now second nature to me to choose healthier options, such as taking the stairs in our building instead of the elevator.”

While Dalplex’s staff members are able to provide valuable insight and advice, the primary goal of the program is to equip participants with the knowledge and positive mindset required to motivate them to achieve their own personal goals.

Designed for different lifestyles

The rewards of the program are wide-ranging and aren’t limited to a specific demographic, says program instructor and Dalplex personal trainer Anne Falconer. “This is not a boot camp. The Live Well Challenge is designed to work for different lifestyles and different activity and fitness levels.”

Echoes Ms. Mitchell-Snell, “Regardless of their previous experience, I’m sure anyone who participated would learn something that they didn’t know before.”

The challenge heavily emphasizes time management and the role it plays in finding the time to be active, even for those with the busiest of schedules. The Live Well classes take place over the noon hour, during most Dal employees’ lunch breaks, and are a prime example of how participants can to make room for positive changes within a limited timeframe. The program is ever evolving, and this winter is adding more information on how to exercise properly at home.

The winter term version of the Dal Employee Live Well Challenge begins Monday, January 23. Classes take place from 12:05-12:55 p.m. on various dates through March. Exact dates and more information are available at the Dalplex website.

Pre-registration is required to participate and space is limited – drop by the Dalplex Customer Service desk, call 494-3372 or register online.