A Workplace Wellness Challenge: Soulja Fit

At Wellness Corporate Solutions, we talk the talk and walk the walk. Some days it’s tempting to stress out, snarf down lunch in front of the computer, and stay at the office until after dark, but we’ve seen the life-saving aspects of workplace wellness and know that the sedentary lifestyles of Americans can kill.

Though we frequently design and implement wellness challenges for our clients, it’s tough to find the time to create a fullfledged plan from scratch for the office. But, this week we kicked off our internal spring challenge – Soulja Fit™ . Each WCS employee aimed to pass, and then improve on, the Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT).

Soldiers are required to take the Army Physical Fitness Test at least twice per year to prove their cardiovascular fitness, muscular strength, and muscular endurance. Currently, two WCS employees are in the Army (Reserves) which means we have built-in challenge leaders, but any office no matter the size can run a challenge similar to this one.

Ours is an eight week, incentivized challenge. Prizes include two cash gift cards and an ipad! The hope is that 100% of WCS employees will participate, but we recognize that, like with our clients, not everyone will have the time, energy, or general health to engage in these strenuous tasks.

The total cost (including incentives) is under $700 for the 2-month, 30-person challenge.

What does the APFT consist of?
2 minutes – as many push-ups as you can do*
2 minutes – as many FULL sit-ups as you can do*
2 mile timed run – ALL OUT.

*There is no wiggle room – we have created videos showing the proper way to complete each exercise in order for it count!

Points are awarded by age group + gender, and the respective predefined standards. Up to 100 points are available within each test, and there is a maximum or “perfect score” for those who are in exceptional shape. You must receive a score of at least 60 in each category to “pass” a real APFT.

In the coming weeks, we hope to see real progress among the office employees. In general, this is a motivated, fit bunch, but there’s always room for improvement!

Looking to start an onsite fitness challenge at your wokrplace? Contact us for ideas!