Perhaps you've seen some of your coworkers taking a peek at their pedometers in the office, noticed them out walking at lunchtime, or taking the stairs instead of the elevator. You might have overheard them talking about their step counts or discussing the results of the spring sector challenge.
And maybe you've wondered what all the fuss is about --- and if a program like Virgin HealthMiles can really make a difference in your health and fitness.
Since launching the Virgin HealthMiles program on January 1, 2012, eligible Northrop Grumman employees and their spouses/domestic partners who've joined the program have been submitting their testimonials and sharing the many benefits they're receiving by participating. A few of these submissons are provided below. If you've been on the fence about signing up for Virgin HealthMiles, these success stories are sure to inspire you to participate!
"The Virgin HealthMiles (VHM) program has been a real game changer for me. I was somewhat overweight, tired and stressed. My doctor had told me I had type II diabetes and was at risk for heart disease. I had tried countless exercise programs but could not consistently carry them out due to my busy schedule. That’s when I decided to try the VHM program offered by Northrop Grumman to all its employees. After all it’s only walking, right?
I started out by committing to leave work at a certain set time every day and walking around my neighborhood with my wife no matter what – this started out slowly, fifteen minutes to a half an hour a day. I then started to try the minimum recommended quantity of 7,000 steps, about 3.2 miles a day. It was a little hard at first, but this daily one-hour walk served two purposes – it racked up my miles and served as mental floss to boot. I was soon feeling moreenergized after the walk, instead of less – this was actually generating energy and allowing me to work through the day’s challenges more efficiently. Plus walking with my wife was good for us as well – it has allowed us to discuss family issues and plans, without phones or other sources of interference, and motivate each other in the process. Alone time.
The VHM web site is excellent, easy to use and very well built, and the system used for tracking steps is flawless. You just plug you free pedometer to your home computer and voila. Their website is set up a little like Facebook, and allows you to “friend” other walkers, “like” their statuses or accomplishments, etc. Plus it challenges you in a very fun and non-intrusive manner – a truly pressure-free environment. We recently participated in a Corporate-wide
challenge which was very exciting – it was neck-in-neck for awhile and our ES team ended up in second place. It also rewards you with up to $150 in gift cards a year when you hit certain milestones. What’s not to like?
We’ve also changed our diet and have added many healthy upgrades courtesy of other NG programs such as the Live Well Challenge, Healthwaves and our own online research.
The results? After only four months, I have lost 15 pounds and no longer have type II diabetes. My wife is wearing my daughter’s old jeans. We are motivated to do more and more, and I highly recommend you do the same!"
~ Fernando
"I started the walking program three months ago and have been keeping an eye on my diet as well. In that time my weight has dropped from 180 to 168 pounds.
My blood pressure has dropped from 135/87 to 106/63 [and before you ask – no, that last blood pressure reading was not a typo!]. In addition I have shattered a few walking goals that I didn’t even think I could even reach anymore! On top of all that, I am getting paid to do what I wanted to do anyway – get back in better shape in 2012!
Who could ask for anything more?"
~ W. (age 60) – and I want to challenge all those 30-somethings out there to do better!
"I love this program. It so cool and motivates me to compete and get healthy. I joined on valentines day as a joke for my husband because I thought cool I can get 150.00 fast, but I was frustrated because I thought I never get out of level one. But I'm at level two and will be at level 3 within the next few weeks.
My husband and kids (not on program) but love that mommy getting her exercise. It motivates me to exercise and I jump rope, play at the park. I had 2 kids in 2 years. Gained 53 pounds with first kid. Lost 45 pounds got pregnant gained 53. It was taking me forever to lose the weight. I have gym membership that I don’t use. I was at the same weight for last 6 months ; accepting that I'd be a size 12 forever and never get into my size 8; well I am a size 9 and will be a size 8 by summer"
~ Jeanne
"I hope the following story inspires at least one person to get moving. A few years ago I went to the doctor for a typical physical. They took my blood pressure and it came back 145/92.They immediately wheeled in an EKG machine and started hooking me up to it. This was scary. I was 45 at the time. When my blood work came back I was also diagnosed with high cholesterol.
I weighed 210 at the start of this year. I signed up to get my Gozone pedometer as soon as I could and so far I have logged over 800,000 steps. I have also started running. I will run in my first 5K this month.
I currently weigh 192. My goal is 175. My blood pressure this morning was 116/69. My cholesterol is back in the normal range. I signed up to run the ½ marathon at this year’s USAF Marathon. VHM has motivated me. It helps because it is used by many in the office and we push each other."
~ Tom
"In July of 2009, my weight reached an all time high at 174, at 5 “ 3” I just broke down and cried after I saw my pictures on our high school reunion website. I had a physical and my Dr. said LOSE IT, my BP was high – I started following a common sense eating plan. It only took me about 3 ½ months to lose 25 pounds, by changing the food I was eating, walking more-it came off easily. I have kept it off and gave away all of my clothes, I went from a size 13 to a 6 and at 56 I look and feel better than I have since I was 28!
I have an extremely busy life working full time at Northrop Grumman, a wife, mom of 3, Nana to 4, and we operate a nonprofit cat & dog rescue –I get too busy to walk, exercise, slow down and smell the roses, I am excited to be a part of this program to wear the ped daily to remind me to walk and take care of myself for me & for my family. Thanks Virgin Healthmiles- you have a great program and website."
~ Debbie
I am a soon to be 45-year-old male that has been into fitness, then out of fitness, then into fitness. I am not obese, but my goal is to lose 15 pounds and improve my overall attitude towards my health status and well being. Virgin Health Miles has motivated me to stick with getting more active and to share my successes and setbacks with my peers. Opening yourself up for critiques and seeing the facts relating to your efforts (or lack thereof) is a wonderful eye opener. Seeing my hard work online and the number of calories I put in the "outbox" is very satisfying. Although I have MUCH more work to do, I think Virgin Health Miles has put me back on a steady path to better fitness and to a better life as a husband, dad, friend, and coworker.
In just the short eight days with Virgin Health Miles, by walking briskly at work during breaks and eating sensibly, I have lost more than 2lbs and dropped more than 1% of body fat. When my new spinning bike arrives tomorrow I will be even more motivated to file more calories into the "outbox"! I will need a bigger box for all the fat and calories that I will be tossing away! For those just joining Virgin Health Miles, stick with it. If I can feel this good after only eight days, just imagine what we will feel like in three months, six months, or a year.
~ Eric
"I started with the Virgin Health Miles Pedometer around the mid-to-end of January. Here are some dates and numbers from NGC’s Health Waves:
On 1/11/2012, my WEIGHT = 227 lbs; my BODY MASS INDEX = 31.7; and my BODY FAT PERCENTAGE = 29.1%
On 4/4/2012, my WEIGHT = 217 lbs; my BODY MASS INDEX = 30.3; and my BODY FAT PERCENTAGE = 27.4%
On 12/2/2010, my TOTAL CHOLESTEROL = 180; my HDL CHOLESTEROL = 19; and my TC/HDL RATIO = 9.4
On 2/15/2012, my TOTAL CHOLESTEROL = 155; my HDL CHOLESTEROL = 27; and my TC/HDL RATIO = 5.7
All going in the right direction.
I am feeling the difference of my body. I will continue to work out (yes, at a minimum and as easy as stepping). And, I am feeling so good about it too."
~ Thomas
"When my husband’s company sent the letter to let us know, that beginning of 2012 we have a chance to join with Virgin health miles program. After the New year’s day I was quickly enroll in the program, so that my anniversary’s day is going to be Jan. 2 ,2013.
I am so excited to wear my pedometer whenever I go walking. Let me tell you very true about my situation: I am stay home mom, some days I am very depressed even I tried to keep walking every day. Since I have the pedometer I am so happy to wear it every morning, I check it and end of the day I am happy input it in my account. For me the Virgin health miles program just not helping employees and families improve healthy physical activities but also improve healthy psychological and mental as well.
Just imagine whenever I am doing I have a good friend with me at all time. The program really helps me with self discipline, pay attention on the time put the pedometer on and take it off. Specially, walking daily really helps maintaining my healthy weight and it has been really made my day easier. Recently, my husband is happy to join in the program and both of us have something in common to talking about.
Thank you the Virgin health program."
~ Hannah
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