A team of UM employees has lost 139 pounds and more than 75 inches after participating in a three-month weight-loss challenge.
Equipped with free memberships to the Turner Center and access to nutrition counseling and other resources, 16 Physical Plant staff members spent the summer completing the Mississippi State Department of Health’s Healthiest Loser Challenge.
“[The program] really helped me with my portions,” said Lee Pinkston, a UM instrumentation and controls technician who lost 24 pounds during the challenge. “I didn’t change what I ate so much — just my portions.”
In addition to his weight loss, Pinkston’s blood pressure dropped from 138/98 to 105/67.
Raymus Purnell, carpentry supervisor, said that he has continued with the healthy habits he gained over the summer and now walks three miles a day.
“The main reason I did the program was to get myself back in shape, to eat better and to enjoy life more,” Purnell said.
While the summer challenge has ended, UM is offering multiple opportunities for faculty/staff to get healthier this fall.
Employee-only group fitness classes — HealthWorks is offering employee-only fitness classes every Tuesday and Thursday this fall at the Jackson Avenue Center. Classes range from yoga and Pilates to Zumba and cardio sculpt and are free for Turner Center members. Non-Turner Center members can purchase five classes for $5, 13 classes for $10 or 26 classes for $20. All participants must pick up or purchase a class pass at the Turner Center before beginning to attend classes. See the schedule.
Payroll-deductible weight management class — Beginning Sept. 17, faculty and staff who have struggled with weight management will have the opportunity to learn the ins and outs of healthy living through an on-campus class. The 12-week program, offered through the Department of Nutrition and Hospitality Management’s Nutrition Clinic, includes grocery store tours, cooking demonstrations and nutrition counseling from a registered dietitian. For more information, call 915-8662 or email umnutritionclinic@olemiss.edu.
RebelFit Team Fitness Challenge — Teams of students, faculty and staff are invited to compete for prizes in the 40-day RebelFit Team Fitness Challenge Sept. 30-Nov. 8. Teams can earn points by working out, attending special events and completing challenges such as drinking eight glasses of water a day. Look for more information coming soon at olemiss.edu/campusrec.
Campus walking paths — If you’ve got a few minutes to spare, take advantage of the Red and Blue walking paths on campus. Designated by small markers, the Blue path will take you three-quarters of a mile around campus, while the Red path will lead you on a half-mile route. Combine the two for a one-and-a-quarter-mile walk, estimated to take about 25 minutes.