Team Lean Challenge Recognizes Winners

  • Published
  • Civilian Health Promotion Services
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  The third annual AFMC Team Lean Challenge, "Cleared for Take-Off" was conducted March 2 - May 29. 

"This command-wide initiative is part of AFMC's Wellness and Safety campaign and is designed to promote a healthier lifestyle," said Marilyn Leggett, Civilian Health Promotion Services. 

Participants compete as teams of five at each base. The challenge was open to active-duty and civilian personnel, and this year's contest at Eglin was coordinated by the Health and Wellness Center and Civilian Health Promotion Services. 

Of the 268 individuals initially enrolling, 50 civilians and 55 active-duty members completed the program which utilized the Health Risk Appraisal (HRA) tool available at www.afmcwellness.com. 

"The Lean Challenge begins with a simple assessment of each participants overall health," Ms. Leggett said. "Once they have joined the site, it becomes the central source for information on the four dimensions of wellness and a place to log activity and accumulate wellness incentive points." 

The challenge is intended to instill good habits, build a routine and lose weight in a safe, healthy manner," Ms. Leggett said. 

Master Sgt James Cerny, a T2 modification quality inspector with the 46th Maintenance Group, was the overall "biggest loser" during the challenge. In three months he lost 57.7 pounds. Although he could always pass his physical fitness tests, he wanted to improve his overall well being. He said being part of a team kept him going during the challenge. 

"It helped to have other teammates," Sergeant Cerny said. "I stepped up running and changed my diet." 

Prizes like duffel bags stocked with prizes were awarded at each base for the top three teams, the individual with highest percentage of pounds lost and the unit with the greatest percentage of weight loss. Eglin's TLC 2009 winning Unit was the 46 Maintenance Group.