Employee Voices

Shirley c. - Member Since december 2008

"First, I must confess that I hate to exercise. Reading, painting and jewelry making are much more desirable activities for me. So when our employer introduced the Virgin HealthMiles program, I entered into it with a sense of duty and a desire to reduce the annual cost of my health insurance!

Then something happened. The pedometer became my nemesis and my motivator. Since I was wearing the thing all the time (I have even fallen asleep with it attached to my pajamas), I figured I’d try to foil it! I slowly began to change my habits, parking farther out in the lot at work and when shopping, taking the stairs at work (both up and down) and, to my dogs’ delight, taking more walks. I try to keep moving at home when doing mundane chores. I’ll jog in place and dance (although not very well!)

Soon, I was making challenges for myself and accepting them from others. I have earned a new pair of boots from a personal challenge to myself and am running in the middle of the pack of my department challenge. I completed the [Summer Boot Camp promotion] of 7,000 or more steps in ten days. I have begun to work other activities into my schedule....

I’ll probably never be a marathon runner or Iron Man competitor, but I am certainly more aware of my level of activity and now try to keep increasing it. I also am encouraging my friends to do the same. This program has provided me with the opportunity to learn more about myself while developing a healthier lifestyle."

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