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They say misery loves company, which could be why group weight-loss programs are so popular these days.
But at RE/MAX Choice in Bloomington, Ill., agents and staff are competing in an officewide weight-loss and fitness challenge, and there’s no misery to be seen. Instead, there’s plenty of empathy and enthusiasm.
“I noticed a new, positive energy since the challenge began,” says Al Legg, a Broker Associate and RE/MAX Lifetime Achievement Award recipient.
Sales Associate Belinda Trunell agrees, and adds that it’s a team-building experience, too.
“There’s an extra bond between us,” Trunell says. “We support each other, even though it’s a competition. And you know that real estate agents can be competitive!”
The challenge is the brainchild of Willie Holton Halbert, Legg’s energetic assistant.
“I’ve always been into fitness and health,” Halbert says. “And I’ve participated in other weight-loss competitions, even winning one of them.”
In a nod to the brokerage’s name, Halbert called the competition the “Healthy Choice Challenge.” It’s a supportive, four-month-long undertaking that begins with each participant setting a fitness goal. Trunell, for example, wants to look good in her spring and summer clothes. Legg wants to feel energetic and fit. And Halbert wants to rock a swimsuit on her 40th wedding anniversary trip to the Dominican Republic.
The challenge includes private monthly weigh-ins, regular incentives, group meetings and plenty of shared tips to keep up motivation. Anyone can join at any time by paying a small fee, with the money going toward prizes. Whoever loses the greatest percentage of body weight wins $500, a seven-day luxury trip to the winner’s choice of Hawaii, Bahamas, Las Vegas or Orlando, and a flat-screen TV. Second- and third-place finishers earn $150 and $50, respectively.
Thanks to fellow participant and Broker/Owner Bill Brady, the challenge has also become a fundraiser. He’s pledged to donate $1 to local charities for every pound lost by his Associates.
“It’s so good to be able to give back as we lose weight,” Halbert says.
So far, 12 people in the 31-agent office are in the competition, and the weight loss is already visible. Legg started a healthier eating regimen earlier than others and he’s lost more than 17 pounds. Halbert has also lost about 17 pounds because, in addition to changing her diet – she eats mostly vegetables, fruit and lean, grilled meats and fish – she works out for an hour every morning.
Both she and Legg believe that a healthier person is a more productive person.
“I think feeling better will translate to having more energy to devote to my business,” Legg says.
Trunell sees a direct correlation between succeeding in real estate and getting fit.
“Taking care of yourself is a bit like work,” she says. “At work, what you get is what you put in. The same principle applies to our bodies.”
Written by Dorota Wright-O'Neill
