For the first time, Brookdale Senior Living launched a nationwide, employer-sponsored weight loss competition called The Brookdale Weigh. Turns out, the Milwaukee office cleaned up in the competition with 134 participants representing 31 teams that lost 1,292 pounds collectively.
"I found that the teamwork and camaraderie fostered by the competition kept me very focused and disciplined with regard to my weight loss goals," says Jason Graham, who was on a winning team called "Lost Cause."
The program started 12 weeks ago, on March 30, and challenged Brookdale employees to lose weight and embrace wellness. During the program, new exercise choices were introduced, such as walking groups and teaming with a local gym to hold Zumba classes onsite. Also, new healthy food and beverage options were given such as fresh limes, lemon and oranges by the water machine and fresh fruit to celebrate birthdays instead of cake.
Out of the company’s 35,000 employees, 4,000 participated and collectively lost more than 30,000 pounds. Cash prizes were awarded to the top three teams in each division and company-wide. Each winning team member received anywhere from $100 to $900 each.
The Brookdale staff got creative with their team names, which included "Thin to Win," "Disappearing Divas" and "The Muffin Tops." One of the local teams, "Lost Cause," won the competition company-wide. Another Milwaukee team, "5 Live Crew," took second place in its regional division.
The team "Lost Cause" won $2,700 -- that’s $900 each -- after they lost 15.43 percent of their collective body fat. Team 5 Live Crew nabbed second place for losing 11.97 percent.
"The overwhelming results and positive response signifies an interest and commitment to well-being, which aligns with our company mission of enriching lives," says Glenn Maul, senior vice president of human resources for Brookdale.
Brookdale Senior Living Inc. is the leading owner and operator of senior living communities throughout the United States. The company owns and operates independent living, assisted living, dementia care, skilled nursing and continuing care retirement centers.
Brookdale operates 550 communities in 35 states with a capacity to serve approximately 52,000 residents, as well as operating a rehabilitation and therapy group serving its communities and residents nationwide.
In the greater Milwaukee area, there are communities in Brookfield, Sussex and three in Kenosha. Wisconsin is home to 16 Brookdale communities.
"The Brookdale Weigh gave me the opportunity to reassess what my goals were and I was able to make better choices for my meals," says Kevin Dopkins, 5 Live Crew team member. "My workouts improved dramatically and the weight kept coming off."
