The EAS Body-for-LIFE Corporate Fitness Program
Since the mid-1970's corporate wellness programs have gained popularity and momentum and Corporate America has become increasingly aware of the numerous advantages wellness programs offer. Studies prove that incorporating a health and wellness program aids in:

• lower health care costs
• increased productivity
• decreased sick-days
• absenteeism, worker's compensation/disability
• improved employee morale and loyalty
  

The Facts

Corporate health is a growing trend

In the U.S., more than 81% of businesses have some form of health promotion program. With annual increases in health care costs and in benefit claims, sedentary lifestyles and poor health are costing companies money. Employers see corporate wellness as a way to prevent health issues which will reduce claims, make for healthier employees and will save the company money. Overall employers are realizing there is a significant link between prevention and investing in the health of their staff.

Estimates show that overweight and obese employees cost American companies $12.7 billion a year, including higher medical bills, higher health insurance costs, lower productivity and 39 million lost workdays. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently reported that the overweight epidemic affects two-thirds of U.S. adults and is not just a health issue.

How will an exercise program improve the health and job satisfaction of a worker?

Studies show that for every dollar spent on a preventive health program, a company can save as much as $6 in insurance costs.

Studies by the University of Michigan and Johnson & Johnson show that employers can save:

• $1,100 a year for every employee who breaks their addictive smoking habit.
• $269 a year for every employee who progresses from couch potato to fitness enthusiast.
• $1,200 a year on employees who reduce their cholesterol levels from 240 milligrams to 190 milligrams.
• $177 a year for every employee who goes from obesity (more than 30 pounds overweight) to a healthy weight.

Companies need to invest in employee health

In a day and age where competition is fierce, don't you want your employees to be the best they can? Having a healthy, happy, productive front line can positively affect your bottom line. Your employees are your most important assets. Let EAS and the Body-for-LIFE Challenge help take your company to the next level by providing your employees the "blueprint" for success.

In twelve short weeks this program will help:

• Improve your employees' overall health
• Reduce the amount of sick days
• Increase productivity
• Raise company morale and camaraderie
• Strengthen employee/employer relations
• Provide all employees with the opportunity to win the next Body-for-LIFE Challenge

Introducing your employees to a healthier, active lifestyle generates success in all aspects of their lives. Employers can reduce costs for serious illnesses, such as heart disease, diabetes and obesity by identifying high-risk employees and encouraging them to change their behaviors. Wellness experts agree that a work site health promotion program is the best way to achieve this goal.

What is the Body-for-LIFE Challenge?

Sponsored by EAS, a subsidiary of the Abbott Nutrition Healthy Living Division of Abbott Laboratories, the Body-for-LIFE Challenge, is the premier self-improvement challenge in the world. It is a structured 12-week fitness and nutrition program where challengers compete against themselves to get into the best shape of their lives. We provide competitors from around the world with an exercise/training schedule, and information on proper nutrition and supplementation to attain specific 12-week goals. Challengers are judged on their physical transformation through “before” and “after” photographs and on their internal transformation through an Inner Transformation Questions/ Essay.

Now entering its eleventh year, hundreds of thousands of people from around the world have changed their bodies and lives with the Body-for-LIFE Challenge. Body-for-LIFE is not a “quick fix,” but a way of life.

The name of the Challenge is derived from the book Body-for-LIFE, which has become the best-selling fitness book of all time. It has sold more than 5 million copies and is in 23 languages. The book is a holistic “no nonsense” approach to a healthier lifestyle. Along with a proven, easy to follow, exercise and nutrition plan, the book emphasizes a change from within through goal setting and a Power Mindset. The Body-for-LIFE program is your proven plan to success.

Abbott Nutrition has put out another book called CHAMPIONS Body-for-LIFE. It describes what the Body-for-Life program is all about from a champion’s perspective. This book is expected to push even more people across the abyss to a more healthy and productive lifestyle.

Body-for-LIFE Principles:

• Eat six times a day, every two to three hours.
• Weight train intensely, no more than 46 minutes, three times a week.
• Do 20 minutes of high-intensity cardio three times a week.
• Plan and record each week.
• Practice the Universal Law of Reciprocation by giving unselfishly.
  

Why should you offer the Body-for-LIFE Program/Challenge to your employees?

Workplace wellness programs are recognized by more and more companies for their value in improving the health and well-being of their employees. Investing in a corporate workplace wellness program like Body-for-LIFE is recognized as the smart way to improve overall employee morale, as well as reduce employee turnover and overall health care costs. By implementing Body-for-LIFE in your organization, you create a more energetic, positive and productive workplace that provides meaningful gains for your company or organization.

• Overall health benefits
  
  
  • Optimized cholesterol levels
  • Improved circulation
  • Increased cardiovascular capacity
  • Increased energy
  • Consistent blood sugar levels
    
    
• Goal setting—The principles of the Body-for-LIFE program can be used to succeed in all aspects of an employee's life.
  
  
• Time management—Body-for-LIFE shows people how to manage their time more effectively, allowing them to become more productive at work and home.
  
  
• Confidence—An inevitable occurrence of adhering to the program, achieving goals and mental and physical improvements.
  
• Competition—Truly brings out the best in people. The Body-for-LIFE Challenge eliminates the fear of competition because individuals learn they are ultimately competing against themselves.
  
  
• Clarity—By dedicating to a commitment like Body-for-LIFE, employees learn how to focus.
  
  
• Lifestyle Change—Body-for-LIFE is a comprehensive program that allows employees to live a healthy, active lifestyle for many years to come.

Awards and rewards

The most rewarding benefit of completing a 12-week Body-for-LIFE Challenge is the transformation of the body, mind and spirit as competitors lose fat, gain muscle and increase their self-confidence. In addition, EAS will be awarding twelve category champions in 2006 in the global Body-for-LIFE Challenge

Four easy steps to launching your Corporate Body-for-LIFE Challenge

1. Obtain full approval from your Human Resources Department.
   
   
2. Send an e-mail to (joseph.wesel@abbott.com) our Corporate Wellness Coordinator, Joseph Wesel (Hank) or call 614-624-5502 with the following information:
   
   
• Name of your company
• Number of employees
• Contact name and number for the individual who is facilitating your company Challenge

Once Hank receives this information, he will work with you to organize a Body-for-LIFE Challenge suited to your company’s needs and size. If you expect to have over 300 participants in your challenge ask us about our Changes that Last a Lifetime program! This program incorporates the Body-for-Life principals but has different levels of difficulty.


3. With the support of your Human Resources Department, send out a company-wide e-mail to inform and excite your employees about the program. This is a great way to gauge interest and gather feedback.
   
   
4. Encourage your company to provide an internal prize structure for employees who would participate in this program. This is a great way to promote internal finishers and winners.
   For any other questions regarding the launching and facilitation of a Body-for-LIFE Challenge at your company, please contact
   
   Hank Wesel, our Corporate Wellness Coordinator, at 614-624-5502 or (joseph.wesel@abbott.com)