Investing in oneself

FOSTORIA — The YMCA hosted its annual community wellness challenge earlier this year, giving locals the opportunity to engage in a healthy lifestyle as they compete against each other to win prizes. "It isn't about weight loss, more ... about being healthy," said Kristen Tiell, YMCA Program Director. Tiell said the 6-week workout program aims to keep participants in shape while enabling them to have fun. The challenge allows contestants to have full access to the YMCA and its facilities, and includes weigh-ins, health assessments and bonus fitness classes. Weekly challenges are also presented to the participants, with prizes given to the winners. At the end of the program, the top three individuals who lose the highest percentage of body fat are determined the winners of the challenge. This year's challenge winner was Doris Corey, who received first place overall. Corey, a two-year Fostoria resident, said she joined the challenge to focus on her health and meet new friends through the YMCA. Corey also is a wellness advocate for DoTerra Essential Oils and a Health Coach. Corey said the program challenged her to try new workouts from cardio drumming and aquatics, to biking and kickboxing classes. "You would think fitting fitness activity into your life would be more challenging," Corey said. "It didn't feel like an obstacle — it felt more like I had the energy to do the things I wanted to do." As a prize for coming in first place, Corey received a NutriBullet blender, three months of free membership at the Y, a session with a local photographer and a gift card. "Even if we step back sometimes, (we) should just keep trying to step forward making healthy choices," said Corey. "Investing in yourself is never a wrong decision." In second place was Doug Adrich and in third place was Karen Guillen, who had the most consistent progress, said Tiell. The challenge, which took place Jan. 17-Feb. 28, was sponsored by ProMedica. Registered nurses Becky Bouillon and Mandy Griffith of ProMedica conducted blood pressure checks on each participant on the first and last day of the challenge, said Tiell. Physical therapist Caroline Booth, and registered dietitian Carolyn Tienarend, hosted a new member orientation class to help participants along their fitness journey. Tiell said each participant received a motivational packet to help them stay on track during the challenge, which included a journal, calendar and healthy recipes picked out by staff nutritionist Terah Miller. Donations were made from the following businesses and organizations in support of the wellness challenge: Au Soleil Day Spa; Flowerland; Linda Manakee; Paul Motors; Ace Hardware; Clouse House Golf Club; American Table Restaurant; photography sessions from Autumn Fields, Gabrielle Rickle and Jenny Goshe; Chinook Soap Company; Lehmann Chiropractic Center; The Ritz Theatre; Wolph Chiropractic & Acupuncture; Coffee Amici; Style Encore; Bair Brothers Sporting Goods; Tiell Financial Design; Willow Design; and American Heritage Realty Inc.