On your mark. Get set … BLAM!
That’s right. Starting today, Kent State University employees will move more, sit less and thrive through boosting, learning, assessing, moving and sharing (BLAMs).
Once again, TEAM KENT STATE will set their bodies in motion and strive to sit atop the leaderboard for recognition as the Most Active Employer in the country during this year’s 12-week national On the Move Challenge competition.
“Last year, we finished 17th in the national On the Move Challenge, receiving recognition as one of the top 25 most active employers in the nation,” says Kim Hauge, Kent State’s director of employee wellness. “Now, we're back for more, and hope all faculty and staff will join our movement in this national competition that moves you physically, emotionally and relationally.”
The competition will help you learn how to incorporate more movement into your day. In addition, participants will learn more about:
- Nutrition and Lifestyle Choices that Fuel a Healthier You - April
- Financial Wellness - May
- Physical Activity - June
What to Expect as Part of TEAM KENT STATE
This is not your typical “challenge” and comes with no 10K-per-day requirement, no guilt, no shame and no punishment. It does come with in-the-moment feedback from the weekly Learn and Assess curriculum. Feel a sense of comradery and connection with your Kent State teammates. Find new ways to move your body where, when and how you want. Take advantage of weekly opportunities to “boost” your Kent State peers. You have nothing to lose and only better health to gain.
This challenge starts today and is open to all full- and part-time Kent State faculty and staff on all campuses. In addition, full-time employees can earn 60 Tier 2 Wellness Your Way points if they earn at least 65 percent of total available points in the challenge. This is in addition to points you may have earned in the University Challenge.
How to Register – Late Registration Open through April 9
- Registration is easy. Simply go to https://onthemovechallenge.welcoa.org/register/KentStateThrives247. The registration window has been extended until April 9. The competition officially begins today, April 2.
- All participants must register, even if you have participated in prior On the Move competitions.
- Complete your profile and get a head start on points by completing Step It Up! for 100 bonus points!
- An activity tracking device (Garmin, Fitbit, etc.) is not required to participate, but you may link a device if you have one at the time you set up your profile. There are several compatible devices and apps that work with the On the Move platform.
The Employee Wellness office believes in making healthy fun! In doing so, the office developed a supplemental game board to go along with the On the Move Challenge. This is completely optional, but a great way to engage others, become eligible for even more prizes and reward your efforts. The Employee Wellness office also set up a Rec and Play Day on April 20 at the Student Recreation and Wellness Center. Click here for more details and to register for Rec and Play Day.
Additional dates and opportunities are being planned to bring together employees to move more. Do not forget to check out the Move Communities page for walking groups, maps and more. If you are seeking partners or wish to start an activity, simply email wellness@kent.edu to have your “move community” added to this resource page. TEAM KENT STATE is on a mission, and you do not want to miss out. Join TEAM KENT STATE today!
If you have questions, please contact the Employee Wellness office at ext. 20392 or 27505. You also may email wellness@kent.edu. An informational page with frequently asked questions also is available at www.kent.edu/hr/benefits/move-challenge.