The Wellness Program that Wasn't

Last year the company I work for held a weight loss challenge.  There was a lot of participation and it was generally a good thing for all involved.  This year they have decided to make it a "Wellness Program" with a point system.  People are issued pedometers and get points for how many steps they take as well as monthly challenges.  So far I have been less than impressed with the challenges.

The first challenge was to drink more water:  For every eight ounces you get to add 200 points to your total.  Now, I'm sure that more water consumption won't hurt the average person taking this challenge, but it may not necessarily help either.  OK, no big deal.  Not really a winner or a loser here.  It just feels kind of arbitrary to me.

The second challenge showed up in my inbox this morning: "This month’s challenge is to eat more whole grain foods.   For each serving award yourself 200 points.  A ‘serving’ is as directed by the manufacturer."  The first picture that came to my mind was of someone gorging themselves on whole grain foods, racking up points as the rack up the pounds.  It actually struck me as quite silly.

In all, I think the pedometer is the best part of this program so far.  A sedentary lifestyle is certainly taking it's toll as I approach 40.  I think I'll just opt out of the challenges.