De-stress your staff with Hearts N' Parks

Parks & Recreation, Jan, 2005

The South Bend City Employee Hearts N' Parks program was implemented for the first time three years ago in our attempt to reach out to overworked and often "stressed out" city employees, who were in need of a healthy tune up. The city put together the following 10- to 12-week program. Wanted posters for 30 dedicated city employees were distributed all over the city departments advertising a free Fitness Center membership during the 10-week program, free Hearts N Parks T-shirts, and a free one-year membership to those who attended eight of the 10, one-hour weekly sessions. A certificate of achievement and improved physical fitness, reduced illness, improved sleep, improved overall health and self esteem were also advocated.

Each program session started with the pre-test and concluded with the post test. In between are several one-hour class sessions that consisted of the following: a Pilates class; Fitness Ball class; guest speaker on nutrition; The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute video on cardiovascular disease and discussion; Yoga class; lecture on Body Fat, Body Mass Index and How to Begin a Safe Exercise Program; Blood Sugar, Blood Cholesterol Testing (LDL & HDL); and Proper Stretching & Flexibility Exercises. At each class a healthy snack was provided, in addition to a healthy recipe, and related handouts to each class session. Lunch was served at the final class during the post test, in addition to individual certificates of achievements and one year free fitness center memberships. The program had a great success rate, and South Bend employees had a wonderful experience.

Priscilla Phillips, who participated in the program said, "Pilates was intense! I think I ruptured my spleen as well as splintered my left tibia ... but I have to admit, it was very relaxing and some of the moves actually felt good. The "stretching" session really made me wonder what in the world did my legs ever do to me? I got home that evening--called my doctor--and begged for a 10-year prescription for support hose. But ... I have to admit, it was very helpful. I didn't know quite what to expect when I enrolled--I am very pleased that I did."