DeAnn O'Dell is 2007's Healthy Program winner

DeAnn O'Dell works out at the Weinstein Center.

DeAnn O'Dell has been exercising for many years, but the opening of the Weinstein Center for Recreation and Wellness elevated her commitment to fitness.

"Everyone can go over there and find something they enjoy doing," she said.

O'Dell usually can be found in the center at least two days a week, participating in a variety of activities from body sculpting to circuit training. When not exercising, she works as administrative assistant in the Office of Admission.

For her commitment to fitness and the inspiration she provides to others, O'Dell was selected as the 2007 UR Healthy Employee Program winner.

"DeAnn has fully embodied everything our UR Healthy program is designed for," said Seth Hickerson, assistant director of fitness and wellness. "She has been constant in her own commitment to fitness as well as being a wonderful inspiration and motivator to all those around her."

Soon after the Weinstein Center opened, O'Dell and 17 other undergraduate admission employees formed two teams to compete in a fitness competition, modeled after the TV program "Biggest Loser." O'Dell "rallied around" the team members, "encouraging them to work out, get fitness assessments and meet with the campus dietician. She has even encouraged individuals in other departments to begin using the Weinstein Center," said Tracy Cassalia, health educator.

Although the teams lost momentum, O'Dell has continued toward achieving her personal goal of losing 10 pounds.

"There are so many classes and so many excellent instructors, I'm in it for the long haul," she said.

A University employee since 1994, O'Dell has been using campus exercise facilities since the late 1990s. She also has been doing Jazzercise since 1980 and along with her husband, likes to bicycle on "rail trails," converted former railroad beds now serving as multi-use trails.

The UR Healthy Employee Wellness Program is designed to promote a healthy lifestyle among Richmond's employees. To register, go to oncampus.richmond.edu/student/affairs/recwell.

Members participate in the type of activity that best suits them. The hand biometrics system in Weinstein tracks participation, and employees are eligible for incentive prizes at the end of fall, spring and summer semesters. "Next year we hope to add a walking-running program for those individuals who wish to participate in outdoor activities," said Cassalia.