Motivator of others named UR Healthy winner
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Kilpatrick often works out in the Robins Center's cycling room. |
When Andrea Kilpatrick joined the University staff in November 2000, she was the most unhealthy she had ever been. She admits that she used the stress in her life as an excuse for not working out.
Two years later she had lost 50 pounds and was heavily involved in fitness classes from yoga to circuit training.
This year, she is the 2005–06 UR Healthy Employee Wellness Program winner.
Kilpatrick concentrated on working out and eating healthier for two years and then joined the wellness program when it began in 2002. She takes classes in the Robins Center during her lunch hour, working out at least four days a week.
She was nominated for the award by her co-worker, Tequita Cooper, who says Kilpatrick, a Banner programmer-analyst, has set an example, motivating her and others in their office to get fit.
“I think they should step away from their desks at lunchtime, even if it’s just to walk,” Kilpatrick says. “They say I’m relentless” when it comes to getting them up and exercising.
Tom Roberts, director of recreation and wellness, says Kilpatrick has been a regular at the Spider Sports Center for years. “She participates in a variety of group exercise and fitness instructional programs. I recently talked with several staff members who signed up for a fitness program at the encouragement of Andrea and because they knew that Andrea would motivate them to attend class and inspire them in class.”
The Wellness Center created the UR Healthy program to help faculty and staff members get healthy and/or stay healthy. There are currently more than 430 employees enrolled in the program.
Employees may sign up for UR Healthy by visiting the Wellness Center or going to http://oncampus.richmond.edu/student/ affairs/recwell/wellness/employee_ wellness.html. As they exercise, either in the Spider Sports Center, at home or at other fitness centers, they receive points, which make them eligible for seasonal prizes. Members also receive discounts from a variety of local businesses.
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