Ton of Fun

Photo captions: Photo 1: The fall 2016 Ton of Fun program kicks off at Fleet Feet Sports Sarasota, where participants receive a free, technical 5K “No Boundaries” training shirt. Photo 2: Beth Granger, UnitedHealthcare Health Strategies Consultant (center right), leads an information session on setting goals and healthy eating habits. Photo 3: Ton of Fun program participants start their 5K training and UnitedHealthcare Step Contest Journey. Photo 4: Coaches Sonja Behn (far left), Michael Morrison of FitnessQuest (2nd row) and Kelli Anderson (back row) join Ton of Fun participants at their graduation 5K race on Sat., Dec. 3, 2016, including UnitedHealthcare Step Contest winners Sammi Henderson (far right), Debra Alves (far left second row) and Nina James (2nd from left, front row) who all received Fleet Feet Sports gift certificates after the race.

UnitedHealthcare and Fleet Feet Sports Sarasota recently completed their fifth 10-week Ton of Fun weight loss and fitness program session, which to-date has helped more than 150 Sarasota and Manatee County residents lose weight and discover ways to lead a fitter and healthier lifestyle.

Following the established 10-week program curriculum that includes regularly scheduled workouts, 5K training program, yoga classes and special goal setting, nutrition and healthy cooking information sessions, participants were also motivated through incentives that included gift card rewards for meeting 5K, 10K and half-marathon weight loss goals (3.1, 6.2 and 13.1 pounds respectively) as well as completing the most steps through the UnitedHealthcare Step Contest. Weekly e-news and a private Facebook group page also allowed participants and other community partners to provide ongoing support, share recipes and success stories and engage each other in living a healthy life.

More than 1,195 miles covered

A special UnitedHealthcare Step Contest, which included a free pedometer and awards to the top three “steppers,” was also part of the program, with prizes to the top three “steppers.” Collectively, participants tallied more than 3.8 millions steps, the equivalent of 1,915 miles or 72 marathons (based on 2,000 steps per mile).

A partnership between Fleet Feet Sports Sarasota and UnitedHealthcare, the Ton of Fun Challenge aims to help Sarasota and Manatee County, Fla. residents lead a healthier lifestyle, one day, one step, one recipe at a time. Access to local professionals and mentors in wellness, nutrition and fitness provide participants with a well-rounded and balanced approach to weight loss, while offering an invaluable support network for all the people taking on this personal challenge. For more information, visit www.fleetfeetsarasota.com.