Dean Clinic employee embarks on new fitness journey

Ten professionals and 10 teams are competing in the 2014 Get Fit Challenge, a spinoff of IB’s popular Fittest Executive Challenge. Who will earn the healthiest marks? Follow along on Facebook and then find out at the In Business Expo & Conference on Oct. 22. This week, IB checks in with Jamie Hinman, quality improvement specialist for Dean Clinic, who is competing in the individual challenge.

When I completed the application for the Get Fit Challenge, I never thought I would be chosen. When I got the email telling me that I had been picked, it came at a great time in my life. I was in the middle of switching jobs (something MUCH better!), had just finalized my divorce, and had the mindset to start a new path in my life. My hope is that the Get Fit Challenge will keep me accountable and instill healthy habits.

I have always been athletic — in sports in high school, active in college. At the same time, I’ve always been “big-boned.” As I got older, I have grown to accept that “big-boned” descriptor, but now my goal is just to be healthy and happy and accept me for me.

Even since having my son, who is now 7 years old, my outlook on life has changed. Now I know I must be healthy to keep up with him and live a long life so I can enjoy his as he grows up. I have another person I am responsible for and he looks up to me, so I need to create healthy habits for him to follow.

So my fitness goal is to be healthy and happy in my own skin. I know it sounds broad, but it’s hard for me to quantify a fitness goal. I know my BMI will never be under 25. Given my body type, it’s not healthy for me to have a BMI of 25. I want to feel healthy, have greater confidence (especially since I’m entering the dating world again after 10 years!), have my clothes fit just right, and have a glow on my face because I’m truly happy.

(Continued)

I have to admit, getting started has been challenging. I’m just at the end of my “former” life and my ex is moving out at the end of May. This has been difficult for my son, and he comes first over anything. So I have postposed exercise so I can be with him. June 1 will be a new day. So even though I am starting later than the rest, my mind will be in the right state to truly start focusing on myself.

I feel I eat fairly well, especially during the week. I started a food journal, which has helped me see exactly how much fiber, protein, and fat and how many carbs and calories I’m eating in a day.

Stay tuned for my next blog in July — it will include a great update on my progress!

Meet all of the competitors here, and see who wins at the In Business Expo & Conference.