Palmer Johnson powers its way to better health

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 Ben Schwarz of Palmer Johnson Power Systems, which is competing in the team challenge. Schwarz’s co-workers Tara Conger and Lisa Siegle round out the team.

My name is Ben Schwarz, I am 25 years old, and I’ve been working with Palmer Johnson Power Systems since 2008. When I first heard about the Get Fit Challenge, I was interested right away. Like everyone else, I tend to get caught up in life and find it difficult to take care of my body. Five years ago I was 30 pounds lighter and had more energy.

Before I started the Get Fit Challenge, I just thought this was the way it was going to be every year — I get a little heavier and more out of shape. But I have learned through this program that it is not just about exercise, it’s also about preparing balanced meals and watching what you eat. We have been working with Tracie Fountain Nutrition and taking part in her eight-week seminar series, and it has changed the way I think about food. Learning this information and being physically fit is helping me feel better each and every day. This is important in my role as a service technician, as I work on heavy equipment and am on my feet all day. It also gives me the energy to chase around my little boy. 

With the help of Palmer Johnson Power Systems and the Get Fit Challenge, I have been on a path of change. I work out twice a week and have been eating real — not processed — foods. Through just these couple of changes, I have noticed my weight going down and my energy going up. Like I said before, this wouldn’t have been possible without a good support system and some well-defined goals. So thank you, Get Fit Challenge, for showing me that it can be done.

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

Click here to sign up for the free IB ezine — your twice-weekly resource for local business news, analysis, voices, and the names you need to know. If you are not already a subscriber to In Business magazine, be sure to sign up for our monthly print edition here.