Walkers in competition in Tax Department

More Americans are striving to live healthier lifestyles. But with busy schedules its not ...  More »

More Americans are striving to live healthier lifestyles. But with busy schedules its not always possible to get to the gym. Brad Feldman shows us how some state workers are using some friendly competition for motivation. (Sound) Its the morning break for team Tad and his cronies. (Nathan Bergman/ Tad & his Cronies) It started with the three of us and then we hand picked the next two based on their you know ability to keep walking. Bergman and his team are competing in the Tax Departments 1st ever Step Off Challenge. Seven teams consisting of five people are taking the next six weeks to try and become more active. (Kurt Landis/ Tad & His Cronies) We like to have some good friendly competition at the tax department. With their pedometers ready, this team is heading out to rack up all the steps they can. Besides walking, the teams can use a step conversion chart to include the steps they would use doing some activities. (Laura Anhalt/ Wellness Coordinator) When I do stair climbing when I go to the 16th floor to make a delivery of something I get to count that. (Jonathan Fleischer/ Tad & His Cronies) I did 26,000 on Monday. I had an hours worth of yard work moving some dirt. Whatever it takes, this team is working towards a healthier lifestyle. (Jonathan Fleischer/ Tad & His Cronies) Its the shame that you will get from the other team members if you dont keep up your portion of the exercising. But maybe even more important is the office bragging rights the winning team will have over the rest of their co workers. Brad Feldman KX News The North Dakota Legislature urged each of the State Agencies to begin wellness programs in the office. Each department that has a wellness program gets a one percent deduction from its monthly Blue Cross and Blue Shield premiums.  « Less