I am midway through the 5th Annual Healthiest You Challenge, and I must say that it has been a wonderful experience!

I decided to participate in the challenge to become a healthier individual and take a step in the right direction to permanently change my lifestyle. I knew that the program taught clinics on eating more efficiently and working out most effectively, and I knew that I could benefit from both aspects.

So is the DOCMS (Durham-Orange County Medical Society) Team!

The DOCMS (Durham-Orange County Medical Society) Team!

Being on Team Durham-Orange County Medical Society (Team Orange) has been really fun! We all enjoy our time together learning from our coach Tanja Bauer, who is extremely well-versed in fitness and living a healthy lifestyle. She teaches us many different ways to stretch and exercise so that we work the right muscle groups each time we exercise. Since starting the challenge I have begun working out four to five times a week, whereas before I was barely exercising twice a week. This increase isn’t due to any pressure I feel from others – it is because doing this challenge has opened my eyes to the everyday benefits of living healthy and doing right by my body.

The UNC Wellness Centers’ employees have all been extremely helpful as well. I often will approach an employee with a question about the cardio or strength machines and each time they have been respectful and kind! Since I live in Apex, the Northwest Cary location has been very convenient for me to stop by on my way home from work.

I am so glad I decided to enter in to this challenge. I know at the end of the six week period I will be a happier, healthier person and that I will look forward to maintaining the lifestyle forever.