By Sandi Adcox – Grand Junction, Colorado … The Grand Junction Seventh-day Adventist Church remains active during the ongoing pandemic with a variety of activities. Among them is a ministry for seniors, called SAGE.
In March of 2020, SAGE rolled out a new fitness program which quickly turned into a virtual wellness program after the pandemic made it difficult to meet in person. Designed to encourage individuals to “put their bodies in motion” and set personal goals, the program was introduced as a “challenge”; however, individuals did not challenge one another, but rather challenged themselves to become more active, and to improve mood and over-all wellness.
After the challenge ended in March, a group of six individuals decided to continue throughout 2020, accumulating approximately 11,000,000 steps, or 5,500 miles by the end of the year.
Eighteen individuals accepted the initial challenge in March, each armed with a pedometer or other movement-tracking device. Participants recorded their daily activity, and at the end of the month, submitted their totals. Collective achievements of the original group included climbing two 14-ers, one individual losing 10 pounds, doing hundreds of pull-ups and push-ups, lifting weights, accomplishing more than 50 hikes, painting fences, digging ditches, completing yard work, and a lot of walking and biking.
Participant Joan Ryan said, “My original personal goal was 6,000 steps a day, but I soon increased it to 10,000 steps. I feel so much better, and more stable since starting the challenge. I appreciate this program because it encourages me to keep moving.”
The Fitness Challenge will continue in 2021 at the request of participants who say it motivates, creates awareness, and makes them accountable for staying active.
–Sandi Adcox is senior ministry leader for Grand Junction church; photo by pixabay.
