Ready for 'Take Off': Team Lean Challenge Begins March 2

  • Published
  • By Meredith March
  • 66th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. --  Air Force Materiel Command's Team Lean Challenge is returning to Hanscom and other bases across the command, taking place from March 2 to May 29. The command-wide theme for this year's challenge is "Cleared for Take Off," which focuses on clearing the way for permanent healthy lifestyle changes. These changes can, in turn "take off" the weight.

During the challenge, team members will compete by working out regularly and changing their eating habits in order to lose weight. Teams composed of five participants will compete against each other by comparing collective weight loss. Participants can sign up with a team or as individuals to be assigned to a team.

At each AFMC base, awards will be given to the top three teams with the highest percentage of weight loss, the winning unit and a winning individual. Additionally, the base with the highest weight loss percentage will be recognized at the end of the competition. Over the last two years, the AFMC has lost an average of 8,100 pounds, and is looking to increase that figure.

The challenge, which spans a three month period, allows participants time to instill good habits, build a routine and lose weight in a safe, healthy manner. Beyond building healthier lifestyles, TLC's purpose is also to foster the AFMC Wingman concept by encouraging participants to work together to achieve their goals.

Enrollment for the challenge began Feb. 2, online at www.afmcwellness.com. Participants need to establish a login and password and input some information to enter the contest.

Participants should access the website often to log exercise time, nutrition information and weight progress; chat with team members and view online support. Once the Challenge begins, participants will receive weekly motivational e-mails.

The Team Lean Challenge will kick off at a base-wide Health and Wellness Expo at the Fitness and Sports Center Feb. 26, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The expo will serve as a one-stop shopping source for all of the information -- including nutrition, exercise and health information -- individuals will need to start the program. Weigh-ins will also be available.

For more information and to register, visit The Wellness Support Center at www.afmcwellness.com.

Steps to completing online enrollment

In addition to the official weigh-in, participants must be enrolled online for Team Lean Challenge. Weigh-in information cannot be entered until online enrollment is complete. Log onto the Wellness Support Center at www.afmcwellness.com to establish an account. Civilians must take the online Health Risk Appraisal. Taking the HRA does not sufficiently complete the enrollment process for the Team Lean Challenge. Adhere to the following instructions: 

First-time visitors to the Wellness Support Center (never created an account), should begin at Step 1 

Civilians who have an account, but need to re-take the HRA can log-in and begin at Step 4 

Active-duty servicemembers and civilians with current HRAs can log in and begin at Step 5

Step 1: Go to www.afmcwellness.com
Step 2: Click on civilian wellness or active duty wellness
Step 3: Create your new account by selecting your own login identification and password (active-duty servicemembers can create an account and access the site without taking the HRA, proceed to Step 5)
Step 4: Click on "Take the Assessment Now" and answer the questions
Step 5: From the home page, click the link near the Team Lean Challenge logo
Step 6: In the upper right hand corner of the screen, Click 'Enroll Here'
Step 7: Fill in your first and last name and requested team (team name preferred)

A pop-up box will state "Thank you for registering for Team Lean Challenge." This will complete the online registration and enrollment process. See a CHPS or HAWC staff member to officially weigh-in on one of the days and times listed previously. Once the online enrollment and official weigh-in is complete, participation will be official.

TLC weigh-in times, locations

Feb. 18 -- Building 1305 from 7:30 to 11 a.m.
Feb. 19 -- Building 1614 from 7:30 to 11 a.m.
Feb. 20 -- Building 1606 from 7:30 to 11 a.m.
Feb. 23 -- Building 1624 from 7:30 to 11 a.m.
Feb. 24 -- Building 1630 (Atrium) from 7:30 to 11 a.m.
Feb. 25 -- Building 1600 room 112 from 7:30 to 11 a.m.
Feb. 26 -- TLC Health Expo and weigh-in at the Fitness and Sports Center from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

(James Baker, Skywrighter staff, contributed to this article)