Employees 'Get Moving' at The Gym

Four times a week, Stacy Sabraw works out on a rowing machine, runs a mile and lifts weights at Orangetheory Fitness in Durham. She’s lost eight pounds since beginning classes in April 2018 but is even happier with the results off the scale.   

“I’ve seen my fitness and mental state improve,” said Sabraw, instructor for the English for International Students program within the Duke Graduate School. “Anytime I finish a workout, I get this sense of accomplishment. I leave the gym and any stress I feel about work – grading papers or finishing lesson plans – seems so much more manageable.” 

The Get Moving Challenge is motivating Sabraw to exercise even when she doesn’t want to leave her house on cold rainy days. Sabraw’s determination helps her Get Moving team, “Deviled Legs,” sit in 71^st place in the competition. 

This week, we award Sabraw with a free chair massage for sharing a picture after her Valentine’s Day workout class with founder of Orangetheory Fitness, Ellen Latham. 

We’d love to see your exercise and wellness pictures during the Get Moving Challenge, which ends March 17. Photos can be a selfie or more organized picture, but the image must reflect your participation in the challenge and note why fitness and wellness are important to you. 

As of Feb. 25, “Medicine_IM_Pheidippides” was in first place in the team challenge with about 1 million steps. Beverly Hester, a financial analyst in oncology, remained in first place in the individual competition with 3.1 million steps. 

Here are some of the latest photos from the Get Moving Challenge.  

Dancing her way to health

Claudia De La Cruz, an international student and scholar adviser for Duke Visa Services, gets her workout in by dancing in Zumba classes at the Downtown Durham YMCA. 

“I love to dance,” she said. “Zumba provides a great time, great cardio, and lots of fun.”

Boot Camp boost

The Get Moving Challenge inspired Jeannine Sato, Duke OIT communications strategist, to rejoin Durham's Burn Boot Camp. Sato completes a mix of weight resistance and cardio exercises like short sprints, burpees and push-ups during 45-minute classes.

"It's the only thing that works for me consistently," said Sato, in the blue feather boa. "We work really hard, but it's super fun."

Soaking up the sun

Christine Tenekjian‎, clinical dietician for the Duke Diet and Fitness Center, worked out on the top level of Research Drive Garage on one of the recent and rare sunny days.

"Catching a mid-day exercise break," she said. "Seven-minute workout on the top level parking deck, to be followed by a campus run. Loving this weather."

Here’s how you can share your Get Moving Challenge picture:

• Post the photo and use #HealthyDuke on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook. Note what you’re doing and why fitness and wellness are important to you. Remember, use #HealthyDuke so we see your snapshots on social media;
• Post a photo and caption on the Working@Duke’s Facebook page: facebook.com/workingatduke;
• Or, upload your picture here.