UCC Operation Transformation 2014
Erin McCafferty- International Student of Maryland University USA
Fun, fitness, and friends!
All three of these things definitely capture the success of UCC’s second year of participating in Operation Transformation. Modeled after the nationally broadcasted Irish health programme, Operation Transformation follows its participants over eight weeks as they work towards their health and fitness goals. The participants are given access to work-out plans, nutritional information, and partake in weekly “weigh-ins,” where their progress is tracked by a team of Student Health physicians. Instead of focusing solely on losing weight, each participant is encouraged to aim towards bigger goals of health and a happy lifestyle!
This year eight individuals participated in the 2014 OpTrans as leaders. Coming from many different backgrounds—students, staff, mature students—they tirelessly dedicated themselves towards achieving a transformation…with wild success! The net weight loss for all nine leaders was 12 stones 4.6 lbs. The transformation has not stopped there though.
All of the participants have reported that their lifestyles are now much healthier and active.
In addition to the OpTrans leaders, this year’s transformation was also open to groups of students and staff. A total of 168 staff and students signed up!
They received a weekly weigh-in by doctors from Student Health, a pedometer to keep track of daily steps taken, and a blood pressure check half way through the programme. Teams enthusiastically challenged each other; some came up with creative names and even made t-shirts. Working diligently week after week, each group was able to celebrate massive success at the end of their transformations!
During the seven week journey to better health, the participants of Operation Transformation were able to participate in a few larger events.
One of these was the Mega-Measurement Day. This event brought out both leaders and groups to participate in a weigh-in and blood pressure check. Healthy snacks and water were also provided to the participants to encourage a healthy diet. In addition to the Mega-Measurement Day many of the participants trained over the seven weeks for UCC’s Desk to 5k. Whether they were running, walking, or jogging this fun-run had everyone moving and smiling!