Your One Step This Month: Get Moving!

Everyone benefits from physical activity, regardless of age, ethnicity, shape, abilities or size. So join the movement! In this issue of the Pulse, we’ll share ideas for getting a fitness routine started or taking your movement to the next level.

Gamify it. According to the American Heart Association (AHA), getting at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise per week can lower your risk for heart disease, which is the leading cause of death in the United States. You can reduce your risk even more with additional activity minutes. A fitness tracker can help you reach your goals by tracking your movement and sending reminders that keep you active. It can also spark your sense of competition and make movement — from walking a work site to sweeping your kitchen floor — more fun.

Go together. Whether it’s your partner, your dog or your best friend, a workout buddy can change how you feel about exercise. Encouraging each other can make you feel more adventurous and add consistency to your workout routine. If you don’t have a buddy in mind, you can get similar benefits working out with a group at a fitness class or the gym — and you may meet new friends along the way.

Get outside. If you work in a physically demanding job, the last thing you may want to do is go out and get even more exercise. But movement can still be good for you, especially when you spend time in nature. Taking a trip to a local nature preserve, park or lake can reduce stress and muscle tension and lower your risk of cardiovascular disease.

Perk at Work

For those on the Heritage medical plan, the Active and Fit Direct Program offers gym discounts and other perks. Simply register or, if you’d rather not join a gym, access 200 free virtual classes. 

Challenge Yourself to Do Something New

Have you heard of the Corporate Challenge? Every summer, members of the Heritage family form Team THG to compete against other Indianapolis-area companies in a half-day event at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Through the virtual component of this event — called the Movement Challenge — employees from Heritage companies across the country can participate and boost our total score.

No matter where you live or where you’ll be on July 20, you can earn points for Team THG by tracking your movement. That includes any physical activity from walking, running or rowing to Tai Chi, tennis or golf. Register as a virtual participant. Then, using this chart to convert time to miles, track and submit your results by 5 p.m. Thursday, July 20. Every entry helps — and those who reach 20+ miles earn a team T-shirt.

We Like to Move It

“I swim a mile every night after work, and it was nice to know my laps helped the team.”

—Darren Deeter, AMI Project Manager

Virtual Participant

“Even if you take part virtually, Corporate Challenge is a great way to represent the company, meet co-workers and kickstart a healthy habit.”

—Erin Crowther, Analyst for HG Ventures

Virtual Participant

An Indianapolis Option

Indy-area employees have the option to compete in person at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Friday, July 21. You can join Team THG as a cyclist, runner or walker, or in marquee events like tug-of-war and dodge ball.

“I love to compete, cheer on my teammates and represent The Heritage Group,” said THG Human Resources Business Analyst and Indy participant Janet Yates (pictured above). “You can bring your family, and there’s free food and stuff for children to do.” Register for in-person by July 6.



Questions? Reach out to Team Captain Mike Wertz.

Get Moving for Your Mental Health

Physical activity isn’t just good for your body. It can also improve your mood by reducing feelings of stress and anxiety by releasing natural endorphins to help you feel better. It may even reduce the risk of depression.

Achieving exercise goals can increase your self-confidence, even if those goals are small ones. Getting in shape also may improve self-esteem and help you sleep better.