Deborah B. Horn, DO, MPH

Director, UT Physicians Center for Obesity Medicine and Metabolic Performance

Professor, Department of Surgery

McGovern Medical School of UTHealth Houston

Thuyvan Hoang, MD 

UT Physicians Center for Obesity Medicine and

Metabolic Performance

Associate Professor, Department of Surgery

McGovern Medical School of UTHealth Houston

Spring Forward Fitness Challenge, April 1- May 8

It's not too late to join or form a team

Spring Forward is the UT system-wide team challenge hosted on the UT Living Well Platform powered by Limeade. Employees across UTHealth Houston can form a new team or join an existing one upon challenge registration beginning Wednesday, April 1st.

Each team will have 3-5 members. The goal is for each team to collectively log 1 million steps between all team members. Teams that meet the goal will earn 500 platform points per member.

UT System will award the UT institution with the greatest completion rate the coveted Traveling Trophy! Help UTHealth Houston bring back the trophy this season!

Challenge Dates

April 1st - May 8th

How to Join

Step 1: Start forming a team outside of the platform of 3-5 members, so you are ready to create your team when registration opens on April 1.

Step 2: If you haven't done so, create a profile on the Living Well Platform

Step 3: Sync your fitness device (optional)

Step 4: On April 1, you will be able to join the Spring Forward challenge on the Living Well Platform to start earning points!

Based on author James Clear's synthesized framework from psychology, biology, and neuroscience, the focus of forming a habit is on improving 1% daily through small, incremental changes ("atomic habits"), rather than massive overhauls. While 66 days is the average time it takes to form a habit, simple habits take less time, while complex ones take much longer. The concept revolves around the Four Laws of Behavior Change:

• Make it Obvious (Cue): Use "implementation intentions" (setting specific time/place) and environment design to trigger habits. 

Example: Set workout clothes out the night before (visual cue).

• Make it Attractive (Craving): Pair a new habit with something you enjoy (temptation bundling) to boost motivation. 

Example: Only listen to a favorite podcast while exercising. 

• Make it Easy (Response): Use the "Two-Minute Rule"—start with a habit that takes less than two minutes—to reduce friction. 

Example: Instead of "read 30 books," start with "read one page". 



• Make it Satisfying (Reward): Use immediate, small rewards to reinforce the behavior, such as using a habit tracker to keep a streak. 

Example: Marking an 'X' on a calendar for completing a daily task. 

Focus on the system over the goals: Focus on the process and identity who you want to become rather than just the final result. 

We asked, you shared

Last month's poll asked: What has supported your wellbeing most, recently? Most respondents shared that taking short breaks and adding movement has positively supported their wellbeing. We encourage you to continue these practices to help build lasting benefits. Here are some resources you can access right now:

• Join a team for the Spring Forward Fitness Challenge, April 1-May 8 Register on the LIving Well Platform. Take advantage of other wellness activities on the platform.
• Visit "Green Spaces" around the Texas Medical Center, or in your area of the State, if you are not in the TMC. Choose a place close to you for short, in-the-moment breaks.
• Take advantage of Well on Target through your UT Select Blue Cross Blue Shield health plan. Sign-up for fitness center discounts and earn points for wellness offerings.

Employee Assistance and Well-being Programs

713-500-3327 or email wellness@uth.tmc.edu