Cowboy Challenge encourages participants to develop a healthy lifestyle

Tuesday, March 1, 2016

Cowboy Challenge participant Ron Markum works out in the Colvin Recreation Center.

For many, getting back to the gym can be daunting. But the Cowboy Challenge Program looks to help Oklahoma State University faculty and staff develop a fitness routine they can stick to.

Ron Markum, senior research engineer for mechanical and aerospace engineering, enrolled in the program in an effort to return to a healthy lifestyle.

“I hadn’t been in the gym for 20 years,” Markum said. “I was feeling sluggish and wanted to get my energy and strength back, and the Cowboy Challenge looked like a good opportunity to do that.”

Under the mentorship of team coaches and a Registered Dietician, the Cowboy Challenge Program hopes to help the participants with both physical and nutritional assistance. Tabi Deal, health educator, and Eric Conchola, fitness specialist, are two of the Cowboy Challenge team coaches. In addition to coaching, Deal and Conchola oversee biometric and physical testing throughout the program. The program requires the participants to train with a Cowboy Challenge personal trainer twice a week, as well as accrue 150 minutes of physical activity a week. Through food journaling and nutritional presentations, Registered Dietician Abby Stover assists the participants with modifications and adjustments to their daily food intake.

Cowboy Challenge participant Julie Koch works out in the Seretean Wellness Center.

For Julie Koch, associate professor of counseling psychology, the leadership of Conchola and Deal was the best part of the program.

“The most amazing thing about the program is the people who run it,” Koch said. “Eric took me through the weight room and showed me how to use all the weight machines so now I’m not intimidated. And Tabi is like a personal cheerleader. I’m not even in the program anymore and she still emails me encouragement. The two of them are so encouraging and supportive that it’s made me want to keep going.”

Both Koch and Markum have seen significant improvements in their health and credit the program with giving them the resources they needed to make healthy lifestyle changes.

“When I first went in, my cholesterol count was about 240, which is pretty high,” Markum said. “I last checked in December and it was 163. All my biometric indicators have come back into the normal range. And I feel a lot better and have more energy.”

Koch and Markum both left the program impressed by the Department of Wellness’ dedication to OSU’s faculty and staff.

“I really appreciate these programs,” Koch said. “As an employee, it makes me feel like I’m valued.”

Markum was so impressed by the Cowboy Challenge that he enrolled in Cowboy Boot Camp and recommends the Department of Wellness’ programs to his fellow employees.

“I was very impressed by this program. And to offer it free of charge and to have all of the support that the program offered — it was a life-changer for me.”

For more information about the programs offered through the Department of Wellness, visit wellness.okstate.edu.

Story by Catherine Wilson

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