Positive Loser – A Community Based Fitness Program

How did this program start?

• Community members told RHCP researchers about the need for addressing exercise and healthy foods in order to promote a healthy lifestyle and help prevent chronic diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and obesity.
• Researchers and community members agreed to work together to start a fitness and wellness program called Positive Loser.
• Community members chose the exercise activities and nutrition topics through a “fitness fair.”

Who participated in Positive Loser and what did they do?

• About 50 women from Somali, Cambodian, Hispanic, and African American communities in Rochester participated.
• 6 week program with classes that met 2 times a week at the Rochester Area Family Y
• Each class had two parts: exercise and nutrition/healthy tips that were led by certified fitness (Adeline and Karen) and nutrition (Kim) instructors

What did we measure in this study?

• The participants wore a pedometer during the week to measure activity level
• Before and after the 6 week program, we took these measurements from the participants:
  • Height and weight
  • Waist/hip ratio
  • Blood pressure
  • Blood sugar
  • Cholesterol
  • A survey that asked questions about personal habits of nutrition and exercise, and quality of life (stress level, happiness)