CIGNA 'Drives' Fitness

Aiming to help improve the health of its employees, while reducing the administrative costs associated with its wellness program, CIGNA (Philadelphia) has adopted the online "Get Fit on Rt. 66" program, reports Kris Corbett, CIGNA's working well/living well coordinator. The program has helped 10,212 employees begin, track and stick with exercise activities. It is provided by Health Enhancement Systems (Midland, MI) and accessed via CIGNA's intranet.

Get Fit on Rt. 66 features an online journey across the country, during which employees are encouraged to participate in cardiovascular, strength and flexibility training, and log their workout minutes on the program's site. Minutes are converted into miles, and the goal is to "drive" a virtual car from Chicago to California in 60 days or less.

Sixty-five percent of employees who register for the program complete it, and average weight-loss among employees using the program is 6.5 pounds. Incentives, which are presented at important milestones, include a Blockbuster movie card, a $20 Foot Locker gift certificate and a raffle for 10 $100 American Express gift checks. Additional program features include a "healthy diner" thatfeatures healthy recipes, a health coach Q&A function, and a pacesetter that informs employees how far along the road they are compared to other employees.