Whitehaven Maules Creek health challenge changing lives

Sean Harris, a trainer at Whitehaven's Maules Creek mine, took on the company's HealthHaven challenge in 2018 and lost 25kg as a result.

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"This time last year I was 117kg and now I'm about 92kg. I only lost 7cm off my waist during the challenge, so I kept going afterwards," he said.

Mr Harris said he completed the 12-week challenge as he "knew it was time for a change".

"[I was] severely overweight, was 43 years-old, my blood pressure was 150/90, my father died of cancer, [and] both grandfathers died of cancer young," Mr Harris said.

"I was a bit embarrassed about photos; I didn't like going out in places where you have to wear nice clothes. I get out and about more; I'm more outgoing."

He said during the challenge, he gave up smoking and changed the way he looked at fitness and eating.

"During the actual challenge, my blood pressure came down, I had more energy, [and] I slowly started getting better eating habits," he said.

"I walked to the shops, walked more around work and made time for exercise. I tracked my steps with a Fitbit, which I purchased for the challenge."

Mr Harris now exercises five days per week and spends more time with his family.

"My wife's a crossfitter and my biggest inspiration with my wife is that she's confident," he said.

He said Whitehaven staff should consider taking part in this year's challenge.

"Your health is your life. You've just gotta start; once you start and you're dedicated to it, everything in your life gets better," he said.

"Get up, just do it, and you'll reap the benefits."

Employees who take part in the voluntary program undergo an initial full health check before competing as individuals against other Whitehaven sites for prizes.

The principle goal for the challenge is to generate long term well-being and healthy lifestyle choices for all employees.

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