As summer approaches, many people start thinking more about getting fit and leading healthier lifestyles; we want to look better in our bathing suits, but many find that it can be quite difficult to get started with a new exercise program or diet.

Our Marriott associates are no exception, and that's why we've developed our TakeCare wellness program -- to help our associates and their families get started on their path to a healthier life.  This program is designed to help associates make small changes to their daily routine, because small changes add up and eventually become healthy habits.

As part of the program, we have created challenges in which man of our associates from around the world compete.  The most recent challenge launched at the beginning of May.  It's called Get Moving at Marriott and it encourages participants to complete 150 minutes of exercise a week for 8 weeks.

The challenge is designed as a virtual tour around the globe and each week will feature a different Marriott property from all over the world.  As associates successfully complete 150 minutes of exercise a week, they will move toward the next destination on the challenge route.  All associates who finish a week with the full 150 minutes of exercise will be entered into a raffle for a prize representing that week's destination.

While this challenge is open to man of our associates around the world, several of our hotels have put in place their own wellness initiatives.  For example, the associates at our JW Marriott Ihilani Resort and Spa in Hawaii worked together to build their own fitness center to help them stay active.

They also hosted a contest based on the TV show, "The Biggest Loser" for the second year in a row.  The contest just ended a few weeks ago and the female winner lost an impressive 11.6% of her starting weight, and the male winner was able to shed 5.5% of his starting weight.  Congratulations to both of the winners and good luck to all of our associates who are currently participating in the Get Moving at Marriott challenge.

Activities and programs like these go to show that our hotels and associates are truly committed to improving their health and well being.

I'm Bill Marriott and thanks for helping me keep Marriott on the move. 

www.blogs.marriott.com/marriott-on-the-move