By Abby Cole, Comm ’16, communication specialist
Kim Huettl has lost 75 pounds over the past five years and says she finally feels like she has a sustainable, long-term daily health plan.
The graduate program recruiter for the Graduate School of Management credits her transformation to WW International, Inc. (formerly known as “Weight Watchers”) and Marquette’s Virgin Pulse wellness portal, which the university began offering in fall 2018.
Not only does Huettl diligently follow the WW program, she’s also a shining example of how using Virgin Pulse to its fullest reaps countless health and lifestyle benefits. She checks the portal daily — reading the cards, tracking healthy habits and participating in various challenges.
Huettl says she is motivated by the opportunity to win prizes; however, what she finds most valuable is how the Virgin Pulse portal has improved her mindfulness.
“I love that Virgin Pulse takes a holistic approach, and that the content isn’t just about healthy eating and exercise,” Huettl says. “There are tips for maintaining healthy relationships, interacting with the environment and getting involved with your community.”
The 30-year higher education veteran says Marquette’s commitment to cura personalis, or care for the whole person, truly sets it apart as a leader in employee wellness.
Huettl tries to get out and walk around campus at least once a day.
“Every college or university for which I have worked has encouraged the development of the whole person in its students through academic and co-curricular planning,” she says. “I very much appreciate working at Marquette, which does the same for its employees — placing value on our physical, spiritual and mental well-being.”
Huettl has already exceeded 50,000 Virgin Pulse points, but she doesn’t intend to stop any time soon.
“Why people often struggle in a health or weight loss challenge is because they don’t make the process livable,” she said. “Like WW, the Virgin Pulse wellness offerings are easy to implement. I only incorporate habits that fit into my daily routine. And these changes aren’t drastic, they’re reasonable habits that you can sustain for the rest of your life.”
Get more information and sign up for the Virgin Pulse portal today.
Related Marquette Today content: Virgin Pulse Wellness Portal: The facts
