VCU news

By Mike Porter

The Virginia Commonwealth University Police Department kicked off the first “Chief Venuti’s Fitness Challenge” on May 6. For the next 18 weeks, 96 members of the police and security forces on both campuses will participate in a friendly competition to lose weight and improve fitness.

In addition, participants who smoke are trying to quit during the competition. 

Police Chief John Venuti joined the VCU Police department in February after a long career with the City of Richmond Police Department. He launched the fitness challenge because he has seen the negative impact police work can have on an employee’s physical well-being.

“There’s no doubt about it. It’s a very difficult career that takes its toll on the body,” Venuti said.

The fitness challenge kicked off at the Franklin Street Gymnasium with a ceremony and weigh-in to record the official starting weight of each competitor. Guest speakers from The Wellness Resource Center and VCU Recreational Sports shared information about programs and recreational opportunities available at VCU to help the participants meet their fitness goals.

“Weight loss is the focus of the competition, but really it’s about health. We want everyone to do this in a structured and healthy way,” said VCU Senior Vice President for Finance and Administration John M. Bennett, who is also participating in the fitness challenge. 

Though the competition was fierce, the competitors were playful, at least on day one, bringing rounds of laughter with the announcement of team names such as the “Porky Pigs,” “Mission Slim-possible,” “Biscuits and Gravy” and “The Night Riders,” a team appropriately made up of drivers from VCU’s escort service.

And just like in television programs such as “Survivor” or “The Biggest Loser,” competitors were quick to plan their strategies and even engage in some trash talking. When one participant weighed in, another member of the same team jokingly pushed down on the scale with his foot to give his teammate a higher starting weight. But Sgt. Nicole Dailey, who confidentially recorded each participant’s starting weight, wasn’t fooled.

Even the chief got in on the fun.

“I kind of wish you all luck but not really,” Venuti joked. 

Bimonthly weigh-ins will continue for the duration of the competition. Prizes will be awarded for individual and team weight loss and for smoking cessation following the final weigh-in on Sept. 10.

While Chief Venuti is hoping for improved health and fitness for his employees, he recognizes the challenge is also an important way to boost camaraderie and teamwork.

“At the end of the day if we stay strong and healthy, that will echo throughout our lives and we’ll be happier and more productive at work and at home,” Venuti said.