Program Improves Fitness, Serves as JCC Fundraiser

Stuart Wachs is a self-proclaimed physical fitness nut.

Running. Weightlifting. Aerobics.

He does, or has done, just about everything you can think of to stay in shape and be healthy.

So, when he heard about a program called Plus-3, he jumped all over it.

Wachs is the CEO of the in St. Louis Park. The JCC has many features, programs and physical fitness facilities. There is a large selection of free weights and machines, a running track, a swimming pool and courts for basketball, tennis and racquetball.

“I felt the Plus-3 program fit not only what a lot of our members are already doing, but would also benefit the JCC as a whole,” Wachs said.

Rick Sutton, who lives in the Bay Area of northern California, developed Plus-3 about three years ago. It's designed to motivate both individuals and groups to become physically active, or more physically active, through a vast array of activities. These can be as extensive as the kinds of physical exercise done by someone like Wachs, or just through simple physical activities like walking or even gardening.

In return, each individual accumulates points—called “kudos”—and for each kudo earned, a certain amount of money is given to a select charity or organization. In this case, the recipient is the JCC itself, and that money is used to bolster the various programs and services it provides for the community.

Twin Cities-based Erik’s Bike Shop serves as the corporate sponsor, providing the financial support for the program locally.

“The response by the membership has been great,” Wachs reports. “People can compete against others because the kudos are posted, or groups can form up and compete against other groups. It’s pretty flexible."

Wachs says the benefits are also seen in social networking and positive feedback associated with Plus-3.

“People encourage each other to keep doing what they are doing, and to get better and continue to improve their fitness and overall health," he said.

Justin Perl has been a member of the JCC since he was a kid and as an adult uses the JCC to play racquetball, lift weights and do cardio work on the elliptical machines.

"I was immediately turned on by the idea of Plus-3 when it was unveiled because it's just another incentive to stay in shape and be healthy," Perl said.

“Since I and my family do a good deal of biking, I also have become a loyal customer of Erik’s due to their corporate support of the program,"  said the Golden Valley attorney.

Ray Levi, an educator who lives in Minneapolis, said Plus-3 motivates him to be conscious of fitness and wellness.

"The competition is very friendly and fun,” he added.

Levi, who primarily focuses on strength training and cardio exercise, is familiar with fundraising and said that aspect of Plus-3 was a factor for his getting involved.  

Wachs said the program has raised between $2,500 and $3,000 in the roughly six months it has been in existence at the JCC. He added that about one in seven current JCC members are enrolled.

“I’m ecstatic about how well it is working, and it is a perfect program for us because the JCC is, in large part, about good health and wellness for both individuals and families,” he said.