TNDC News

Supporting Health and Fitness for Red Chris Camp Employees

Maintaining a healthy diet and fitness regime can be a challenge for some people working at a remote camp. In addition to providing catering, housekeeping and facilities maintenance services at the Red Chris mine, the SRS-Sodexo partnership is supporting a Quality of Life initiative which is helping Red Chris camp workers improve their health and fitness. Mahmoud (Moe) Asheery is a Sodexo personal trainer available to support camp workers in achieving their health and fitness goals.

“It all starts with their personal goals,” Moe explains. “Whether it’s weight loss, muscle gain, cardiovascular training or improved flexibility, I work with them to develop a nutrition plan and fitness routine, then provide the guidance and support to help drive their motivation. I teach them proper equipment operation, breathing techniques, number of repetitions and sets, stretching routines and rest days to ensure they maximize their workout and avoid injury.”

Fitness trainer Moe Asheery (standing) spots SRS employee Colin

Moe started at Red Chris last February and has nearly 80 clients, including SRS, TNDC and Red Chris employees. Colin Kilby is a long-time SRS employee and Head Chef at Red Chris, who has lost more than 60 lbs since he began working with Moe last spring. Colin’s goal was focussed on weight loss, following a health issue that kept him off work for eight weeks.

Moe oversees Colin's weight lifting workout session

“Mo has been instrumental in my health and fitness journey,” Colin shares. “He created a nutrition plan and fitness program, which includes doing cardio each morning and lifting weights four days a week. In addition to the weight loss, I feel better and have more energy. Mo’s guidance and support helps my motivation, and having access to his instruction seems to be motivating for others, too. The gym is busier and people are eating healthier.”

Moe with some of the cardio equipment available for Red Chris employees in the fitness room

Moe modifies his work hours to accommodate the split shifts (6:30 am to 6:30 pm/6:30 pm to 6:30 am) and time off to overlap the two transition shifts (two weeks on/two weeks off). He equips his clients with the knowledge to maintain their programs when they’re away from camp. On top of the one-on-one client appointments, he spends time in the gym providing direction on equipment usage and answering questions. Moe’s wellness training participants comprise roughly one third of the camp population.

There's a selection of free weights, weight lifting machinery and cardio equipment in the Red Chris fitness room

As a value-added Quality of Life service, wellness training helps to create healthier employees. Research shows employees who participate on an exercise routine sleep better, feel better and work better. Studies also indicate that weight loss, confidence, muscle gain and higher energy levels can help contribute to an overall improved performance in the workplace.