Working it Out
Couple's Lifestyle is MFit
Ten years ago, if you told Sharad Khanderia that he and his wife Ujjaini were going to be considered fitness gurus, he would have thought you were joking. That
was before Ujjaini gave him his first MFit class as a present—and after he recovered from a five-vessel coronary bypass surgery.
Today, the Khanderias take anywhere from four to eight MFit classes a week. The program has helped Sharad improve his blood pressure and cholesterol, while reducing his medications. It also helps lower his stress.
Sharad and Ujjaini are pharmacists in University Hospital and faculty members in the U-M College of Pharmacy. They met about 40 years ago in Ann Arbor while
Ujjaini was a student and Sharad was on the University staff.
The couple agrees that Sharad’s surgery was the turning point for them and their commitment to fitness. Ujjaini laughingly says that she had to threaten him with dire consequences if he did not join the classes.
“Now we both see it as an investment in our health,” she says.
“MFit offers employee discounts, and the classes are conveniently located. Not many employers make this kind of investment in their employees,” says Sharad. “I wonder why more people do not join the MFit program. I am living proof that lifestyle changes do work!”
The twosome certainly has left an inspiring impression on countless co-workers, including Colleen Greene, MFit’s wellness coordinator.
“They rock!” says Greene. “It seems like every time I evaluate an MFit instructor, the Khanderias faithful and always work hard.”
Greene also credits the couple with drumming up business for MFit. “How can a anyone not want to join after meeting Sharad and Ujjaini and experiencing their enthusiasm?” she asks.
Every quarter, the MFit Employee Wellness Program presents "Well-being" Awards to deserving UMHS employees. Read their stories and learn more.
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