The employees at Tallmadge Collision Center Inc. do bodywork on more than just cars; they do it to themselves.

What began four years ago as a motivational tool for employees to improve their health has turned into a full-blown bodybuilding competition.

“We were looking for ways to motivate our employees, and what better way than through physical fitness,” says Robert Black, president of Tallmadge Collision.

In 2003, only five employees signed on to do the “Body Work” contest, to vie for the “Best Abs.” The next year, the company added a “Before and After” category where employees take a picture of themselves on Jan. 1, and have until the beginning of May to make physical improvements. The before and after pictures are posted on a contest-specific Web site, www.tcccontest.com, where employees and their friends and family can vote on who improved the most.

Jay Denton of Clean Professional Auto Detail in Stow, January 1, 2006

Jay Denton, May 1, 2006

The contest has since been opened to friends and family members of employees, including Jay Denton of Jay Clean Professional Auto Detail, pictured above. This year, roughly 50 people competed, but only about half of those completed the contest and posted an “after” picture. Cash prizes were given to the top seven contestants, with $500 going to the first-place winner.

The participants weren’t only happy with the way they looked when the contest was over, “they were so happy with the way they felt,” says Black, who has seen vast improvements in productivity. Employees have also taken fewer sick days overall.

“It’s amazing how the quality of work improved,” he says.

The company, which has about 30 employees, puts together a training packet for contestants who want some tips on how to lose fat and gain muscle. Many employees started buying protein supplements and some of the manufacturers caught wind of the contest and put together gift bags for the participants. Representatives from the supplement companies may even serve as judges next year.

“It’s fun to see how people really take it seriously,” says Black, who adds he has already received at least 75 e-mails from people interested in competing next year.

- NEONow

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