Get More Out of the Game

Many of us like to watch our favorite teams while relaxing on the couch, maybe even enjoying some finger foods and sodas, but that’s not exactly putting your time to the best use.

Use those hours to burn some extra calories, and get your sports fix, too.

Here are four ways to shape up while watching your team.

1) Cheer—with enthusiasm! That’s right, cheer like you mean it. If you’re going to do it, own it. Jump up and down, use your “shaker” with vigor, and throw your arms around!
2) Stand up. Watch the game on your feet, walking or running on a treadmill, or use an abs ball.
3) Drop and do 20. When the other team scores, do 20 pushups (or as many as you’re comfortable with).
4) Stretch. Instead of lounging in the recliner, sit on the floor and stretch. Not only does stretching burn calories, but it’s also important for overall fitness.

Any of these will get you off the couch, moving and burning calories. Plus, you’ll help root your team to victory (hopefully)! Now that’s team spirit.

Let us know what creative ideas you have!

Don’t Hibernate This Winter, Get Out and Exercise

The thought of exercising when it’s cold out may send your brain into excuse overload, but it doesn't have to be that way. Outdoor winter workouts can invigorate and boost your spirits, connect you to nature, and help keep you happy and healthy. So get motivated and get moving!

How to Make Winter Workouts Work

• Find a buddy. Having an exercise partner helps you stick to your workout schedule, and in the winter, it may be essential in adhering to exercise goals.

• Try something new, like skiing, winter hiking, or snowshoeing. Before you know it, you’ll be sweating bullets and will have forgotten all about the frigid temperature. 

• Find a park where other people exercise and boost your motivation.

• Make the most of daylight hours and get out during lunchtime or work breaks to go for a walk or run.

And if chilly temperatures are just too intimidating, try DVD workouts, head to a local mall for some power-walking, join a Pilates or yoga class, or play an indoor sport.

What are your winter workout motivations? What helps you get out and moving? Please share in the comments.

A Holiday Thank You

It was truly a wonderful gathering of colleagues and invited guests at the annual Holiday Party held Saturday, December 12, at the beautifully decorated Doubletree Hotel in Torrance.

It was amazing to watch all departments outdo their performances from last year with creative twists that carried a holiday theme. From the Addams Family theme song (forever remembered by those in attendance as the Sunrider Family song—snap-snap) to the musical phenomenon, Glee. Every department had a blast as the audience both laughed and cheered all courageous performers.

The evening was highlighted with award ceremonies and the always exciting raffle drawings. The night is never complete without Drs. Chen delighting staff with kind words of acknowledgement on a job well done in a challenging economic environment.

Every single member of the Sunrider team sends their sincerest thanks to all who contributed to a special night made possible by your continued support and generosity. Your thoughtfulness and personal notes sent with your donations confirms our mutual commitment to making Sunrider the best company and gives true meaning to what we refer to as “the Sunrider Family.”

Here’s what some of our thankful corporate staff had to say:

“Wow—despite the current economic strife—so much was donated! I am personally so very thankful for every IBO’s generosity. It was my first time to win something and that something was $250, which really helps my wife and me, considering the new arrival of our baby girl. Thanks to all who contributed! The party was an absolute blast.” —James Moore, International

“The annual Sunrider Holiday Party is always a lot of fun. I truly want to thank all the IBOs who donated money to this wonderful occasion. I know everyone who donated really did it with love and appreciation. I would like to extend kindness to the Chens for giving us a wonderful night to remember and promise of a fruitful new year.”—Coleen Catamisan, Order 

“I always enjoy the annual Sunrider holiday party—it is a great time to socialize with co-workers. However, this year’s celebration was exceptional. For the first time in 11 years, I won a prize—$200 cash. It really put me and others in a great mood. During the party, I asked myself, ‘What can I do with this to continue the joy?’ I donated the money to a charity. Thanks to the IBOs’ generosity, the prize made a difference in my life, and now it is making a difference in other lives.”—David Stine, Marketing

“This is my 10th year at the Sunrider Holiday Party and I’ve enjoyed all of them. Every year we exercise our brain to squeeze out performance ideas and the performances are getting better and better each year. I love to see the different sides of characters and the talents of my co-workers. Of course, one of the most exciting moments is when you hear your name as a raffle winner. This year, I won a cash prize of $275 and I will buy donuts for our department, because everyone is working so hard and deserves to have a “sweet” holiday season. Sunrider is a big family. The relationships between IBOs and employees are like brothers and sisters. Under the directions of our parents, Dr. and Mrs. Chen, we help each other achieve our goals. Thanks to the many IBOs for your generosity—I wish you all a wonderful holiday season.”—Kevin Hsiung, IT

“I look forward to the Sunrider Holiday Party because it is a special time when we can socialize with people we oftentimes only see in a professional environment. At this great function, we can relax the professional boundaries and truly get to know our co-workers on a personal basis. This year’s Holiday Party was especially important because the environment was made possible by the efforts and resources provided by the IBOs. This is one Holiday Party I will not be forgetting anytime soon. I cannot wait for next year. Thank you all.”—Michelle Castaneda, Legal

Here’s a big thank you from all of Sunrider International’s corporate staff for your kindness and generosity and best wishes for a happy and healthy holiday season.


Thank you!

Upcoming Webinar Aims to Inspire Goals in 2011

As 2010 comes to a close, it’s the perfect time to reflect on goals you achieved and those you aim to reach in the New Year. What higher rank would you like to achieve and how many lives do you want to change?

The Sunrider Goals & Resolutions for the New Year webinar on December 29 will discuss the importance and relation between the two. But goal setting is only the first step—an action plan is crucial to reach your goals. Listen to leaders who have mastered this and learn from their experience.

Join us on December 29 at 5 pm PST---this inspiring and motivational call will help you reach new heights in 2011.

Please contact info@sunrider.com for more information.

We're Singing Cindy's Praise

Congratulations to Cindy Chen, Sunrider International’s October Employee of the Month. Cindy joined Sunrider two years ago and is a Senior Accountant in the International Department. She is always willing to assist in all areas and with a positive attitude. Whether resolving aviation invoices or reviewing documents submitted by Sunrider Japan and Sunrider Korea, Cindy is always efficient in prioritizing her responsibilities. In addition, even with numerous, last-minute ad hoc projects, she maintains detailed work quality, which exemplifies her "can do" attitude.

Most recently, Cindy completed her CPA exams, which not only officially confirmed her credentials as a professional accountant, but more importantly, her assets as a Sunrider employee. She is an absolute pleasure and her work ethic is superb.

Please read below to learn more about Cindy and her time at Sunrider.

Q1: What is the best thing about being a SR employee?
 The best thing about being a SR employee is that you are well-recognized in the public. I’m so proud of being a SR employee. Sunrider is a well-respected company in the USA and is well-known in Asian countries as well—especially my home country, China. Every time I meet new people, I can’t help telling them, “I work for Sunrider!”

Q2: What’s your best memory of SR?
 I have been working with Sunrider for two years. My best memory of SR was 2009 convention time. It was my first time to work at our company convention. I was amazed by my many diligent co-workers working very hard to make a great, successful convention.

Q3: What do you like most about your job?
 Not only do I help with SR Korea and SR Japan’s financial perspectives, but I also do accounting work for the Aviation Department. In the beginning, it was challenging because I had no aviation experience, and there were so many new things to learn. I’m still learning today. I appreciate all my Aviation Department colleagues’ kind assistance in building my knowledge these past years.

What I like most about my job is the working environment. People around me are very professional and work diligently, and are great role models to me. Both the International Department and Aviation Department employees are very friendly and professional. They are all great people to work with. We support each other and we work as a team. With all my colleagues’ support, I can handle things smoothly at my position. I’m glad I can help the Aviation Department whenever they need me. I am always willing to help since I admire the team work spirit. Sometimes, I work closely with vendors for the Aviation Department, and I’m happy to build good relationships with the vendors and work proactively to create a positive image for Sunrider.

In order to achieve more, I started working on CPA exams in July 2009, and I’m glad I passed all CPA exams and California ethics exams by September 2010. I’m expecting more challenges in the near future!

Q4: What’s your favorite color?
I like calming, peaceful colors, such as blue, green, and purple. If you ask about my favorite, I will go with green since green is the color of nature and fertility. The color green is also connected to the meaning of my Chinese name “Qian” which means beautiful greens.

Q5: Do you have any pets?
Not right now. I only have two pretty daughters (14 and 4-years old) keeping me busy at home.
However, I love cats very much. When I was a kid, I had a black cat. She lived with me for about eight years. My parents wanted to give her away several times since she was naughty and caused a lot of trouble. If you see me closely, you will find I still have scars on my face because of her :) . I was very sad when she died. I remember crying for quite a long time. I felt I lost a very close family member.

Thanks so much for sharing, Cindy, and congratulations on your remarkable accomplishments at Sunrider.

Sunrider Goes to the Oracle

"The great and powerful Oracle. We meet at last.” Agent Smith

Sunrider International, at its core, wants to do everything with excellence. This means sometimes we need to upgrade and change. Because China has the highest number of Sunrider® retail stores, with plans for future expansion, Sunrider took it upon itself to upgrade operational efficiency by implementing Oracle software.

“The all-knowing Oracle is never surprised.” Agent Smith

The Oracle platform will help ensure that Sunrider provides the highest level of customer service by delivering consistent pricing promotions and loyalty programs across all markets. The person at the center of our matrix is Jonathan Chen, IT director, Sunrider International, who says this about the Oracle software:

“Oracle provides us the ability to be able to dynamically adapt to changing market conditions and business needs by giving us information from our manufacturing processes down to our retailers and business owners. Oracle retail applications extend that reach by providing an extensible platform to gather information about our end-customers.”

"Agent Smith meets the Oracle" Matrix Revolutions movie clip

New review of Sunrider Resume Training with John Teng

Kristy Kurtz in Canada wrote:

“Just want to let you know how much we appreciate the training call John is doing with us in regards to writing our Sunrider resume. I have to admit I am still working on mine! I have been doing some tradeshows lately and can really see the value in having a 30-60 second resume, because at these shows you have a very limited amount of time to talk to someone and get their attention.

As a stay-at-home mother with two small boys in activities and things, I get asked a lot what I do, but often I stumble for the words because I just don't know where to start!”

Thinking it's time you polish your approach with John? Contact rick.ricardo@sunrider.com to get started!

Aging and Active with Sunrider: 80-Years Old and Sprinting Easily

J.W. Emerson, a 20-year Sunrider and Golden Group Business Leader, was recently inducted into the Pittsburg State University Athletic Hall of Fame for his coaching achievements, taking six losing football clubs and turning them into winners.

Before the induction, J.W. was invited to lead the PSU Gorillas onto the field, sprinting 80 yards to the sidelines. J.W. said, “I really believe they thought I would decline the invitation because of my age—80…The sprint was no problem. I kept up with them every step of the way! I had not sprinted in 35 years, nor am I a runner”.

J.W. attributes this awesome feat to a healthy diet and daily exercise, but most of all he believes Sunrider’s powerful nutrition is the key. “Every day,” he said, “I eat the basic Sunrider® products—NuPlus®, Quinary®, and Calli®…I also consume many other Sunrider® products—they are my groceries! I find that as one ages… you do not have to be feeble or “shuffle” through life. At age 60, I decided to invest in my health and find that with a healthy lifestyle, the golden years are truly golden.”

Stuck in a Workout Rut? Mix It Up!

Has your workout routine become too “routine”? Mine sure had! Every weekend I was running laps at a nearby high school track, like a hamster on a wheel, plodding along in terms of enthusiasm and results. A 45-minute workout seemed to take an eternity. Then I revitalized my regimen simply by using a little creativity. 

I realized I could turn any track, park, or outdoor area into an outdoor gym—a venue offering endless ways to work out. And there are no membership fees or waiting to use equipment!

With this outlook, it was easy for me to ramp up my routine. By keeping the exercise segments brief and dynamic, my workouts never bog down into monotony; they stay fresh and challenging!

Here’s one example of how to break up a 45-minute workout into a fast-moving, calorie-blasting, stress-busting session:

1.    Jog a couple laps to warm up.
2.    Do incline push-ups using a railing or a fence.
3.    Run up bleacher stairs or any inclined area.
4.    Crunch out sit-ups on the grass.
5.    Do jumping-jacks, squats, or lunges.
6.    Alternate running backwards and sideways.
7.    Do 100-yard sprints.
8.    Bring a ball to dribble, kick, and juggle, soccer style.
9.    Cool down with stretching.

Please share the things you do to keep your workouts moving along! 

PS: Stay tuned for a follow-up post about the physical benefits of mixing up your routine.

Sunrider Korea Greets Fall with Herbal Tea Event

 

As outdoor enthusiasts welcomed the beautiful fall foliage that arrived with the season, Sunrider Korea was prepared to add to the seasonal enjoyment by preparing an engaging cho-bon (Korean for “herbal”) tea promotion event. Using picturesque locations frequented by hikers, Sunrider staff set up an impressive booth on two successive weekends that was splashed with autumnal oranges, yellows, and reds, and well stocked with Sunrider® herbal beverages.


 
The first Sunrider® cho-bon event was held November 5–6, at Ne-Jang Mountain in Jun-Buk Province, and the second event was held the following weekend, 12–13, at Buk-Han Mountain, Seoul. During the events, Sunrider staff handed out free samples of Sunrider’s concentrated herbal beverages—Fortune Delight® and Calli®—to all hikers who visited the booth. This provided a great way to let people experience the exceptional quality and healthy, flavorful appeal of these Sunrider classics.


 
Over 8,000 people visited the booth during the first two-day event to sample Sunrider’s signature teas, with over 5,000 people visiting the booth during the next two-day event. These Sunrider events, inspired by the beauty of the fall, proved to be large-scale successes, providing a fun and fitting way to introduce thousands of people to a sampling of Sunrider’s incomparable 
products. 

Sunrider Israel Celebrates Hanukkah

  
In celebration of Hanukkah, a festive candle lighting ceremony was held at the Sunrider Israel offices on Wednesday, December 1, with employees and IBOs.

We lit the first Hanukkah candle in a special wooden Sunrider Hanukkiya, and during the event, jam-filled doughnuts were handed out to all participants. This was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate this holy day in a unique and joyful Sunrider atmosphere. We hope you enjoy the 
photos.  

Happy Hanukkah from Sunrider Israel!