For Sean and Colleen, wellness isn’t just a routine - it’s a shared rhythm that shapes their days, their relationship and the way they move through winter. Longtime Adams County residents and lifelong lovers of movement, the couple has found that WellSpan’s Winter STREAK program gives them not only new habits to explore, but more meaningful time together during the season when motivation often dips.

A shared start to the day

Colleen, who works PRN for WellSpan and volunteers throughout the community, begins each morning with structure and intention. Her basement workouts are non-negotiable.

“If I don’t do my workout first thing in the morning, it’s not going to happen,” she says. So, each day, Colleen wakes up and hits the ground running - but always allows herself to take time when she needs it and sneak in the occasional rest day. 

Sean, who enjoys golfing, biking, and disc golf, follows a similar philosophy to Colleen: physical fitness is like a standing appointment or meeting at work. You honor it.

The pair treats winter days with the same discipline. They move first, eat a healthy breakfast and once a week sit down for a coffee date to plan the week ahead. Retirement has given them time back - but Winter STREAK, they say, has offered additional structure within that time.

Why Winter STREAK?

Colleen convinced Sean to join - “coerced,” he adds with a smile. But once he tried it, the value clicked. Learning new exercises, trying recipes, discovering new ways to stay active. He found Winter STREAK was packed with opportunities to grow, together.

For both, the program’s flexibility is key. They like being able to attend sessions at lunch or in the evening, often cooking dinner while the class wraps up. Last year, Colleen made every class; this year, Sean set that same goal for himself.

Making wellness work in winter

Winter brings challenges: short days, holiday schedules, shifting routines. For many, that means workouts fall through the cracks. But for Sean and Colleen, the mindset is simple: treat it like any other important meeting.

And if you miss it? That’s okay. The pair shared that even if you miss it, knowing it’s readily available on the website the same week helps keep the pressure down and the momentum going. They also allow themselves balance - indulging on weekends, keeping things lighter during the week and reminding themselves that progress isn’t linear.

One tiny habit that keeps them consistent: simply moving every day, even in small ways. Whether it’s pickleball, a walk with the dog, or trying a new recipe, each little action keeps them on track.

The tools that matter most

While they appreciate the newsletter and recipe cards, both agree the live sessions keep them most engaged. The social and mental health workshops leave a lasting impact, and the cooking demos consistently inspire new meals in their home.

Already committed to fitness and healthy eating, Winter STREAK isn’t a dramatic reset for Sean and Colleen. The greatest opportunity is what the program brings to their relationship. Winter STREAK becomes time intentionally spent together - moving, cooking, learning and supporting one another. It strengthens communication, builds accountability and creates shared experiences they look forward to.

Getting started with Winter STREAK

Their advice to other couples? Keep it simple. Start with realistic goals. Don’t overthink it.

“Just do it,” Colleen says. “You’ll find yourself establishing a routine. After a while, you’ll be amazed at what you can do.”

Together, Sean and Colleen remind us that wellness doesn’t have to be complicated. With small steps, shared motivation and the right tools, winter becomes not a barrier, but an opportunity - to build habits, to stay active and to grow closer in the process.

Winter STREAK is underway and you have the opportunity to join now. Learn more at WinterSTREAK.org.