With clients including Maidenform, Papa John’s, and Timberland, Virgin HealthMiles’ pay-for-prevention approach to health and wellness has won over 120 employers representing more than 500,000 employees across the U.S. with its unique programming options.

One of these unique features is the amount of steps Virgin HealthMiles members have taken since its inception in 2006: roughly 200 billion steps, or 4,000 times around the globe.

The company, which provides rewards incentives for getting active and staying healthy, averages 40 percent employee participation.

Last year, Virgin HealthMiles held their first annual National Employee Wellness Month for chronic disease prevention awareness.

The company has also partnered with the Strategies to Overcome and Prevent (STOP) Obesity Alliance in a month-long initiative involving 60 companies and 17,000 employees in order to raise awareness about the benefits of workplace wellness programs.

"Virgin HealthMiles brings a fresh and upbeat approach to wellness," stated Brenda Miles, senior benefits manager for Papa John’s International Inc. "In just six months, our program has generated enthusiasm, and motivated our team members to achieve wellness goals that are very reachable."

"We are choosing to focus on health reform, instead of waiting for healthcare reform," said Andy Pfeifer, director of total rewards for Timberland. Pfeifer calls the rewards for physical activity an easy-to-use and very motivational program.

A reported 96 percent of Virgin HealthMiles members are satisfied with the program, according to the company. Another 92 percent would recommend it to a friend or colleague.

This year, Virgin HealthMiles announced two new partnerships with major U.S. health insurers, along with a 30 percent year-over-year increase in new clients and a 163 percent year-over-year growth in the number of eligible program members.

Address: Virgin HealthMiles, 139 Newbury Street, Framingham, MA 01701; (866) 852-6467, http://us.virginhealthmiles.com.