Sean and Melody Skinner

Telling her story and motivating others...

''Go ahead and eat that fatty" . One of our fave sayings!

As a final word, both Melody and I and our spouses are now in training for a half marathon next July! And, Melody put together our entire training program!!!

Melody, thanks again for doing this-I appreciate it more than you know!! Many hugs~~

Sonya

Sunday, December 6, 2009
Weigh-in's either at 0700 or 1100.
Awards/Potluck 1500
Softball 1600

It's been an amazing seven weeks and to all of you that didn't give up or quit-good on you! This was a hard road, and really this is just the beginning of the new chapter in your life. A new life where you put yourself and your health in front for once. Remember this, you can be rich, you can be beautiful, you can have everything-but if you aren't healthy to enjoy it, well, those things pretty much don't mean squat, do they??

Think about it.

Good luck to all of our contestants this week. Keep the faith.

Sonya~~

Folks-this is from Larry. His wife, Cynthia used it in her classroom for many years.

Society will draw a circle that shuts me out, but my superior thoughts will draw me in. I was born to win if I do not spend too much time trying to fail. I will ignore the tags and names given me by society since only I know what I have the ability to become.
Failure is just as easy to combat as success is to obtain. Education is painful and not gained by playing games. Yet it is my privilege to destroy myself if that is what I choose to do. I have the right to fail, but I do not have the right to take other people with me.
It is my right to care nothing about myself, but I must be willing to accept the consequences for that failure, and I must never think that those who have chosen to work, while I played, rested and slept, will share their bounties with me.
My success and my education can be companions that no misfortune can depress, no crime can destroy, and no enemy can alienate. Without education, man is a slave, a savage wandering from here to there believing whatever he is told.
Time and chance come to us all. I can be either hesitant or courageous. I can swiftly stand up and shout: "This is my time and my place. I will accept the challenge."

Larry, thanks for sharing.

This mix of sautéed veggies is delicious, nutritious AND low-cal.  

One yellow bottleneck squash (1 cup = 39 calories)
One cup mushrooms (1 cup = 15 calories)
1/4 cup onion (1/4 cup = 16 calories)

Saute all in a non-stick pan with a tablespoon or so of water on medium
heat.  Stir occasionally.  Takes about 15 minutes.  

You can add just about anything from your crisper to this – celery,
zucchini, tomato.  If you want to add a little zing, toss in some jalapeños
or green chilies.  

Enjoy!  

Work it ladies, work it!!

Circuit training at it's painful finest!

Smith Machine Reverse Pushups---oh the joy and fun. Give me ten more sucka'.

The Bruce---kudos to you for having to deal with so much estrogen this early in the a.m.

Apparently this wasn't hard enough...if you can smile....??

It's not as easy as it looks....

One minutes doing as many reps as possible at one station-then SWITCH!

Look I'm flying!!!

Bruce, are you counting flies? Ceiling tiles? Sleeping?

I think I can, I think I can, I think I can ...

Guys-thanks for coming out and giving your all!!!

A few photos from this past Friday's Veteran's Day Race. To all of you that braved the cold and wind, you ROCK!! I'

Each and every one of you are a winner in my book!

You remember a couple of weeks ago when I blogged about Ski Skoblicki, my training client with Parkinson's disease? Ski and I entered the NAS Lemoore 3K run. We jogged and walked our way to the finish line. Our time: 27:39. Now we have our new time to beat for the next one in February.
Sonya and Ski

It was really cold, and the wind was blowing pretty well. It didn't stop us though. Nor did it stop his daughter Christine, grandson Zach, and his lovely wife Pat from joining us and supporting Ski in his first race in over 25 years.
Christine, Ski, Zach, and Pat

Congratulations Ski!! What's my motto? To finish is to win.
You are a winner in all of our hearts!

...tell her thank you.

Rachel "Rae Rae" Archuletta

Let me tell you about the multi-talented, Rae Archuletta. She drives from Visalia five days a week, sometimes six, to manage and run both Fitness Solutions as well as be our lead (and currently only) massage therapist. More often than not, she'll work a ten hour shift without even blinking. I've personally watched her reach into her tip jar numerous times to take out money to help customers when they come up short on cash for a purchase. Her memory for names and customer drink orders continue to amaze me. The ultimate multi-tasker,Rae will be making a smoothie, scheduling a massage and taking orders from customers all the while giving orders to me! She remembers the name of every single Biggest Loser contestant and is always available to help with weigh-ins, give advice, nutrition suggestions, tally the weekly totals, learn the programs, train new employees, write the schedule, complete weekly inventory, order and receive shipments and deliveries, etc. You get the picture. On top of that, she also is one of the best massage therapists I've ever used - the only one I will use now. And, lastly, and most importantly in my opinion, she treats this company as if it were hers. Every employer wishes for this type of person to employ, And somehow, I lucked out and found her.


With the exception of a short hiatus two years ago, she has been a constant fixture at Fitness Solutions for three and a half years. I can tell you with no hesitation, my life will be exponentially much more difficult if and when Rae ever decides to move on. Managers always hope to find, but seldom do, a person that takes pride in their work, an individual you can trust implicitly, that is honest, you can depend on in a crisis, who will not always tell you what you want to hear, but what you need to hear. I have all that and so much more in this woman.

It's difficult for me to call Rachel an employee. She is so much more than that. She is a big part of our life. I never, ever worry with her at the helm. So, Rae, if I don't say it enough, I'm saying it now. You are one of the best i've ever worked with. Your work ethic is so impressive and if Managers could clone you, the world would be a much better place. Thanks for always being there, and always having my back. You rock! And no, you can't have the company yet, I actually have to mort first.

So-to all of you, do me a favor, give Rae a big hey, how you doing, and thank you. She does a lot for all of us.

Bruce Whisenhunt does it again.

The Gang

Nelson Garman winding up for the pitch...

Me , diligently watching my second base coach...oh, wait, there is no second base coach. Stupid game. Someone tell me when to run!

It's the camera thats blurry I swear...I didn't drink any beer....yet.

Runner!!!

Larry Dove

Special thank you to Cindy and Mandi for coming up with this most excellent suggestion.

Week Four Top Ten

• Michelle Hernandez                            2.61%   5.5 lbs
• Anne Morgan                                      2.25%  4.5 lbs
• Veronica Ibarguen                              1.85%   (first time in top ten)   3 lbs
• Nelson Garman                                    1.42%  4 lbs
• Bruce Whisenhunt                              1.36%   3 lbs
• Kathy Mendoza                                  1.11%   2 lbs
• Jane Alvarado                                     .97%     2 lbs
• Alysia Bello                                        .74% (welcome to top ten)   1.5 lbs
• Cindee Oswald                                   .55%  (welcome to top ten)   1.5 lbs
• Melissa Baran                                     .54%  (welcome to top ten)   1 lb

"Ski Sklowbecki"

Ski literally shuffled into our gym over three years ago. He had a medical boot on one foot, horrible posture, forty pounds overweight, had back surgery in the past year, and oh by the way, has Parkinson's disease. Yup, a challenge to be sure. Two things stick out in my mind from our first meeting:
1. This man is no quitter.
2. He has the loving support of his family.

We can do this.

Ski had a multitude of problems as I already stated. The first thing I did was get permission from Ski to contact his Physical therapist, his Parkinson's doctor, his doctor from Stanford who had operated on his back, and lastly his general practitioner. I wanted to be absolutely sure of what I was taking on, as well as have guidance and direction from these other medical professionals to know in what direction I needed to head with Ski.

Over the course of six months, we altered Ski's diet (stay away from the ice cream Pollack), worked on weight loss, posture, and basically helping his muscles remember just exactly what they are supposed to do. Ski loses about 15 pounds. Not bad for an old dude....

Did i mention that Ski is a retired Warrant Officer with four marathons under his belt??

Anyway, Ski's sessions come to an end and I don't see him around for a very long time. He goes through a couple more surgeries in the next year (Achilles tendon stuff, hence the boot), goes through physical therapy (again), and also gains back some weight.

Fast forward to August 2009-here comes Ski-walking better, no medical boot, but heavier again and the Parkinson's taking a stronger stance in his body. For those that don't know what Parkinson's disease is, Parkinson's disease is a brain disorder.  It occurs when certain nerve cells (neurons) in a part of the brain called the substantia nigra die or become impaired. Normally, these cells produce a vital chemical known as dopamine. Dopamine allows smooth, coordinated function of the body's muscles and movement.  When approximately 80% of the dopamine-producing cells are damaged, the symptoms of Parkinson's disease appear.

Due to the loss of dopamine production in the brain causes the primary symptoms of Parkinson's disease.  The key signs of Parkinson's disease are:

• Tremor (shaking)
• Slowness of movement
• Rigidity (stiffness)
• Difficulty with balance

• Small, cramped handwriting
• Stiff facial expression
• Shuffling walk
• Muffled speech
• Depression

Kristen Helm, Athletic Director Nas Lemoore and guest kickboxing Instructor for BL Contestants

We upped the pace yet another notch! I asked (okay begged) our Athletic director, Kristen Helm, to host a kick boxing class for our BL contestants, and she graciously accepted. Kristen has been a professional fitness guru for close to 20 years and we were quite excited to have her hosting tonight's class. We had over 15 of our hard core competitors doing their best to keep up with Kristen, including Larry and myself. I can tell you this-there is a reason I am a muscle-head that lifts weights...I looked like a complete SPAZ in this class! Kristen, thanks so much for taking the time to help us!

and, just when everyone thought they were done with kickboxing....out to the track for two laps in the dark!! woo hoo...who do you love now??


Nadine and Melinda (our wonderful Base Public Affairs Officer)



Sweet Anne Morgan



Keep going hot stuff-you are almost there...



Jane and you know who mugging for me...!

Form is EVERYTHING!

We got us some guns!!

See Stacy smile-she loves this crap!!

Getting healthy, making friends, and changing your life.....PRICELESS!

Sonya and Rae Rae

Erin and Rae Rae

Nas Lemoore Morning gym staff with Sonya and Rae Rae

Happy Halloween everyone-now step away from the candy!

...

Sent from Larry Dove-( an excerpt from an article on the net)

"Does your favorite restaurant serve piles of tempting foods on platters rather than plates? Are the biggie-sized meals at fast food restaurants trapping you into overeating? How do you deal with a bountiful breadbasket? Eating out is fun and relaxing, but you can make it healthier. Use these tried and true suggestions the next time you lock up the kitchen and step out for a meal:

• Never go out while hungry. You’ll find yourself nibbling on everything that comes your way.
• Foods that are grilled, baked, steamed or broiled provide healthy, flavorful alternatives. Ask how an entrée is prepared to ensure that your selection is not swimming in butter or other fattening sauce.
• For pasta selections, choose a marinara sauce instead of a white cream sauce.
• Order a healthy appetizer, salad, or small-sized entrée for your meal.
• Select white chicken or turkey meat rather than dark meat, and have the skin removed.
• Avoid the "all you can eat" and buffet-style restaurants.
• Split a meal with a friend.
• Get a doggie bag before the meal and put in a portion of the food when it is first served.
• Avoid foods that have been prepared in heavy cream.
• Eat slowly! Put your fork down between bites. It takes the stomach about 20 minutes to realize that it is full.
• Order your salad or potato with the dressing, butter, sour cream, gravy and other extras on the side.
• Trim all visible fat from meat.
• Select fresh fruit, sorbet or frozen yogurt for dessert.
• Watch the alcohol… it is loaded with calories and can lower your defenses against food, causing you to eat more.
• Beware of the breadbasket. It comes early and can be refilled several times. Ask that it be brought with the meal and limit yourself to one serving.
• Water is your best beverage choice. Order diet pop, tea, and coffee with artificial sweetener. Go light on the sugar and cream.
• Don’t be afraid to special order menu items.

This is
Bruce Whisenhunt, and he's happy, really.

Top Ten Biggest Loser’s Week #3
 
 
1. Bruce  Whisenhunt           3.91%        9 lbs.
 
2. Nelson Garman                          2.42%        7 lbs.
 
3. Joe Pharo                                   2.11%        4.5 lbs.
 
4. Anne Morgan                             1.48%        3 lbs.
 
5. Debbie Whisenhunt                   1.41%        2 lbs.
 
6. Roman Benitez                          1.29%        3 lbs.
 
7. Olivia Garcia                     1.15%        2 lbs.
 
8. Jacob Becker                          1.06%        3 lbs.
 
9. Jane Alvarado                        .96%          2 lbs.
 
10. Stacy Wise                            .83%          2 lbs.
 
Erin’s Team       2 people
Larry’s Team    3 people
Sonya’s Team    5 people