Top Ten 6th  Week BL #3
 
1.   Jose Silva        4.38%              10 lbs
2.   Jan Buckley            3.43%              6 lbs.
3.   Steve Whitmer        2.24%              5.5 lbs.
4.   Yolanda Miller        1.93%              4.5 lbs.
5. Sherry Holdbrook   1.87%              2.5 lbs.
6. Pascha McCall         1.70%             4.5 lbs
7.   Sunshine Bedingfield 1.60%           2.5 lbs
    8. LaDawn White       1.46%              3 lbs.
    9. Janet Mitchell         1.44%              2 lbs.
   10.Amber Peterson      1.36%              2.5 lbs
 
Larry’s Team  =0 people
Sonya’s Team=  4 people
Erin’s Team =  2 people
Bruce’s Team= 4 people
        Larry your TEAM needs to get on the BALL!!!!

Top Ten 4th Week BL #3
 
1. Sherry Holdbrook   3.17%   4.50lbs   
2. Leah Whitner          2.91%   6.00lbs
3. Jose Silva                2.75%    6.50lbs
4. Yolanda Miller       2.45%    6.00lbs
5. Emma Duncan        2.33%    4.50lbs
6. Julie Aanestad        2.33%     4.00lbs 
7. Steven Whitmer     1.80%     4.50lbs
8. Cathy Montoya       1.57%     3.00lbs
9. Tina Wallace            1.40%    2.00lbs
10. Amber Peterson      1.33%    2.50lbs
 
Larry’s Team  =0
Sonya’s Team= 5
Erin’s Team= 1
Bruce’s Team= 4
        GOOD JOB!!!! 

1. Mary Ellen Swafford 3.28 % 6.5 lbs.

• 2.30 % 4.5lbs.
• 2.07% 5 lbs.
• 1.66% 3 lbs

"Hi Sonya,
 
I hope you are doing well! As for me, well.. i am trying my best to cut down on my smoking when i get stressed from work or home. Every machine that tells me how many calories i'm burning off just makes me think how much i didn't fully know what i was eating, and how to do portions! The gym is kicking my ass! I'm glad though, it is the best stress reliever in my life right now. Lately i've been giving 30 minute lunches, and so now i eat my lunch that i brought, and i walk to the Q mart and back to work. Just enough time to do a speed walk for exercise, with out going over my lunch period.
 
I have you and many other's to thank on the teachings of better living! I can see and feel the difference! I feel bad that i can't put in more hours at the gym, but what i can put in, i do. My husband got on my case that i was skipping out on sleep just to go to the gym. I promised him i wouldn't do that anymore. I feel like i'm losing so much time, i know it's only been 2 weeks, but it feels like it's going by so much faster then i can keep up. I'm trying to balance all my commitments that i made this New Year, i'm sorry if i'm bringing the team down, but i'm NOT GIVING UP, i might be last person with the lowest amount of hours in the gym, but it's my honest hours!
 
I am so proud of all the people who are able to come in everyday, and do the their very best! I see them here and there and i can't help but smile at them. I'm sure i look like a geek starring, but i'm rooting for everyone!!!
 
I am so glad i signed up, i have been eating way more healthier, and my husband is too. Well to an extend he is. I gave up alcohol and other unhealthy eating habits like pizza and candy for Lent. I'm slowly getting to the size i want (7), and it feels so good doing it the way you've been teaching us, then the way i was doing it before. Smoking, skipping meals and all those weight loss diets that quickly ends up in some type of disappointment or depression.
 
Until next time, Thank you & God Bless!
 
-Kitty"

And to you Kitty, thank you! As trainers words like yours mean the world to us because we take what we do seriously, and care so much about helping folks. Again, thanks for taking the time to write your feelings!

Never quit! Remember, the time is going to by regardless of what you do, so make it productive!
Many hugs
Sonya~
 

The winners are in! We have TWO ties!! Congratulations to all of you for working so hard!! 
 
1. Richard “Dude” Dewalt   8lbs  2.86%
2. Kitty Vasquez               3.5   2.22%
3. Jan Buckley                  4.0   2.17%
4. Steven Whitmer             5.5   2.13%
5. Lisa Diaz                       3.5   2.08%
6. Yolanda Miller                4.5   1.79%
    Emma Duncan               3.5   1.79%
7. LaDawn White                3.0   1.42%
8. Teresa Saari                   2.0   1.28% 
9. Leah Whitner                  2.5   1.20%
    LaClondria Blackmon      2.0   1.20%
10.Cassi Saari                    2.0  1.15%
 
             

Pascha---"you want me to do what?"


Jan--"my butt hurts, my hiney hurts, my you know what hurts...."


Megan "This is so my idea of fun...'




Megan, Pasha, our instructor Mindy, and Jan. See, they do look happy, don't they?!!

So, why take a spin class? Research has shown that an average 40 minute spinning class will help you burn around 500

calories. I challenge you to equal that efficiency with any of the other advertised "low-impact" exercises. Its also great because

people from all fitness levels can enjoy a heart pounding workout. Each person is encouraged to find his/her maximum effort and

work from there. Another great benefit is that it tones your legs as you spin.

The music tends to motivate everyone to push themselves harder than normal and the teacher(we love you Mindy) will cheer you on to keep spinning even when you are tired. Most classes last between 30 minutes and 1 hour. During a 45 minute class you will cycle approximately 13 miles, depending on how fast you pedal.
Remember, all that sweating can leave you dehydrated if you are not constantly hydrating yourself during spin class. Instructors
will give you a few seconds inbetween exercises for a water break.Spinning has many health benefits, including weight loss,
cardiovascular, and muscle building. During a 30 minute spin class you can burn 500 calories. In a short amount of time you
can burn a lot of calories!!!!Most other exercises would take at leat double the time to burn so many calories. If you are looking to lose weight, there is certainly an excellent option.
Note, there is a Thursday class at 1130. I will be taking, Come join me!

Working on some Pilates core strength training.

Building the "bridge". They love this exercise, really.

Larry-having an ab attack. Somebody call 9-1-1!

To all that attended--you rock!~Now let's do some dancing...

Go Sherry, go Sherry...mother Theresa, and all our dancing babes!

Yes, this would be "disco Larry"...you go girl!

Janet, Jan, Maryellen, Yolanda, Larry and Pascha gettin'their groove on...


...I don't know about you guys, but for me, sometimes, it just doesn't get any better than this! Exercising with friends, fellowship, and a little lighthearted laughter makes it pretty darn good. You gotta look in the mirror and just be thankful, well, just because.

A guy calls a company and orders their 5-day, 5lb weight loss program.The next day, there's a knock on the door and there stands before him avoluptuous, athletic, 19 year old babe dressed  in nothing but a pair of Nike running shoes and a sign around her neck. She introduces herself as a representative of the weight loss company. The sign reads, "If you can catch me, you can have me." Without a second thought, he takes off after her. A few miles later puffing and puffing, he finally gives up. The same girl shows up for the next four days and the same thing  happens.On the fifth day, he weighs himself and is delighted to find he has lost  5lbs as promised. 
He calls the company and orders their 5-day/10 lb program. The next day there's a knock at the door and there stands the most stunning, beautiful, sexy woman he has ever see in his life. She is wearing  nothing but Reebok running shoes and a sign around her neck that reads,   "If you catch me you can have me".Well, he's out the door after her like a shot. This girl is in excellent  shape and he does his best, but no such luck. So for the next four days, the same routine happens with him gradually getting in better and better shape.Much to his delight on the fifth day when he weighs himself, he discovers   that he has lost another 10lbs as promised. 
He decides to go for broke and calls the company to order the 7-day/25lb program. "Are you sure?" asks the representative on the phone. "This is our most  rigorous program."  "Absolutely, " he replies, "I haven't felt this good in years." 
The next day there's a knock at the door; and when he opens it he finds  a huge muscular guy standing there wearing nothing but pink running  shoes and a sign around his neck that reads, "If I catch you, you are  mine."He lost 33lbs that week.   HAVE A HEALTHY DAY!

Sunshine's Tuna Salad
1 6oz can of tuna in water, drained-175 cal's
2 slices of sandwich stacker pickes, diced-5 cal's
1 hard boiled egg, diced-80 cal's
1 tablespoon of hummus-35 cal's
pinch of pepper
(Total 295 calories)

Our first week was a huge success! Out of 39 competitors, only one person didn't lose any weight! And really, she didn't count because she didn't actually begin until four days has already passed! It was our greatest kick off yet, with the best results to date. Congratulations to all.

Remember, our contest is based on a PERCENTAGE of body weight lost, not actual pounds. The formula is: 1-(current weight divided by starting weight). This ensures fairness amongst our male and female competitors. Hence, when you view the numbers, you will understand what the "percentage thing" means.

Top Ten 1st  Week BL #3
 
1.   Mary Ellen Swafford  3.63%  7.5 lbs.
2.   Maggie Halloran         3.58%   5.5 lbs .
3.   Jose Silva            2.99%    7.5 lbs.
4.   Dude Dewalt              2.78%   8 lbs.
5.   Andrea Lewis          2.60%    5 lbs.
6.   Lorraine Kroeze        2.49%   4.5 lbs.
7.   Pasha McCall            2.34%    6.5 lbs.
8.   Amber Peterson        2.29%     4.5 lbs
9.   Jen McLaughlin        2.29%     4 lbs.
   10. Yolanda Miller          2.14%      5.5  lbs.
 
Larry’s Team  =3 people
Sonya’s Team=  3 people
Erin’s Team =  2 people
Bruce’s Team= 2people
        GOOD JOB!!!!

We also have each of our contestants sign in and log their individual times at our juice bar. The contestant who comes into the gym the most the wins a 16 oz smoothie. Last week's winners are:

Bruce Team:  Steve Whitmer = 14 ½ hours
 
Larry Team: Richard (Dude) Dewalt = 15 hours
 
Erin Team : Hope Alombro = 7 ½ hours
 
Sonya Team : Yolanda Miller 10 ¾ hours

Yolanda, Dude, and Hope

and , Steve- Congrats you guys! You put in a lot of hours!

We are now more than half way finished with week two. I am really looking forward to seeing the numbers next week! Thanks to our hard working trainers who put in an incredible amount of hours to assist these folks!

Ski Skoblicki and his wife Pat walked the 3 K. You might remember Ski when I blogged about him a few months ago, he completed the last race with me two months ago. His battle with Parkinson's disease has not stopped this go-getter. He shaved eight minutes off his race time. Pat also joined him. They also waited for me to slog through my run. Something about a friendly face at the finish line to pat you on the back is so special. Thanks to you both for being there for me. I love these two like my own parents.

Sonja White and Sean Skinner

Larry Dove and his running partner

Signing Up----Brrrrrrr.


Ski, Pat and me Before "the pain"

My finish time was 58 minutes and 15 seconds. My time to beat.

The five S's of sports training are: Stamina, Speed, Strength, Skill and Spirit; but the greatest of these is Spirit. --Ken Doherty


 

Sonya Onorati/Crazy Chick Erin McAnally-Fitness Solutions Power Tech/Personal Trainer/Certified EMT

Larry Dove-Biggest Loser 1 Contest Winner/Trainer

Bruce Whisenhunt-Biggest Loser 2 Contest Winner/Trainer

Gary Alvidrez-Biggest Loser 1 Second Place Winner-Guest Trainer/Speaker

Machelle Vieux-Guest Trainer/Speaker



Meet the Teams!!



My Team (missing three hotties)




Erin's Team (missing Erin?) It's okay, cause my peeps are taking the win!





Larry's Team (He's the short one in the back)



And Big Bad Bruce's Team!
And man, does Steve (guy in gray shirt) look like he's ready go kick butt!!

Some thought's I'd like to share with all of you. There are 3500 calories per pound of body fat. In order to lose just one pound of stored fat we need to burn off 3500 extra calories. In our first meeting, you listened to all of the above folks keep stating the same message over and over----NUTRITION. So, to lose just one pound of fat you will have to burn up 3500 calories.
How much is that? Well if you are on a diet such as an 1800 diet, you are eating 1800 calories a day. So 3500 calories is about two full days worth of food. (In our contest, females are on 1600, males on 2000, you do the math)
And folks wonder why it's so dang hard to lose weight! Remember, we are taking baby steps and changing our habits for the long term, so don't be discouraged. We can do this, bit by bit. You can also avoid calories in order to avoid gaining weight. The fewer calories you add to your daily diet, the fewer you will have to try to burn off every day. (remember, trash the ranch dressing).
Here are some activities and how many calories they burn for you.
Just sleeping burns about 50 calories. Not bad. Maybe we should have nightmares, thrashing burns more calories-KIDDING.
An hour of gardening burns 350 to 500 calories per hour.
Skipping rope with a jump rope burns 700 calories per hour. About the same as fast running and more than jogging (see below). This is one of the best exercises, it can be done anywhere and the equipment costs less than five dollars.
Jogging at 5 miles per hour will burn around 500 calories per hour.
Aerobics classes burn about 450 to 500 calories per hour.
Walking at a normal pace, and playing golf (without a golf cart), each burn around 250 to 280 calories per hour.
Power walking can burn over 600 calories an hour. So can riding a bicycle or an exercise bike at the gym. Sonya's saying-the Treadmill is now your very best friend!
Housework can burn 100 to 200 calories per hour, depending on the activity level.
Another way to "burn" away calories is to simply avoid the easy ones.
For example, a tablespoon of mayonnaise has 150 calories of pure fat. If you leave it off your sandwich you never have to take it off your hips, or your butt later. Ask yourself, does it really taste that good? Really, am I never gonna have this again? Is it really worth the extra time my trainer says I must do? Is this worth it, considering the number of calories burned per pound of fat?
The same goes for sugary sodas. Try drinking water instead next time you are confronted with this choice. Just say, to yourself or out loud, "I'm tired of soda. It doesn't quench my thirst. I'm just going to have good old water." Repeat after the Sonya, "It doesn't taste that good, really". Drink Diet Soda! Rememer, they feed rats ten billions tons of saccharine a day to produce unwanted "medical issues". Good thing you arent' a rat! A diet soda occasionally ain't gonna kill you.
You save hundreds of calories here too. They all add up. Avoiding 3500 calories this way keeps another pound of fat from being added to your body. One less to try to remove later.
Every time you eat, try to keep in mind the number 3500 - the number of calories burned per pound of fat.
This is all easier said than done, of course.
Most people have a mistaken belief they have to eat less food. That is not the case. The truth is, they have to eat different food. You are simply making poor choices. You can go to McDonald's restaurants and order a cheeseburger, fries and a soda... or you can order a chicken breast sandwich on a whole wheat bun, with a glass of water. If you weigh the meals they are about the same quantity of food. The difference is in the ingredients. In the calories burned per pound of fat. One meal has far more calories and fat than the other.
An ounce of lean chicken is not the same as an ounce of butter. So, look at your meal suggestions. They work, and that's why we give them to you. You know what you need to do, don't you?If you can change your eating habits, one little habit at a time, you can change your body.What habit will you start with? The soda? The mayonnaise? Switching from creamy coffee drinks to plain? Small changes add up for you or against you.
In health and fitness

Sonya~

Ingredients
Serves: Prep: 20min|Cook: 1min |Total: 21min
              

• 1 can (11 ounces) mandarin oranges,drained, reserving 2 tablespoons syrup
• 1/4 cup plum sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice wine or wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
• 4 cups cooked chicken cut into thin strips
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1/2 small english cucumber, peeled, seeded, and chopped
• 2 scallions, thinly sliced on the diagonal
• 4 whole wheat tortillas (8" diameter)
• 8 leaves romaine lettuce

Here is a link to a handy device that will help you judge your water
intake, do not determine you intake by your thirst (by the time you feel
thirsty your body has lost between 2 and 5 cups of water).  The more you
work out the more you should drink, you can even pre-hydrate before your
work out to ensure you do not fall below your hydration level.
Proper water intake will:
1. Increase your concentration
2. Help keep you from snacking (it can help curb hunger)
3. Keep your energy level up
4. Help with oxygen exchange
5. Help keep your skin looking younger and more vibrant
6. Keeps your body functioning properly (helps remove toxins from your
blood)

This converter is in metrics, to convert your weight to kilos divide it
by 2.2.
250ml is approximately 8oz.


http://www.wateraid.org/uk/get_involved/drink_more_water/1415.asp

LARRY'S LOW CALORIES CRAB CAKES (48 EACH)

1 lb Crab Meat-----------------------------------------160 Calories
3 Tbsp Liquid Egg Whites-------------------------------30
2 tsp Worcestershire sauce------------------------------0
1/4 tsp Dry Mustard-------------------------------------0
2 Tbsp Mayonnaise--------------------------------------60
1 tsp Lemon Juice---------------------------------------0
1 Tbsp Mustard-----------------------------------------0
1 Tbsp Melted Butter-----------------------------------120
1 tsp Parsley Flakes-------------------------------------0
1 tsp Seafood Seasoning ( Old Bay)-----------------0
1/2 cup Oatmeal----------------------------------------150
1/4 cup Flour-------------------------------------------60
1/2 tsp Seasoned salt-----------------------------------0
1/2 tsp Minced Garlic----------------------------------0
1 tsp Oregano-------------------------------------------0
1 tsp paprika--------------------------------------------0
1 Small Bell Pepper chopped ------------------------0 
1 Small White Onion chopped-----------------------0
 
                              580 Calories divided into 12 cakes = 48 calories each
 
1 12 oz VidaliaOnion & Summer Tomato Dressing------2 TBSP = 40CALORIES
  TO FIND THE DRESSING GO TO www.braswellscom
 
COMBINE ALL INGREDIENTS EXCEPT CRAB MEAT AND VIDALIA ONION DRESSING IN A BOWL. FOLD IN CRAB MEAT. SPRAY A LIGHT COAT OF BAKING SPRAY IN A 12 CUPCAKE PAN.   FILL IN CUPS WITH MIXTURE.. TOP EACH CAKE WITH A LIGHT SHOT OF PAPRIKA. BAKE AT 375 F FOR 12-15 MNUTES UNTIL EVENLY BROWNED AND REACHES AN INTERNA TEMPERATURE OF 165 F. COOL IN PAN FOR 5 MINUTES. TOP EACH CAKE WITH VIDALIA ONION DRESSING.
 THEY TASTE SO GOOD THEY MAY YOU WANT TO SLAP YOUR MAMA!
 
                                                                                             Larry Dove 2010
 

Dot Salberg and me on the track

Five weeks ago I was introduced to Dorothy "Dot" Salberg by a very good friend, Jan Buckley. I heard she was in a wheelchair, and was curious to hear her story.

Five years ago, Dot and her husband Dick were in a car accident while on travel. From the accident she suffered spinal cord injuries, specifically injury to her L-1 Vertebrae. For those unfamiliar with the spinal cord, the spinal column (or vertebral column) extends from the skull to the pelvis and is made up of 33 individual bones termed vertebrae. The L-1 lumbar vertebrae graduate in size from L1 through L5. These vertebrae bear much of the body's weight and related biomechanical stress. So, Dot now has limited mobility in her lower legs, and for the most part, barring physical therapy directly after her accident and surgeries, she's been in this wheelchair.

Here's where Sonya comes in.

As most of you know, I'm pretty passionate about helping people, and those with challenges inspire me ever more to help in whatever capacity I can. In this case, my first thought is; if that L-1 is just damaged, not completely broken, why can't we get her walking again? At least with a walker and out of that chair. To further my challenge, I found out that Dot has always been an athlete her entire life, once a State Basketball Champion, and her mother was also a basketball player.

Oh, I am so on this!

"That was such a long time ago (1957) but still such a thrill for me to think about.  I lived for basketball at the time.  We did have an undefeated season and never won by less than 15 or 20.  "
(Dot is second from the left)



Dot's Mom in 1923

As you can see, Dot comes for a long line of athletes, and I am determined to get her in shape, stronger, and leaner so she can hopefully play more ball with her grandchildren in the future!

So, for the last five weeks, Dot and Dick have come faithfully to the gym every Monday and Wednesday morning. I put her through a pretty torturous, and sometimes painful routines. We start off with walking (with her walker) in the basketball court and then continue into the gym for weights/rowing machine/and recumbant bike. Believe it or not, the walking portion of our routine is the hardest on Dot. She has to use almost all her upper body muscles to propel that walker and somewhat drag and force her legs to comply. She melts my heart with her tenacity and courage. With our weight training and resistance exercises, I am hoping to accomplish three things: Get more muscle on her to burn more fat. And secondly, build more upper body strength so she isn't so exhausted when she uses that walker. Lastly, we also reduce her chances of injury.

Dot on the Leg Extension

Dot learning the rowing machine...

Believe it or not, standing upright is an exercise...and challenging. This is the first time in a long time that she has been able to do this!!

To date, Dot has lost eleven pounds and is just about ready to circuit that basketball court in its entirety. Understand a few short weeks ago, she could only walk about 50 feet! Keep in mind, she is on a stringent nutrition plan, consuming roughly 1600 clean calories a day, and she has been very good at not cheating.

We continue our quest together and every week, training with this strong-willed woman,having the opportunity to get to know her family, and watching her blossom...she inspires me personally to work harder in all that I do. I have two sound legs and no broken back, I mean, what excuses do I have? i don't feel like it?

I hope Dot's story of courage, discipline, and motivation inspire you to get off your butts, quit looking for excuses, and reach for your dreams.
You'll never appreciate how much you have until it's gone. Don't let it go, okay?

• Don’t smoke or use tobacco products

• Get Active

• Eat a heart healthy diet

• Maintain a health weight

• Get regular health screenings

Rae is the behind the scenes brain at Fitness Solutions. If I have a question, concerns, or just want to know where my socks are, she knows! Seriously, Rae keeps track of all the contestants, inputs all the data, knows all the training programs and can assist on the gym floor when necessary, and is probably the best massage therapist in the valley. She's an extremely knowledgeable and valued member our team.

Our newest staff addition to the Biggest Loser Contest is Rachel Gordon. Rachel will be assisting with weigh-ins, will also be familiar with the training programs and lend a hand as needed to our members.

Now that you have an idea how it works, and what we are about, do yourself a favor; change your life once and for all. Don't just sit there and watch the Biggest Loser on TV every Tuesday night...be in the gym with us on Tuesday night (and Wed, Thursday, Friday...) and be inspired by yourself, not some stranger on TV.

The entry fee for our contest is $150.00 for eight weeks. Do some math, a drop in the bucket of life when you think about the results. Living longer, living better, and being happy...I mean, how much do you spend at Starbucks in a month?

We'll see you soon, I hope.

(we are accepting contestants until February 20).

Our top ten losers for this contest are:

Larry Dove, 46.5 pounds, 18.71% pbw
Gary Alvidrez, 23.0 pounds, 11.65%
Melissa Shupe, 16.0 pounds, 11.03%
Jane Alverado, 23.0 pounds, 10.85%
Shawna Gomez, 15.5 pounds, 7.99%
Jessica Villasenor, 15.0 pounds, 7.89 %
Stacy Harris, 13.5 pounds, 7.11%
David Greenwald, 13.0 pounds, 6.65%
Tom Frosch, 15 pounds, 6.51%
Samantha Steele, 9.5 pounds, 6.21%


To all of our contestants, you are all winner in our book! Remember, to finish, is to win! AND, you've just begun this race....thanks to all that made this event possible. You know who you are.

Sonya

1. Larry Dove, lost 8.5 pounds with a percentage weight loss of 3.86%
2. Jan Buckley, lost 3.5 pounds with a PBW of 2.47%
3. Tom Frosch, lost 4.5 pounds with aPBW of 2.02%
4. Minerva Diaz, lost 3 pounds (that’s my girl, I knew you could nail it), and PBW of 1.72%
5. Samantha Steele, lost 2.5 pounds, and a PBW of 1.68%
6. Jane Alverado, lost 2.5 pounds, and a PBW of 1.27%
7. Tammishia Simmons, lost 1.5 pounds, and a PBW of 1.09%
8. Shawna Gomez, lost 2 pounds, and a PBW of 1.08%
9. Chantel Waterbeek, lost 1.5 pounds, and a PBW of .95%
and last, but not least...
...10. Rob Kent, lost 2.5 pounds (way to pull your head out and get it goin’ dude) .87% PBW

Congratulation to all of you! Each week has gotten harder and harder, and you continue to work it. You are a great example for us all.

Oh, and BTW, did anyone notice that the top four are on a certain someone’s team?

This is going to be so fun and so exciting, I can’t wait. Make sure you bring your cameras, lawn chair, and your favorite dish!! Fitness Solutions will provide beverages (water-haha) as well as the meat (Carnitas), plates, forks, cups, napkins, ice, etc.


Now, quit reading and get your butt to the gym!

Folks-it’s a beautiful day, get out of the house, get in shape, and change your life. You deserve to be happy and healthy.

Okay, I’m off my soapbox-Onto our top ten biggest losers-

Tammishia Simmons 3.55% total percentage weigh loss
Sonja White 2.9% (why do i love that name?)
David Greenwald 2.6% (Dude, you are so getting it)
Jane Alverado 2.5% (Jane works 12 hour shifts as a nurse, and still continues to find a way to make it work, you go girl)
Cameron Llewellyn 1.99% (an active duty navy lady0
Larry Dove1.75% (Larry is kicking Mr. Fire Chief’s butt this week)
Elizabeth Torres 1.46% (go lizbeth, go lizbeth)
Melissa Baran 1.44% (she keeps making the top ten with Larry)
Linda Morris 1.26% (ask her about last weekend when she went to the coast )
April Levesque 1.17% (see it all does work)

Congratulations to all of you. This is hard, this lifestyle changing business, and I know it. I speak for all of our trainers, when we say, good on you!

Now, quit reading, and get lifting




This is an actor, do not attempt alone...

Week Two Biggest Losers!~! The competition is getting tough!

Good ol’ hard-working Larry Dove takes the win two weeks in a row! Larry lost another 8.5 pounds with a relative body weight loss of 3.57%!
Because our contest is so close, I am going to start naming the top 10 biggest losers each week. Larry is definitely in a run for the cash and prizes. Starting, from most relative weight loss to least:

Larry Dove 3.57%
Jane Alverado 2.68%
April Levesque 1.91%
Number Four spot is a tie between Stacy Harris and Jessica Villasenor at 1.60%
Gary Alvidrez 1.57%
Melissa shupe 1.4%
Samanth Steele 1.32%
Frank Lopez 1.26%
Chantel Waterbeck 1.24%
Brandi Hunt 1.09%

...and backtracking to week one’s top 10 biggest losers~

Larry Dove 4.23%
Gary Alvidrez 3.29% (watch out Larry, Gary’s on a mission)
Jane Alverado 3.07% (you go girl!!!)
Melissa Baran 2.52% (Melissa is a hard-charging active duty Navy gal! Thanks for all that you do for our country Melissa)
Kim Turner 2.52% ( we are expecting great things from you young lady)
Melissa Shupe 2.41% (Melissa is always on top of it)
Tom Frosch 2.39% (Tom is also active duty Navy and a most-excellent Naval Aviator-thanks to you too Tom for keeping our country safe and keeping me sane with our EXCEL program, dude you are my hero!!)
Jan Buckely 2.35% ( my dear friend and best whiner)
Christina Watanbe 2.31% (Christina works so hard!)
Brandi Hunt 2.14% (Brandi tells all that will listen that she is going to WIN!)

Now-in case you are wondering, how do we figure “percentage weight loss”, this is how it works:

1-(current weight/starting weight) x 100 = ?

This is the most FAIR way to assess weight loss of people with different starting weights.

Thursdays at Five have been rocking!
As always, since we began this contest, I have been hosting a Thursday afternoon 5 o’clock ab class. Which was a good workout, but it went by kinda quick so I wanted to do something a little different...that said, last week, after our abdominal killer workout session, I had everyone line up in two rows facing each other about 10 feet apart. Do you guys remember Soul Train when we were kids? Oh yeah-we got down and boogied for 30 straight minutes, down the “soul train” line!! OMG, what a workout! It was so successful, that we did it again tonight. Why can’t I remember to bring a camera for these unforgettable moments? I have an idea that after today, our Thursday night workouts are going to go in a completely different direction! And remember this folks: you don’t have to just do the treadmill to get in a good cardio workout! I can guarantee that we burnt at least 400-500 calories today and had a hell of a good time doing it! With some imagination, getting healthy can be enjoyable!

Just how many calories do I burn and does dancing really burn fat?

You damn skippy it burns fat and calories! Each person is different, but at the minimum with some serious hip swaying and toe tapping , you are looking at around 75-100 calories for about every 10 minutes of dancing. Now, if you really throw down, that number can increase exponentially! One incredible benefit of dancing is increased strength. When you dance you repeat movement over and over again, working the same muscle groups, this repetitive movement will strengthen these muscles. Another benefit is increased flexibility. The amount of increased flexibility will depend on the type of dancing, how most types of dance will add to flexibility. Yet another great benefit is a cardio workout, moving will increase your heart-rate and blood flow, not only aiding in cardiovascular health, but also burning fat. Lastly, dancing can create better coordination. Dance moves teach different muscle groups to work together, ones we don't always use in everyday activity, this will lead to increased coordination. Dancing does "really work". Dancing, will burns calories, boosts your energy, improve your circulation, and tone your muscle; which in turn leads to increased strength, endurance and flexibility. Now-where’s your IPoD?

And, oh by the way, I WILL have the camera next week...;-)

Keep your head in the game-
train hard, train smart, and stay focused.

Steven shedding his “fat clothes” in stages. He took off THREE more layers of clothes to reveal a healthier, and much happier person. BTW-Steven is now a certified Personal Trainer! Who better to help people, when you’ve been there? We wish you every happiness and success Steven.

Sunday’s mean changing our lives forever, one week at a time...

Learning the new strength training programs. (Which machine did she say?)
How many sets?
More abs? Crap!

The last week for “machines”. Next week, we begin teaching free weights.



Meeting at the Juice bar for Weigh In’s...

There’s Jan Buckley, flapping her jaws again. Here she is talking to last week’s biggest loser, Larry Dove.
Jan says” Dude, how’d you lose so much weight?” Larry replies, “If I don’t my wife will kick my butt, she wants that winning massage!” Jan says, “stand by stud, ‘cause I’m winning!”



Erin and Kat, Girls that Curl!
Ladies, I truly don’t know what I would do without you. These two young ladies work their butts off for Fitness Solutions, for me, for our contestants, for our customers, and for their families. Both are Navy spouses, have young children, and are go-getters. This contest concept was Kat’s idea, and quite frankly, I’m not sure if I should thank her, or fire her!! LOL, this was just the thing we needed, a challenge! And just for the record, I expect great things from these two. You are an inspiration for military spouses everywhere, including myself. Love you guys!




Kat makes treat bags for her team for Valentine’s Day, (you freaking overachiever! )

Where’s Tom Frosch???
Oh wait, he’s in Key West! Dude, you had soooo better not be drinking Mai Tai’s! That’s right, give me 20 more crunches! I can see you!

Its low fat recipe time, and yes I can cook!
Another great Sonya Recipe!
And please, if you have a healthy recipe to share by all means, send it in!

Slow Cooked Carnita’s
I make this all the time, because it is so easy. Throw the ingredients in a crock pot, and voila! In fact, my book club is having this in two weeks.

Ingredients:
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon crumbled dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon powder
1 (4 pound) boneless pork shoulder roast
2 bay leaves
2 cups chicken broth

DIRECTIONS
Mix together salt, garlic powder, cumin, oregano, coriander, and cinnamon in a bowl. Coat pork with the spice mixture. Place the bay leaves in the bottom of a slow cooker and place the pork on top. Pour the chicken broth around the sides of the pork, being careful not to rinse off the spice mixture.
Cover and cook on Low until the pork shreds easily with a fork, about 10 hours. Turn the meat over after it has cooked for 5 hours. When the pork is tender, remove from slow cooker, and shred with two forks. Use cooking liquid as needed to moisten the meat. How easy is that? I serve it with corn tortillas (about 80 calories) and some salsa.
Nutritional Information
Servings Per Recipe: 10
Amount Per Serving
Calories: 226
Total Fat: 14.1g
Cholesterol: 72mg
Sodium: 482mg
Total Carbs: 0.7g
Dietary Fiber: 0.2g
Protein: 22.4g

Almond Cheesecake Bars


Prep Time: 15 Minutes
Cook Time: 59 Minutes
Crust:
1/4 cup SPLENDA® No Calorie Sweetener, Granulated
1 1/4 cups graham cracker or vanilla wafer crumbs
1/3 cup light butter, melted
1/4 cup toasted sliced almonds, finely ground
Filling:
12 ounces reduced fat cream cheese
1/2 cup SPLENDA® No Calorie Sweetener, Granulated
2 large eggs
1/4 cup reduced fat sour cream
2 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 teaspoon almond extract
1/4 cup toasted, sliced almonds
Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
Spray an 8x8 pan with non-stick cooking spray.
Mix crust ingredients together in a mixing bowl. Mix well. Press into prepared pan. Bake 10-12 minutes or until firm.
Mix cream cheese and SPLENDA® Granulated Sweetener together until smooth. Add eggs, one at a time, scraping the sides of the bowl, and mixing well after each addition. Add sour cream and extracts; mix well. Pour over prepared crust.
Bake in preheated oven for 40 to 47 minutes, or until firm. Top with the toasted almonds.

.

Nutrition Info
Servings Per Recipe: 20
Amount Per Serving
Calories: 120
Calories from Fat: 70
Total Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 35mg
Sodium: 105mg
Total Carbs: 8g
Dietary Fiber: 0g
Sugars: 4g
Protein: 4g

AB Class On Thursday! Calling all contestants!
5-5:30 p.m. Let’s see if you can hang with the our Fire Chief Gary A. here demonstrating what NOT to do. If you’re smiling you aren’t doing it right!
Seriously, I am teaching an AB /Core class for only our Biggest Loser Competitors on Thursday. Eva will be teaching a beginner spin class next week. Day & time TBA.

If you get too hot,
Here’s Erin to hose you down since Gary is busy screwing around in the gym again.





And it look like our biggest loser of the week is going to be.....?? Oops, don’t know yet, but we will tomorrow! Standby!

Sonya-
I wanted to thank you for your patience and help over these past
eight weeks. The program was hard but the results were worth all the work.
I remember that first week when you told everyone to jog around the
football field two times. You walked along side me that last half lap and
asked me how old I was. I thought to myself "she doesn't think that I can do
this at my age."

The next Saturday I went to a group workout led by Larry where we did a relay around the basketball court
passing back weights as we went around. He said to jog but I could only walk so everyone had to slow
down for me. After three or four laps I dropped out and everyone started to
jog. I could see that I was slowing everyone down. Then when I came back
from nearly two weeks of leave and training I saw how far ahead everyone
else was with the program. I talked to Larry about dropping out. I told him
that I had missed so much in two weeks I was thinking about dropping out
mostly because I missed how to use the equipment for the two weeks and that
I felt like I would be holding everyone back in the weekly classes if I
continued. His answer was "Don't worry about anyone else. You need to do
this for you and your health." He stayed an extra hour the next Saturday to
show me everything that I had missed.

I was back on track but still had concerns about your question about my age.
Week four I read your blog about Ski Skoblicki and at that point I knew I was wrong.
Your concern was what you needed to do to help me succeed at my age and with my limitations. I
remember you saying "Don't think about what you can't do, lets concentrate
on what you can do." I so appreciate everything you did to modify the
program for me. The best thing was that last Monday when you were giving
everyone instructions for the exercises and Joe said "What is Anne going to
do for this?" I knew that by sticking with the program not only had I
accomplished great results but had possibly shown everyone in the class that
anyone at any age with various abilities can success. Thank you again.

Anne

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~~

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.

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!!!

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

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.

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.

• 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

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!

Erin and Rae Rae

Nas Lemoore Morning gym staff with Sonya and Rae Rae

Happy Halloween everyone-now step away from the candy!

"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
 

An email from Machelle to her PW folks: (hope she doesn't mind me publicizing this)

An excerpt;
"...This week the PWD Lemoore team is ANOTHER 20 pounds lighter!  Imagine that -
after only two weeks, the PW team has lost a collective 91 pounds!  You've
put in many, many hours at the gym, demonstrated your discipline in eating
right and the results are truly showing.  I can see the difference in your
appearance and I wouldn't be surprised if you get a lot of "have you lost
some weight?" comments..."

Thanks again to Machelle and all the team who work so hard to help us achieve our dreams.

Folks- are you ready for this....sixteen pounds in week one!! With a body weight percentage of 6.44%!! In fact, Larry called me into the room to triple check the scale. Now folks, understand this, these are not typical results. Bruce limited his nutrition intake to the extreme and worked his ever lovin' butt off! Bruce did say that this had occurred before when he was on a pretty restricted diet in the past. Way to go Bruce!! Just for the record, Bruce and his wife Debbie are our first ever, married contestants! We also have a mother/son duo that I will be blogging about here in the near future.

Please remember this, this competition is based on percentage of body weight lost, not actual weight lost.

Onto our top ten:

Bruce Whisenhunt lost 16 pounts, 6.44% body weight (Erin's team)
Olivia Garcia, who lost 7.5 pounds, and 4.16 % body weight (Larry's team)
Kyle Wulf, who lost 8.5 pounds, 3.95% body weight (Larry's team)
Joe Pharo who lost 8.5 pounds, 3.82% body weight (Larry's team)
Debbie Whisenhunt, lost 5.5 pounds, 3.74% body weight (Erin's team
Nelson Garman lost 11 pounds, 3.58% body weight (Larry's team)
Chelsea Hosfelt lost 9 pounds, 3.36% body weight (Katy's team)
Anne Morgan, lost 7 pounds, 3.27 % body weight (Sonya's team)
Amanda Newell, lost 6.5 pounds, 2.95% body weight (Sonya's team)
Dennis Cardoza, lost 6 pounds, 2.8% body weight (Larry's team)

Now, I might not be the smartest woman in the world, but it looks like Larry's team is kicking my team's ASS!! Hello, peeps, why are you letting this happen?

Seriously, congratulations to each and every person in that top ten!!

Some of you might remember Shawna Gomez from our first biggest loser contest where she placed in the top ten. Her can-do attitude and positive personality won us over and we hired her not long after the contest ended and she has been working at FS until she left last Thursday. She and her husband Jesus are now living in Hawaii on three year orders. Can you believe she would leave us for that!! Crazy!!

We did give Shawna a now infamous "Girls gone wild' going away party, and will post pictures soon. To Shawna and Jesus, be safe, be happy, continue your quest for a healthy lifestyle, and remember, you will always have a place in our hearts and our memories. Thanks for being a part of our team-we are better for having known you. Aloha!

Saturday Cardio week one reads:
    Outside walk first thing in the AM for 60 minutes
    Strength Training ( if possible)
Well how did it go? Did the Fog stop you?  A brave group made it to the gym @ 8 a.m., and we had a great time.  These Biggest Loser will probably be in the Top Ten for week one.
 Sonya had 3 team members
 Erin had 1 team member
 Kat had 1 team member, and I had 2 1/2 members. One of my Biggest Loser's  Wife was in the house, she worked out with us. We had a 8 pound Walk \ Jog Relay Race, that turned into a last man standing contest. The winner of the Last Man Relay Contest was a Woman. Mrs. Cardoza and I was the last two fighting it out, but I could not hang. GREAT JOB !
 
After the fun with the relay, one of Sonya and Erin's Biggest Loser Team Members and I completed the weekly Strength Training Program with max muscle burnout on each third set of 15 reps. We pumped some iron. When one was pumping iron the other two were performing two sets of super set, never letting our heart rate drop.We never let the workout equipment  seat cool off. This level of commitment will keep these Team Members in the Top Ten each week. Do you think that was all? No sir buddy. Sonya's Team Member got back on the Cardio wagon and pulled off another workout.  You won't see her in line at the drug store buying heart meds. You will see her name in the Top Ten.This group of Biggest Losers planned their job workout and worked the plan. They didn't let their husband or wife, friends, kids or the weather stop them.
       Come join us on Thursday night and Saturday morning. We are like Motel 6, we will keep the light on for you!
  My wife, a Retired School Teacher, made her students learn a creed every year.  Great words to live by. If you would like a copy, see me at another time. Read this creed when you don't want to come to the gym to workout. 
      Hey, don't forget to weigh-in on Monday.  You can weigh-in at ANYTIME.  The 5:00 meeting is mandatory in order to receive your week-two program.  Please bring in your weekly food journals.
 
 
LARRY DOVE