Y Choose to Lose Participants Shed Over 1,300 Pounds!
Winner Shows Christian Spirit of Giving
A ton of weight, literally, was lost by the 128 participants in the second annual Y Choose to Lose contest at the YMCA. Over the course of 12 weeks, these participants shed a total of 1,309 pounds! Weekly weigh-ins as well as a variety of nutrition and fitness educational workshops were held throughout the 12 week contest. Both the male and female winners won a $1,000 travel gift certificate to plan a vacation of their choosing. In addition, the winning team of four received $400 in cash. Winners were determined by a combined percentage of both total pounds lost as well as the total body fat lost. “Whereas weight loss definitely contributes to one’s overall health,” states program director Jeff Summers, “losing body fat and building lean muscle mass is the healthiest way to lose weight and maintain it for the long term.”
With a combined total weight loss of 115 pounds, married couple Jim and Trudy Young took home first place in both the men’s and women’s divisions. After marrying in 2007, the Young’s found themselves gaining pounds as they settled into the routine of married life. After deciding to enter the Y Choose to Lose contest, the Young’s made changes in both their diet and exercise habits to achieve the win. In regards to diet, they ate smaller portions as well as cut out both fatty and junk food. They ate much more fruit and vegetables as well as lean meats such as chicken, tuna and salmon. They both exercised at the YMCA every day, with Trudy sometimes working out twice a day. They each used a variety of the equipment, including bikes, ellipticals, and the walking track. In addition, they both lifted weights; “Lots of weights,” adds Jim. “It took lots of sweat and discipline” stated Jim. As a couple, they encouraged, challenged and supported each other throughout the entire contest. They believe having a partner in their weight-loss efforts contributed to their success.
The final winners were announced in April, on the evening of Good Friday. On that night, Jim showed the true meaning of giving by handing his $1,000 certificate to second place winner, Roger Newell. When asked what inspired him to give away his winnings, Jim simply stated that the Lord says it is better to give than to receive and that he felt blessed in so many ways he thought it best to bless someone else. Jim stated that he was humbled by the fact that he was able to give such a gift on the same day that Christians remember the gift that Jesus gave us, His own life. When Jim handed over his winnings, all who attended the celebration were in quiet awe, and maybe a bit of disbelief. Roger was shocked but managed to give Jim a big ‘thank you’ hug. There was competitive rivalry between Jim and Roger, with Roger often offering to buy Jim a pizza or fried chicken. However, the competition was healthy as Jim stated that when he would see Roger running extra laps around the track he would hit the bike for another 30 minutes.
Jim and Trudy plan to use Trudy’s $1,000 to take a trip to Branson in the near future. They plan to continue their healthier eating and exercise habits both at the YMCA and outside as the weather improves. They did admit, though, they may allow themselves a few more ‘special treats’ in their diet now that the competition is over.
Top five winners, with their combined weight and body fat percentages lost, are listed below. A big congratulations goes out to all of the contest participants who worked so hard to make healthier habits a part of their life.
Men’s Division:
Jim Young, 63.5%, Roger Newell, 44.7%, Micha Rudd, 43%, Derrick Weerts, 41.9%, and Dave Northrup, 38.4%.
Belly Busters, 129.2%
(inc. Jim and Trudy Young, Jessie Snow and Dave Shireman) Raiders of the Lost Fridge, 105.2%
(Jamie and Tracy Hendricker and Ron and Marcie Wort) 4x2XL, 102.5%
(Booky Howell, Sean Bertoux, Dan Howell, and Jeff Rupert) 3 Babes and a Fatman, 98%
(Debbie Bower, Mark Read, Carey Felton and Leann Hammer) Double Couples, 90%
(Roger and Tonya Newell and Gary and Lauren Linnemeyer)
Classes
Jim and Trudy plan to use Trudy’s $1,000 to take a trip to Branson in the near future. They plan to continue their healthier eating and exercise habits both at the YMCA and outside as the weather improves. They did admit, though, they may allow themselves a few more ‘special treats’ in their diet now that the competition is over.