The Biggest Loser Competition 2013

We have a winner!

The Kilpatrick Athletic Center's "The Biggest Loser 4", our own version of the hit reality TV show, has come to a close and what a contest it was. All 40 participants worked extremely hard over the past two months to collectively lose a total of 437 pounds—the equivalent of several people!

“Big congratulations to our winner, Mark Mirasol!” says Rebecca Hunter, fitness director at the Kilpatrick. Mark lost an astonishing 49.4 pounds, 21.9% of his original body weight, making him the most successful loser ever in the Kilpatrick challenges. The runner up was Richard Fuhrmann, losing an unbelievable 37.1 pounds, or 16.2%. “If you know Mark and Richard or see them around, be sure to give them a high five and tell them how great they look,” she enthuses!

The New Year was a perfect time for the 4th Biggest Loser Challenge at the Kilpatrick Athletic Center, when many people resolve to make improvements. Since a lot of resolutions center on health and fitness, the timing was right to introduce a new program designed to get people moving; help them lose excess pounds; and educate them on exercise, nutrition, and overall wellness. Hunter’s goal is for all participants to continue to make these positive changes well into the future.

“The Biggest Loser” challenge is not new to the Kilpatrick. The details may change in each competition, but the general game remains the same. Prior to the start of the challenge (this year’s began January 7th) each participant pays $50 to register. The bulk of this money goes into “The Biggest Loser” pot. Each participant does an initial weigh in and has their body measurements and a “before” photo taken.

Each week, for eight weeks, participants must show up at the Kilpatrick to weigh in. On Sunday, March 3rd, after eight weeks, participants gather for the final weigh in. This last trip to the scales not only determines the winner, it showcases the success of each person as final measurements and “after” photos are also taken.

During the eight weeks, optional group workouts and weekly nutrition workshops are offered— and encouraged—to promote safe and effective weight loss. The participants’ lost pounds are tracked as the percentage of their total body weight lost in order to account for everyone’s varying starting weights. In the end, the person with the highest percentage lost is the winner, and the person with the second highest percentage lost is the runner up.

And remember that pot of money? The “Biggest Loser” takes home $750, a 3-month KAC membership, and several health and fitness prizes. The runner up takes home $250, plus a membership and prizes.

All four Biggest Loser Challenges have been organized and run by Hunter, who has been the Kilpatrick’s fitness director since August 2005. A certified Personal Trainer, Group Exercise Instructor and Lifestyle and Weight Management Consultant, she has been in the fitness industry for the past twelve years. Hunter enjoys motivating others and wants people to see their true potential and work towards it.

“I feel lucky in my job every day,” Hunter says, “because I have the opportunity to share my knowledge, love and passion for health. We often sell ourselves short or settle for something that is less than our best. This is often true in the Biggest Loser participants. I want their self-confidence to soar as they start to see progress- on the scale, but also through other positive changes such as higher energy levels, increased strength and endurance, lower blood pressure and cholesterol readings, just to name a few.”

Hunter’s passion for this work is personal. “The main reason I have a career centered on health and fitness is because of my own personal success losing weight,” she remarks. “I went from a fat, miserable, self-conscious, timid and passive person trying to find myself under all those layers of unhappiness to a much slimmer woman, who as it turns out, is a woman who is strong, powerful, determined, and a great leader!”

Hunter, who lost over 80 pounds, adds, “I know what it’s like to be on the other side, I know the effort and hard work that you have to put in each and every day to lose the weight and then keep it off. It is hard, but it is possible...if you want it badly enough.”

Her own experiences with weight loss allow Rebecca to connect with “The Biggest Loser” participants. “I want them to succeed!” she says. And succeed they do! Each challenge has seen 40 + participants and this one was no exception. The average percentage lost at the end of the eight week challenge is typically 10%. “Studies have shown that even a 5% weight loss can make a huge difference in lowering your blood pressure or cholesterol, lowering your risk of developing Type II Diabetes and Heart Disease. I try to get everyone to 5%,” Hunter states. Whatever the final stats, this program gives participants tools to be successful. It’s all about taking it one workout at a time, one meal at a time, and one day at a time.

How about you? Would you like to be the next Biggest Loser? If you are interested in learning more about the program and upcoming dates for a Biggest Loser 5, please contact Rebecca Hunter, Fitness Director at (413) 528-7774 or email at rhunter@simons-rock.edu.