Biggest Loser Begins

My friend Joshua Bare came to me a few months ago about the summer fundraiser for the Hope Community Center in Charlottesville. He was very excited and explained they would be doing a variation of the hit T.V. show " The Biggest Loser". The weekly show follows obese people as they compete to see who can lose the most weight. Joshua's idea was very simple. Have people donate about $30 to enter the contest that last 10 weeks. Winners will receive $1000 in cash. Former UVA Star Football Tackle Jon Copper has joined in to offer support for those involved in the contest. He sends e-mails of encouragement almost daily to participants and offers advice on nutrition and exercise. Patty Workman has also offered her services and is holding free workout sessions.

For my part in this I have decided to join in and be a contestant myself. Although I'm not expecting to win, I am expecting to get into better shape. I am a mother of three and in my mid-thirties. I have found being a working mother lends itself to all sorts of bad eating and exercising habits. I hope to retrain myself this summer with the help of my trainer Sherrie. I want to share my experience with you and hope it may inspire you to get off the couch or bar stool and get into shape.

At the weigh-in on May 22, 2010, I weighed 161lbs. See the video
http://www.youtube.com/user/WCHVnews#p/a/u/1/5nTghvl77bc

I'm not sure of my measurements, but I'm sure they were not what they were when I was a svelte 125lbs. My goal is not necessarily to get to that weight again, but I do want to lose some. I just want ABS OF STEEL or to just look good in a swim suit. After meeting with my trainer Sherrie, we decided I would work out twice a week on my own jogging, doing pilates and yoga. (I used to teach yoga and pilates, so Sherrie felt comfortable giving me those tasks) We also decided I would work with her twice a week on aerobic and strengthening exercises.

My first workout with Sherrie we decided to meet at Pen Park at 1:30 in the afternoon. Which means it was HOT! We jogged on the beautiful fitness trail and made stops at stations to do strengthening exercises. See the video http://www.youtube.com/user/WCHVnews

At the end of the hour workout, I was sweat covered and exhausted. I jokingly yelled out "She's killing me!" referring to my actually very sweet and kind trainer Sherrie.

I'm now on my second week and I'm feeling great! I have kept my promises to Sherrie about my solo workouts and now I'm working on improving my diet. One thing Sherrie insist I should almost give up ...Coke! (And of course I mean the soda pop. ) I love the sweetness and I find the sugar rush helps me get through those busy news days. But it's got to go now if I plan on meeting my goal in only 9 more weeks. I do one good thing and that's drink lots of water. Since I talk a lot during work, my mouth is always getting dry. So lots of water is required if I'm going to keep my broadcaster voice in tact. Sherrie also suggested I stay away from processed and fried foods. Not easy sometimes when I just need a quick bite. So my answer. Storing up on lots of fruit I like. My favs are apples and bananas. If I need something now, I just grab one of those and I'm good until I can have an actual meal. Yogurt is also another snack I like.

I'm not sure if I've lost weight yet, but I feel like I'm definitely toning up. And I made it through my workout this week much easier than the one last week.

To learn more about Biggest Loser Cville go to http://www.biggestlosercville.com/

To Learn more about The Hope Community Center and how you can help go to http://www.hopecommunitycenter.com/


Get off the couch and get going!!!!

-Melissa :)