YMCA Get Fit Challenge yields remarkable results

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

YMCA Get Fit Challengers lost a combined weight of 846.6 pounds over the last 11 weeks.

Teams started the program with a total weight of 16,618 pounds and finished with a total weight of 15,772 pounds.

The Owen County Family YMCA joined forces with Purdue Extension to host a weight loss and fitness program for teams of health seekers desiring to lose body weight and become more fit. Each team of four members competed weekly for the largest combined percentage lost and for the overall largest combined percentage lost.

The program began March 16 with a total of 19 teams.

Teams were assisted by YMCA fitness professionals and a Purdue Extension dietician. Each week teams gathered for a weekly weigh in and educational, motivational meeting.

They were able to discuss their dietary choices with Peggy Davis of Purdue Extension, ask YMCA personal trainers fitness questions, schedule weekly team workouts and consultations, and even learn about psychological triggers for poor eating habits from licensed clinical social worker, Tami Nelson of Hamilton Center.

The success of each team was measured by the overall combined percentage of body weight lost. Farm Bureau Insurance won the challenge with a total weight loss of 111.4 pounds.

The team of four began with a combined weight of 849.2 pounds and ended with a weight of 737.8 pounds. All teams succeeded in losing weight.

Percentages lost ranged from 1 percent to 13.1percent.

When attending meetings and group workouts, it became evident that the real rewards could not be measured by a scale. Some of the best results came in the form of new friendships, lasting support systems, raised self esteem, and healthier happier lifestyles.

The Owen County Family YMCA and Purdue Extension would like to thank all the businesses and organizations that donated prizes each week to help motivate challengers.

Sponsors included Mary Preston of Just the Right Touch Massage, Farm Bureau Insurance, Insurance Services, Beth's Hair Station, and Hammond Florist.

The YMCA Summer Walking Club will keep motivation high and continue to provide support and encouragement for challengers and other interested health seekers during the summer months.

The walking club is scheduled to begin on June 8.

Participants will meet for group walks and incentives will be given for mileage. For information or to enroll in the YMCA Summer Walking Club, please call (812) 828-9622 or stop by the YMCA member services desk.

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