Quesnel’s Biggest Loser Challenge is just over halfway through its 14 week program and fitness instructor Renee McCarthy couldn’t be happier with the progress of the challengers.
“To date, they have lost 1090 pounds and with 25 days left in the challenge, there’s many more pounds to go,” she said.
Of the 80 or so challengers who began Quesnel’s Biggest Loser, more than 60 are still going strong.
“They’re working hard at achieving their goals,” McCarthy said.
“For as many as a quarter of those who initially signed up, they’ve met their 14-week goal already and are pushing on with new goals.”
However, it’s not just about the pounds lost, she added. Participants are learning about nutrition and how that, in conjunction with a fitness plan, will help them stay on track long after this challenge is finished.
Several challengers spoke with McCarthy of their journey so far.
“I joined the biggest loser challenge because I needed support to encourage me to keep up with my goal of weight loss. I loved the idea that it wasn’t a quick fix. I wanted a program that not only helped with learning how to make healthier food choices but also incorporated fitness and long term maintenance. The program has actually surpassed my expectations. Having the support of Renee and the other competitors was key to my success. I plan to continue with Renee’s Healthy Transformations Boot Camp to maintain my weight loss. I went from being out of shape and sore all the time to feeling amazing, having tons of energy and loving how I feel. This has been an amazing experience, one that I plan to continue for a very long time.”
Krista has lost 22 pounds in the first nine weeks.
Twyla has lost 16 pounds and had this to say about the challenge.
“I needed a change in my lifestyle of exercise and healthy eating. Also being told by a physician that I have high cholesterol and that doing more exercise and watching what I eat will need to be a goal to help me. It’s been everything I expected.
“My weight has changed
for the better and I physically and emotionally feel better. Renee has been a great support throughout the program, she pushes you and is always positive.
“I plan to continue my weight loss. It’s a lifestyle change and has become a positive change in my home life.”
Leah said she took the challenge because she wanted to get healthy, again. She and her mother decided to do it together. At week nine, Leah has lost 25.2 pounds.
“This challenge has been more than I ever expected. I feel healthy, mind, body and soul. The best part of the challenge is the support I have from family, friends, coworkers and of course Renee. I’ll maintain my healthy lifestyle after the challenge by continuing to do everything I have learned. I have the tools to control my emotion eating and a network of people to help me keep focused. My goal is to be a good role model for my children and to have a healthy happy family.”
But the biggest loser so far is Heather who has succeeded in taking off 35 pounds.
“I have needed to lose weight for a long time. It has been steadily creeping up and up and I’ve been getting more tired and out of breath and was starting to have trouble with my knees. I heard about Quesnel’s Biggest Loser quite by accident. I really liked the weekly weigh in. I’ve tried to lose weight on my own but with nobody to hold you accountable it’s far too easy to cheat and slack off. I never expected to have the weight come off as quickly as it did. The 17 Day Diet was easy to follow, works really quickly and used regular everyday food. I was never hungry. The jeans I’d hoped to fit into at the end of the challenge, fit me at just three weeks in.”
Heather added she credits much of her success to Renee, who she says is the driving force behind this program.
“She spends countless hours setting up and running amazing Boot Camp classes. She’s always there with a big smile and a ‘you’re looking great’. This program has become a lifestyle for me now. I know how to eat now and what works for my body.
“I’m stronger and more confident. When this challenge is over I plan to continue on with the diet and exercise program in order to reach my goal weight.”
Quesnel’s Biggest Loser
has made winners in another way. As the number of pounds lost climbs, so does the poundage of food pledged to the Food Bank.
For every pound lost, a pound of food is donated through the generosity of Save-On Foods and Healthy Transformations.
And the innovative fitness program is expanding to include a Couch to 5k Running Clinic. Beginning April 26, every Tuesday and Thursday for eight weeks, with a 9:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. class.
“Quesnel’s Biggest Loser has been a winner for all those who took on the challenge, for their weight loss success and personal well-being, but it’s also been a success for me – I’m very humbled by the strength and determination of the challengers,” McCarthy said.
“Their success is my success.”
Even though Biggest Loser is coming to an end, Renee is committed to helping people reach their wellness and fitness goals.
Her Boot Camps run Monday, Wednesday and Friday 9:15 – 10:30 a.m., 5:15 – 6:30 p.m.
To find out more, call Renee at 250-991-2213.