The contestants ramp up their efforts during the Saturday morning 45-minute boot-camp workout at Push Fitness.
Bob Chwedyk | Staff Photographer
Holding the squat position isn't easy for Megan McCarthy-Cook. Sharing her pain are, from left, Joe Gundling, Greg Moehrlin and 2012 Fittest Loser contestant Matt Kramer.
Karen Castillo lunges at Saturday morning boot camp.
Marianne Costales-Roman, right, works out next to the Daily Herald's Fittest Loser Melynda Findlay.
It's high-fives all around with trainer Tony Rinhart at the end of the 45-minute boot-camp workout.
Bob Chwedyk | Staff Photographer
Every Saturday boot camp ends with the official weekly weigh-in. One benefit of all the sweat poured out in the gym is the potential for an extra ounce or two off the scale. For all the contestants, including Megan McCarthy-Cook, stepping on the scale brings on anxiety.
Bob Chwedyk | Staff Photographer
About this Article
The Fittest Loser contestants are vying for the big prize — being named 2013 Fittest Loser. It's a competition and there will be only one “winner.” But at Push Fitness every Saturday, it's hard to tell the six contestants are competing against one another. By all appearances they get along rather well ... even if they are wearing boxing gloves. Welcome to boot camp, Fittest Loser style!Latest Galleries
News - Willowbrook High School Graduation
News - Addison Trail High School Graduation
Sports - Blackhawks vs. Kings, Game Five
Sports - Images from the IHSA Class 4A championship and thrid place softball games
Sports - Images from the IHSA Class 4A third place and championship baseball games
Sports - Images from the IHSA Class 3A championship softball game
Sports - Images from the IHSA Class 3A third place and championship baseball games
News - Libertyville High School Graduation
Sports - St. Charles East vs. Libertyville State Semifinal Baseball
Sports - St. Charles East vs.Barrington State Semifinal Softball
Sports - Neuqua Valley vs. Mt. Carmel State Semifinal Baseball
Sports - Glenbard South vs. Tinley Park State Semifinal Softball