Fittest Loser contestants see changes in bodies and attitudes
Like butterflies clawing their way out of a cocoon, contestants in the Fittest Loser Challenge are beginning to experience a stunning metamorphosis.
Sponsored by the Daily Herald and Push Fitness in Schaumburg, the competition involves a major change in their diet and a demanding exercise program.
Seven weeks into the 12-week program, the contestants are already noticing significant physical, mental and emotional changes in themselves.
Many have had to buy new clothes for their leaner and thinner bodies. Some are noticing complimentary changes in their hair and skin as a result of eating healthier. Most of them also report more energy, better sleeping habits and a more positive outlook on life in general.
Their physical transformation is obvious to their friends, family and co-workers. Let's take a look at how far each contestant has come since the beginning of the competition.
Deanna Bec
Her co-workers have begun calling her “little miss skinny pants.” It's a nickname that Deanna Bec doesn't mind. She's worked hard to shed pounds — and people are beginning to notice.
Her boyfriend thinks that she's “shrinking.” Other people have commented that her legs look smaller and that her muscles appear more defined. Even her father, who she says doesn't normally comment on her physical appearance, has noticed a change.
“My dad is European. He wouldn't notice if I shaved my head,” says Bec of Berwyn. “But the other day, I was helping him unload groceries and he said, ‘You look good.'”
Besides losing weight, Bec has also noticed a change in her skin. She believes that cutting out greasy foods and drinking lots of water has made her skin appear much healthier.
“My co-worker said that my skin looks amazing,” says Bec. “Normally, I have oily and bumpy skin. But now I've noticed that the bumps are gone.”
While the physical changes are evident, Bec has noticed a huge change in her attitude since the beginning of the competition. She's able to manage stress better, feels more confident and generally more optimistic about life. In the past, when she'd feel depressed, she'd sit on the couch and pout. Now, she often finds herself going out for a run to clear her head.
“Before, I was a pile of emotions. Now I feel more clear,” she says. “I have a more positive outlook on life now and I'm happier. Things don't bother me like they used to.”
Bob Coniglio
At a recent volleyball tournament with his kids, Bob Coniglio noticed a change in himself. In the past, he'd be out of breath hiking through the stadium at McCormick Place, where the tournament took place. But now that he's more than 30 pounds lighter, he no longer finds himself huffing and puffing.
“My kids say how much better I look and how much I've improved with my breathing,” says Coniglio of Arlington Heights. “That makes me feel better about myself.”
Besides being able to breathe easier, Coniglio has noticed other physical changes as well. His clothes are looser, his shirts fit better and he feels much healthier.
“Other people tell me how I look much thinner in the face and in the body,” he says. “To hear it from other people, that's a change for me.”
Though he has always considered himself a positive person, Coniglio admits that he is also experiencing certain boosts in mental energy.
“I feel much more alert,” he says. “I feel good that I'm losing all this weight and eating a lot healthier. It's a positive note emotionally.”
He's also received a lot of positive feedback. His trainer at Push Fitness, Michelle Amsden, often compliments his eating habits and his ability to be creative with a variety of dishes, he says. His co-workers tell him that he looks healthier and more energetic.
“The guys at work, and my family, they say I've got a more lively step,” he says. “Positive things like that make me feel better and want to work harder.”
Robert Patterson
On a recent visit to Pepe's Mexican Restaurant, Robert Patterson's regular waiter asked him if he was sick. It's not that the waiter thought Patterson looked unhealthy. In fact, the waiter told him that he “looked really good.” But he was shocked at how much weight Patterson lost since his last visit.
“People can definitely tell the difference and that makes you feel good,” says Patterson of North Aurora.
For the first time in about 15 years, Patterson is able to fit into a size 38 jeans, which he says still have breathing room in them. Seven weeks ago, he was wearing a size 44 — and they were snug.
“I'm probably going to have to go shopping for new clothes soon. They are too baggy,” he says. “It's awesome.”
Besides physical weight loss, Patterson says that he's noticed a change in his posture. In the past, he had a slight slouch. Today, he walks more upright and with confidence. In addition, he's discovered that the diet and exercise program he's been following makes it easier for him to manage stress.
“The workouts really help,” he says. “They've allowed me to change my focus and work through some issues.”
Patterson says he truly enjoys working out with his trainer at Push Fitness, Patrick Stille. They often discuss his diet and improvements to his exercise routines.
“(Stille) says I'm doing awesome,” says Paterson. “He always congratulates me after a good workout … he's always watching out for me.”
Cindy Uribe
Receiving a compliment about your appearance from an ex-husband is a pretty good feeling. This was recently the case with Cindy Uribe of Hoffman Estates.
“He sent me a text that said that he's really impressed with all the work I'm doing and the way I'm looking,” says Uribe.
Her family and friends have noticed the change too. Uribe's mother observed that her daughter's face is getting thinner and that her clothes are baggy. When Uribe visited with her sister, “she said that I look thinner every time she sees me.”
Personally, Uribe has noticed physical changes about herself as well. Besides shrinking down to a smaller jeans size and being able to wear belts that wouldn't fit seven weeks ago, Uribe feels more toned and sculpted.
“My stomach has gone flatter and I've noticed a change in the shape of my legs. They are more muscular,” she says.
In addition, Uribe says she is sleeping better and has more energy during the day.
“I wake up more refreshed,” she says. “I feel more comfortable and confident. I think the confidence comes from, not just losing weight, but from getting through my workouts.”
Uribe's trainer at Push Fitness, Brodie Medlock, is excellent at helping her push through workouts, she says. He often sends her motivational text messages and advises on her diet.
“He told me that he's proud of the work I'm doing each week,” she says. “That meant a lot to me.”
Heidi Wiltse
Heidi Wiltse recently threw away six pairs of good pants. But the Arlington Heights woman is not complaining. Her clothing is getting too big for her — and that's a great feeling.
“I am definitely noticing physical changes,” Wiltse says.
She's not the only one. Wiltse's husband has made sweet comments about her new shape and her daughter has discovered a slimmer mother when they hug. At work, Wiltse has received numerous compliments from her co-workers — especially about her hair and skin.
“People have commented how shiny and healthy my hair looks,” Wiltse says. “And my skin. I had a woman at work tell me that it looks radiant.”
In addition to her physical transformation, Wiltse also feels better about herself mentally. She is calmer, less stressed and more easygoing.
“I have a much more positive attitude and my fuse is not as short,” she says. “I think it all comes down to me taking care of myself. I've always been about taking care of other people. Now I'm at the point where because I'm taking care of myself, I really find that it's easier to take care of others.”
In the past seven weeks, Wiltse has felt herself evolving both “mentally and emotionally.” Though she's a bit nervous about gaining some weight back when the challenge is over, she's been discussing it with her trainer at Push Fitness, Wade Merrill.
“We have had many deep conversations about my fears of what happens weeks from now if I don't have him (to train with four times a week),” she says. “But I think he's very pleased where I've gone psychologically. He's been very proud of me.”
By the numbers
<h3 class="breakHead"><span class="fact box text bold">Deanna Bec,</span> 30, Berwyn </h3>
<span class="fact box text bold">Starting weight:</span> 207
<span class="fact box text bold">Current weight:</span> 194
<span class="fact box text bold">Weight lost this week:</span> 3 pounds
<span class="fact box text bold">Total weight loss:</span> 13 pounds, 6.3 percent
<h3 class="breakHead"><span class="fact box text bold">Bob Coniglio,</span> 51, Arlington Heights </h3>
<span class="fact box text bold">Starting weight:</span> 304
<span class="fact box text bold">Current weight: </span>268
<span class="fact box text bold">Weight lost this week:</span> 6 pounds
<span class="fact box text bold">Total weight loss:</span> 36 pounds, 11.8 percent
<h3 class="breakHead"><span class="fact box text bold">Robert Patterson,</span> 56, North Aurora </h3>
<span class="fact box text bold">Starting weight: </span>255
<span class="fact box text bold">Current weight:</span> 225
<span class="fact box text bold">Weight lost this week: </span>4 pounds
<span class="fact box text bold">Total weight loss:</span> 30 pounds, 11.8 percent
<h3 class="breakHead"><span class="fact box text bold">Cindy Uribe,</span> 33, Hoffman Estates </h3>
<span class="fact box text bold">Starting weight:</span> 280
<span class="fact box text bold">Current weight:</span> 260
<span class="fact box text bold">Weight lost this week:</span> 2 pounds
<span class="fact box text bold">Total weight loss:</span> 20 pounds, 7.1 percent
<h3 class="breakHead"><span class="fact box text bold">Heidi Wiltse,</span> 43, Arlington Heights </h3>
<span class="fact box text bold">Starting weight:</span> 286
<span class="fact box text bold">Current weight:</span> 253
<span class="fact box text bold">Weight lost this week:</span> 6 pounds
<span class="fact box text bold">Total weight loss:</span> 33 pounds, 11.5 percent