Fittest Loser At Work participants' changes go to their heads

Looser clothing and different attitudes are some of the changes that teams participating in the Fittest Loser At Work Challenge have begun to notice.

More than halfway through the competition, team members report significant changes in themselves. Not only are many experiencing weight loss, they are developing a better mental attitude. Friends, family and co-workers are beginning to notice as well.

Reduction in Force, a team from the Management Association in Downers Grove, is reporting a boost in confidence as a result of weight loss.

“We've all heard comments from colleagues, friends and family saying that our faces are thinner,” says Team Captain Julie Belloli. “Not only do others notice the physical changes, but they also see that our confidence has improved and our energy levels are higher than before.”

Besides the significant increase in the team's confidence, members are seeing other changes as well.

“I definitely feel like my skin is brighter and clearer from eating the right foods and eliminating sugar and junk,” says Mary Lynn Fayoumi.

This team truly believes working together is the key to success. Team members have been exercising at the Biggest Loser Resort in Bloomingdale. The group also plans to host a “healthy graze” at the office. Everyone will bring a healthy dish to share for lunch after an office yoga session.

“It is so motivating and uplifting to encourage each other to push our limits” says Fayoumi. “We're definitely better when we're working out as a team.”

The Links Dream Team, from Links Technology Solutions, Inc. in Schaumburg, is also beginning to see results. Team Captain Mary Kay Piper says that her BMI has dropped by 10 percent since the beginning of the competition. She's also noticing both physical and emotional changes among her team mates.

“It's the emotional changes that have really been fun to see,” she says. “Funny how when your clothes start getting loose, that confidence starts shining through.”

The team reports that family, friends and colleagues are noticing the weight loss and that the additional motivation helps keep the team moving forward.

“The physical changes in the entire team, as well as myself, are very noticeable because you can see and feel the clothes are getting loose for everyone,” says team member Rich John. “As far as mental and emotional, there is definitely some ‘PEP' in everyone's step these days.”

Team members continue to encourage each other and have even been encouraging co-workers who are not in the challenge to embrace a healthier lifestyle. This team uses humor and jokes to support members when they get the “dieting blues.”

“Comic relief sets in and pretty soon we are all back on track,” Piper says. “We seem to laugh through things on this team. I feel like the bond will continue well after the competition ends.”

Meanwhile, members of the CPA's Chippin' Pounds Away team from BIK & Co, LLP in Palatine have been earning their name. For many members, the pounds have begun to melt away.

“I am getting comments from friends and co-workers that I look great, thinner, which is always nice to hear and keeps me motivated to continue on this journey,” says team member Jen Grealish.

Even though many team members work in different offices, they have been communicating via email and found time to work out together at the Biggest Loser Resort in Bloomingdale.

“I am continuing to feel more fit, lose fat and gain muscle, which is great,” says Michelle Winkleman.

Cathie Munoz says that she has received compliments at the gym about her muscles being more toned, probably due to the exercise classes she's been taking. In addition, Munoz says that team members have been very supportive of each other — which helps them get through tempting situations.

“We all share temptations and frustrations and how we deal with them, which I think is great and shows we have a good team support system,” she says.