Trainers are the backbone and inspiration of Fittest Loser contest
Feeling confident about their nutritional game so far, this year's Fittest Loser contestants are embracing the challenges they face with the other side of this competition: personal sessions with their trainers.
In-depth and targeted for each contestant's physical condition and needs, these trainings stretch the boundaries of what participants think they can achieve.
Trainers aren't just robots that bark out workout orders. Success lies in how each trainer manages the ongoing and ever-changing balance of contestants' current physical condition, nutritional history and personal fitness goals.
Contestants keep a daily fitness diary that tracks all food intake and details of workouts, both assigned as homework and what they accomplished with their trainer.
Janet Ford's trainer, Laura Philbin, reviews all the details in her diary. "She evaluates my logbook, making suggestions on how I can improve, such as omitting dairy," Janet said.
Mel Boldt enjoys workouts with his trainer, Matt Bell, and he looks past the tough moments. "This isn't a quick weight loss plan, it's a lifestyle change."
Great attitude is the go-to tool for the Push Fitness crew.
Trainer Patrick Stille's smile helps Sharon Miller get through a challenging exercise. "He is always very positive and encouraging with me," she says.
Great trainers also adapt their styles to clients' needs.
Jiten Patel says he needs the strict style of Steve Amsden to keep him on track. "He ups my burpee quota for colorful language," Jiten says.
With three weeks of individual training experiences now under their belts, here's a look at how each contestant is doing:
Mel Boldt
Mel came to this contest with a lifetime of fitness disappointments in tow, weighing heavy on his body and spirit. "I didn't want walks with my youngest daughter to be a daunting task anymore," Mel says. "My trainer, Matt Bell, pushes me hard, making each session challenging, but rewarding and enjoyable. I've seen consistent improvement with every workout."
Feeling the benefit of overall team support from all trainers, Mel sees the differences of this program over others he tried in the past. "Push Fitness surpassed my expectations of helping me set personal fitness goals. Matt gets my strength comes from eagerness to lose weight and win the contest."
Mel uses an interesting visual queue as a motivation tool. "When I'm tiring near the end of a workout," he says, "the mental game kicks in and I picture my competition breezing through their workout. That image blasts me through tough spots."
Mel likes where his trainer Matt has taken him so far. "Matt has pushed me to the point where I can look back and see how far I have come in only a few short weeks."
Janet Ford
Before stepping foot into the Push Fitness studio, Janet thought personal training sessions to be a "luxury."
But she now understands that personal training offers strong motivations to stay on a healthy track. "It's easy to find an excuse not to exercise when no one holds you accountable," she says.
Filling a need not previously on her radar, trainer Laura Philbin does dual duty as a fitness role model. "She's in great shape," says Janet, "Always cheerful with a funny story. Laura combines getting to know me personally, along with tailoring an exercise program fitting my needs, physically and professionally."
Balancing a busy work schedule with workouts at Push Fitness, Janet appreciates the efficiency of their program. "The 45-minute sessions are concise, varied and really gets your heart rate up, exercising all muscle groups," she says.
For Janet, the holistic approach to fitness is critical - both nutritional information and physical activity in one well thought out plan.
"I feel a special achievement leaving Push Fitness that inspires me all day," Janet says.
Jiten 'J' Patel
A vegetarian lifestyle and busy work travel schedule, gives J's trainer Steve Amsden another level of obstacles, upon the already challenging Push Fitness program.
But as J tells it, trainer Steve is up to the job. "I like that he has little tolerance for excuses and complaining. That strict training style pushes me to achieve more than I thought possible," he says.
And he's learned the importance of a balanced workout.
"In the past when I lost weight, my fitness routine started with cardio training, stayed with cardio and ended with cardio," he says. "My weakness is weight lifting, and Steve keeps me focused upon upping my game."
J appreciates that sense of accomplishment upon completing a challenging workout.
"Steve has motivated me to see just how strong I really am," says J. "I am continually surprised by how much harder I can push myself on circuit training, with Steve as my trainer. He's a big part of my progress."
Sharon Miller
Sharon Miller likes the variety of exercises Patrick Stille brings to their sessions.
"Patrick is very positive and always with a smile, encourages me to push myself harder," says Sharon. "In the past I walked with some jogging and swimming tossed into my day. At Push Fitness, I am learning to add weights to my workouts, along with lunges and planks."
While trainer Patrick pushes her, Sharon doesn't feel overwhelmed at the studio. "My goal is to do well in the April 5K run. Building up my pace on the treadmill, running the stairs and embracing those weights will help me achieve that goal," she says.
She admits planks are her least favorite.
Just don't tell Patrick, she asks. "He'll have me do more," she says. "I really get in touch with my spiritual inner self while holding a plank position and prayers do help."
With Patrick's guidance, Sharon is learning to use the power behind her determination to get healthy.
Kathy Couston
Recently retired, Kathy jumped at the chance to become part of this year's Fittest Loser contest. With a busy professional schedule now in the rearview mirror, Kathy feels confident she will achieve her goals of living a healthier lifestyle with expert help from trainer Michelle Amsden.
"Michelle challenges and motivates me in a nice, but firm manner," Kathy says. "Running the stairs proved very difficult, but my upper and lower body feels noticeably stronger after three weeks."
Having Michelle as a personal trainer has made a big difference. "This is my chance to work with professionals and finally lose weight. This is a hard program, and though my body feels sore from the workouts, I look forward to my personal training sessions with Michelle," Kathy says.