'Biggest Loser'-style challenge hits Algonquin
A personal fitness business along the Randall Road corridor is trying to help the community get fit "Biggest Loser" style in time for Christmas.
Premier Fitness Solutions, which opened in April at 1445 Merchant Drive, Algonquin, started a free 12-week Biggest Loser Challenge this month.
The program will run until right before the holidays, so participants can hopefully go into that hard-to-be-healthy time of the year inspired to stay fit.
"We wanted to do something to give back to the community, and we thought this would help people," said Karina Bukala, one of three certified personal trainers running the program.
About 100 people are registered for the program, which started by taking everyone's body measurements and pictures, so they can see the before and after results.
The program will feature a one-hour boot camp on Saturday mornings.
There also will be weekly weigh-ins, nutrition education and health and fitness seminars.
While the trainers are leading the group in intense cardio and strength training once a week, Bukala said they hope participants realize it will take more than that to get fit.
"They will learn that this is something they need to work on all week, not just this one day," she said.
Bukala said participants are welcome to work out wherever they want, however, they can join Premier Fitness Solutions if they don't already have a spot of their own.
At the end of the program, the top three biggest losers will win prizes such as a make over, teeth whitening and tanning packages from area business, Bukala said.
The competition is popular, Bukala said. And if it keeps up, she said, they are thinking of running another Biggest Loser competition after the holidays for a new group of people who many have put on a few too many pounds.
Pajama party: Every Saturday night, Color Me Mine along Randall Road in the Geneva Commons shopping center is hosting a pajama party.
From 5 to 9 p.m. you can go and paint pottery in your pjs.
For painters who do come in their pjs, paint time costs $2 with a minimum $10 pottery purchase.
For information call the store at (630) 845-0043.
Candy Man: Willy Wonka will visit Hi Sweetie along Randall Road in Algonquin next weekend.
He'll be at the candy store from 4 to 6 p.m., Sunday, October 4.
To purchase your golden ticket for the event, visit the store or call (847) 458-9898 for information.
Amy Williams' column covers all the news of business along the Randall Road corridor from Batavia to Crystal Lake. Contact her at randallbiz@comcast.net or (847) 894-5036.