Trainers can only do so much for competitors

For three months, the competitors in the Fittest Loser contest have had free training with Push Fitness in Schaumburg. They have had direction on how to change their lifestyle and their diet to achieve the weight loss they want.

But the contest runs only for the three months, and then the competitors are on their own. So this week, we asked the trainers: By the end of this event, you will have worked with your competitors for three months. Is that enough time to truly affect and influence a person's lifestyle in terms of diet and exercise?

Joshua Steckler, working with Mike Anderson of Palatine Anderson's weight: 324 Weight lost: 54 pounds"Mike's lifestyle has entirely changed since we started this contest. He has seen how proper diet and exercise can totally transform someone in a very short period of time. He is enjoying living this healthier lifestyle. We have already set a long-term goal for Mike to focus on - losing another 50 pounds - and he is extremely determined to hit that goal. Mike has had bad lifestyle habits much longer than he has had good lifestyle habits, so I know it will be an ongoing battle for him to stay on track. Even so, I have a lot of faith in Mike because he has committed himself to making healthy permanent changes."Michelle Amsden working with Wendy Kreiser of Streamwood Kreiser's weight: 323 Weight lost: 24 pounds"Three months is truly enough time to affect a person's lifestyle! On average, it takes a person two-three months to develop a good habit. As trainers, I think we all know people who say they want to lose weight. They may stick to a weight loss regimen for about a week or two, but soon that motivation fizzles and before long, they are back to their bad habits. That's why this contest is so great. These contestants signed up for a three-month competition and it was publicized ... there was no turning back."Steve Amsden, working with Deb Mirabelli of Berwyn Mirabelli's weight: 212 Weight lost: 24 pounds"I believe with a seriously dedicated client who is willing to do exactly as we tell them, three months is definitely a substantial amount of time to put a serious dent in any individual's weight loss. We have shown with last year's contestants as well as this year, when people follow the design we have put together here at Push, the results can be astounding."Ryan LeBreaux working with Jan Vitullo of Lombard Vitullo's weight: 195 Weight lost: 37 pounds"It is really hard to say; it is based on the individual. Every client takes something different away from it. Some of them take more than others. A couple of them took advantage of it and learned a lot while others roll with it. I do think Jan will be permanently affected by it. Sometimes all it takes is a kick in the butt, and they can get something done in half the time."Mark Trapp, working with Frank Valenti of Bartlett Valenti's weight: 247 Weight lost: 48 pounds"With diet and exercise, the obvious point is that it is meant to be a lifestyle change. Your first three to four weeks are going to be an adjustment into getting the education and implementing it into your lifestyle. From there it is a matter of practice and make it more of a ritual. For Frank, I would say if you took him out of here and he was on his own, I believe he would manage himself well. I think he got enough education along with motivation to continue to make progress on his own."Celebrate the winnerJoin the trainers, the contestants, their families and friends as the Fittest Loser winner is announced at 6 p.m., Wednesday, May 26, at John Barleycorn, 1100 American Lane in Schaumburg.False17722000Trainer Steve Amsden at Push Fitness in Schaumburg.Bill Zars | Staff PhotographerFalse