Our journey had a happy Hollywood ending

Well, Dorothy we’re not in Kansas anymore! How do I know that? A glance in the mirror proves I’ve traded in my meaty Midwestern frame for a figure I once thought could only exist in an imaginary place like Oz.

As the 2011 Fittest Loser Challenge comes to an end, there are six people who can honestly say, dreams really do come true.

The last few months I’ve been privileged to come alongside the five Fittest Losers who were chosen by the Daily Herald and Push Fitness to compete in a 12-week fitness and diet challenge. Much like that yellow brick road in “Wizard of Oz,” it’s been a journey wrought with twists and turns, interesting characters and some roadblocks along the way.

Let’s start with the twists and turns.

Seriously, I didn’t know my body could do some of the things it was asked to do in the gym. Hanging raises? Arms suspended in straps, feet dangling in the air … the challenge was to bring my knees to my chest. I must have looked like Oz’s flying monkeys, complete with the obnoxious screeching. Oh, that noise would be me … part of a chorus of odd sounds I discovered I could make while my limbs were contorted at unusual angles.

And interesting characters? This journey has had more than its share. But the star of my show, without a doubt would be Tony Figueroa, trainer/wizard extraordinaire. Although there were many times, despite the gender difference, it would have been easy to cast him as the Wicked Witch of the West. The only part missing was the cackling laugh. However, as I stand on the scale and peer at my amazing new weight, heck, Tony could be Glinda the Good Witch.

Throughout the challenge, the contestants and I were supported by co-workers, friends, family and even complete strangers who met us on the street, at the gym or blogged their words of encouragement. They were the ones who helped us get over, around and through the roadblocks we faced along the way.

Then there were the trainers. While they each were dedicated to giving their own contestant the best shot at winning, they never missed an opportunity to cheer the rest of us on — except for trainer Wade Merrill’s obsession with the idea that everyone should wear a 20-pound weighted vest as if it were a fashion statement. Other than that, there was lots of good-natured humor and encouragement.

Cheesy as it sounds, there really is no place like home. Now that home is this brand new body.

Ÿ After sitting at a desk for 25 years, Gerry Alger, editor of the Daily Herald’s Niche Publications, is sitting less, working out more and eating healthier … all thanks to the Fittest Loser Challenge.

Gerry Alger

52, editor, Palatine

Height: 5 feet, 3¼ inches

Starting weight: 188

Final weight: 152

Pounds lost: 36 pounds

Percent lost: 19.1

Starting body fat: 32 percent

Final body fat: 23 percent

Waistline inches lost: 3

Starting body age: 57

Final body age: 42

What’s next?

Join me on my continuing fitness journey. I’ll be blogging at thefittestloser.com.

What’s next?

Join me on my continuing fitness journey. I’ll be blogging at thefittestloser.com.