Intense workouts become new normal for contestants
Exhausting, excruciating, tough, intense, painful. Those are just some of the words the Fittest Losers use to describe their workout sessions.
“The workouts I've been doing have been beyond intense,” says Greg Moehrlin. “My trainer, Wade (Merrill), has a well-thought-out plan for me that usually involves a circuit of exercises. And he doesn't let me stop. Even though it can be frustrating, I know that pushing myself to the limit will lead to better fitness and more weight loss.”
Even getting ready to work out is hard work.
“Tony has 'rolled' me out with the foam roller,” says Marianne Costales-Roman. “There's a lot of moaning and screaming from me.” Her trainer, Tony Rinehart, uses the foam roller to release toxins in her muscles. “After it's done, I feel calm and relaxed,” she says.
Moehrlin's warm-up takes him up nine flights of stairs. “I do the stairs before every workout and it's getting easier,” he says.
Not only is it getting easier to get through the hard workouts, the rewards are beginning to add up.
“I'm surprised at how much easier a workout is now compared to just four weeks ago,” says Mike Paulo. “Running over a mile is something I'm now able to do.”
For 18-year-old Joe Gundling sparring with trainer Tony Figueroa is his favorite workout.
“I love boxing day!,” he says. “Not only do I get rid of pent-up anger, it's a killer workout!”
Costales-Roman agrees, “My favorite workout with Tony (Rinehart) is boxing. I enjoy hitting Tony with all I can. It releases my tension and stress.”
And there have been some surprises along the way for the Fittest Loser contestants.
“I really enjoy going to work out,” says Megan McCarthy-Cook. “I'm surprised how strong I really am.”
And her trainer, Steve Amsden, is noticing, too.
“Steve's commented a few times that he's surprised at some of the exercises I've done quicker, lifted more weight or finished better than he thought I would.”
Karen Castillo went from her pre-contest regimen — zero workouts — to full-speed running and lifting weights several days every week.
“I feel stronger than when I started,” she says. “I can see definition in my arms and legs!”
“The thing I love the most is finishing a tough workout,” says Mike Paulo. “Feeling a sense of well-being and accomplishment.”
Makes all the exhausting, excruciating, tough, intense, painful workouts worth it!
Karen Castillo, 37, Carpentersville
Starting weight: 206
Current weight: 200
Weight lost this week: Gained 1 pound
Total weight loss: 6 pounds, 2.9 percent
Marianne Costales-Roman, 37, Carol Stream
Starting weight: 222
Current weight: 200
Weight lost this week: 7 pounds
Total weight loss: 22 pounds, 9.9 percent
Joe Gundling, 18, Hanover Park
Starting weight: 264
Current weight: 247
Weight lost this week: 2 pounds
Total weight loss: 17 pounds, 6.4 percent
Megan McCarthy-Cook, 33, Hoffman Estates
Starting weight: 282
Current weight: 264
Weight lost this week: 2 pounds
Total weight loss: 18 pounds, 6.3 percent
Greg Moehrlin, 39, St. Charles
Starting weight: 245
Current weight: 226
Weight lost this week: 3 pounds
Total weight loss: 19 pounds, 7.7 percent
Mike Paulo, 58, Woodridge
Starting weight: 294
Current weight: 279
Weight lost this week: 4 pounds
Total weight loss: 15 pounds, 5.1 percent
<b>Keep up with the contest</b>
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