How to apply

Are you ready for a change? Is 2015 the year to turn your good intentions into reality? The Daily Herald and Push Fitness are teaming up to offer you a shot at making it happen.

"We're looking for hard workers who need direction," says Joshua Steckler, owner of Push Fitness. "Someone who is willing to face their weaknesses, is willing to listen and follow through with the goals they've set for themselves."

The participants who are chosen will receive 12 weeks of free instruction from a personal trainer and a nutritionist. Workouts will take place at least three days a week at Push Fitness in Schaumburg.

Contestants will be featured in before and after photos and in stories highlighting their progress. Results will be measured each week. The Fittest Loser will be chosen based on percentage of weight lost.

To apply, go to https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/FL2015. Applications will be accepted through Monday, Jan. 5.

Fittest Loser at Work

The Fittest Loser Challenge is not just for the six individual contestants - for the third year, the Daily Herald is inviting companies and organizations to get involved.

Last year, the Fittest Loser Community Challenge - geared toward members and employees of park districts - and the Corporate Challenge - geared toward employees of companies - provided community members an opportunity to work with a team of co-workers to get fit.

This year, the two challenges are being combined in order to make it even more inclusive for those who work for other types of employers. The new challenge, sponsored by Assurance, is called Fittest Loser at Work, and is open to teams of five from any type of company, organization, or workplace.

The program runs parallel to the Fittest Loser Challenge for 12 weeks from February to May. The winning team will receive a $2,000 donation to the charity of their choice, as well as individual prizes.

Last year, 194 community members participated in the Community and Corporate Challenges, and 24 of the participants lost more than 9 percent of their body weight by the final weigh-in. This year, the program is expected to grow.

Think you and your co-workers are up for the healthy challenge? Visit https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/ATWORK2015 to sign up a team of five and for additional information.