Fittest Loser At Work teams enjoy working out together
With only one week left, teams participating in the Fittest Loser At Work Challenge are recalling their favorite moments and making preparations to race to the finish line.
The Work In Progress team from Clearbrook, a nonprofit organization in Arlington Heights, has enjoyed taking classes and working out as a group at the Biggest Loser Resort in Bloomingdale.
Grace Smiley recalls the first time she worked out at the Biggest Loser Resort in Bloomingdale. “After going to class so frequently, it became more than just a competition,” Smiley says. “We all became friends and we all encourage each other even if we aren't on the same team. We laugh and sweat together and that is the greatest part of this experience. We made our own support system and I hope to never lose that and to continue my journey of health.”
Kelly Neurauter, who participated in two 5K races during the course of the competition, has also enjoyed working out at the Biggest Loser Resort because she found it motivating.
“All of the other team members are so encouraging, enthusiastic and energetic,” she says. “Exercising with my teammates has really been enjoyable. We are bunch of goofballs together and we help each other grow, provide much needed encouragement, and offer a supportive ear at any time.”
Team Coach Brittany Knight says that even after the completion is over, the ladies on the team plan to continue with their workouts.
“The most exciting part of this is to see how motivated the ladies are,” Knight says. “They are not looking at the finale as a ‘stopping point,' rather an end to the first part of their journey.”
A member of CrossFit Rise in Schaumburg, Knight says that some of the team members plan to drop in soon for a free week of introduction courses and remain motivated to try new workouts.
Participating in group activities and workouts seems to be a favorite element of the competition for many teams. The Pumpers, a team from Tsurumi Pump in Glendale Heights, fondly remember running an indoor 5K race together and working out at the Biggest Loser Resort in Bloomingdale. Team members also enjoyed their weekly meetings where they updated each other about their progress. One team member attended nutrition classes at the Biggest Loser Resort and shared her knowledge about carb and protein combinations with the group.
“The program has given us the incentive to score a home run with continuing with a healthy lifestyle,” says Team Captain Debbie Diaz.
Meanwhile, two teams from Nicoat in Itasca, are preparing for the final battle to the finish line. Team members plan to keep jumping, pumping, stretching and rolling until the last day. They have observed noticeable changes in their bodies and report feeling a boost of energy. Though they only have a week before the competition ends, they plan to keep sweating.
“We are not afraid to try any and all new workouts, including pole dancing,” says Team Captain Karen Loring. “This may sound provocative but we view it as an intense core and body weight training experience. Don't knock it until you try it.”
One of the most important lessons that the team has learned is “if you want to change your body, change your workout. Doing the same routine gives the same results,” says Loring.
They have tried “hot yoga” classes where they practiced balance, stability, flexibility and cardio endurance.
Loring says that a big challenge for many team members has been learning to curb their sweet tooth. This is especially the case in the office where co-workers often bring sweets to share.
“Changing diet will lead to greater results,” she says. “I have not given up on teaching this. Our new motto is ‘I can have this if I want it, but I choose not to have this right now.'”