Fittest Loser contestants share their workout setbacks, successes
Just shy of the halfway point in 2016's Fittest Loser Challenge, the five contestants have settled into a regular routine of workout sessions at Push Fitness Studio in Schaumburg.
Encompassing 12 weeks of intense exercise and nutritional guidance, this contest tasks the participants with reaching deep into their pool of motivation and willpower for every session.
Much more intense than your standard workout regimen, each contestant meets with his or her trainer three days each week for a 45-minute workout session. In addition, boot camp brings everyone together in the wee hours of Saturday mornings and closes out the trainings for the week.
Janet Ford appreciates the extensive help from trainer, Laura Philbin.
“Laura customizes workout plans for my three days off from Push Fitness. She writes clear and easy-to-follow instructions in my daily fitness log. It's great to hit the gym with a plan in place.”
Push Fitness trainers take a whole body approach toward tailoring workout regimens for their clients.
Sharon Miller knew this contest would challenge every part of her life and likes how trainer Patrick Stille eases her concerns.
“At first I was apprehensive and fearful of straining muscles,” says Sharon, “but Patrick targets different areas each session.”
Could it be that the secret behind capturing the top prize in the Fittest Loser Challenge lies in the unique partnership between trainer and contestant, and how they craft a winning workout regimen together?
Let's see how the contestants feel about their workout regimens so far: the challenges, the setbacks and the successes.
Mel Boldt
Owning that he's not much of a morning person, Mel likes trainer Matt Bell's flexible approach.
“I work out with Matt in the early afternoon, giving me time to spend with my daughter after school,” Mel said. “I am the strongest I've been in a decade.”
Mel continues to be amazed at his progress, even with the biggest challenge of quickly moving between exercises.
“When Matt told me we were doing burpees, I laughed at him. He wasn't kidding,” he said. “By helping me with my form, we got them knocked out. I am doing exercises I never imagined doing.”
A minor workout setback hasn't derailed his continuing success. “Matt modified my training due to a painful knee when I do impact exercises,” Mel said. “I'm doing much more upper body work now and bartered my treadmill for a rowing machine. This has made a huge difference, as I can do my workout assignments more easily at home.”
Janet Ford
Morning workouts suit Janet Ford's lifestyle and she hits the Push Fitness studio between 6 and 9:30 a.m. during the week with trainer Laura Philbin who mixes up the workout regimen with a variety of exercises.
“The sessions cover cardio, core and weight training,” Janet said. “We do a series of different activities, usually 15 to 20 repetitions, circuit training style.”
Janet feels stronger with every session. “Cardio training remains a challenge for me along with burpees and jumping rope. I'm a big fan of weight training as I'm naturally strong and now my stamina is increasing. Jogging doesn't bring on exhaustion anymore.”
She's got her eye on more than just the top prize these days.
“I need to increase my endurance for the dreaded 5K,” explains Janet. “My goal is to run the entire 5K race and not have to walk any part of it.”
Janet has made great progress so far, and with that determined spunk, who needs an elevator?
Jiten “J” Patel
Jiten or “J's” busy work and travel routine drives his training schedule at Push Fitness.
“I work out with trainer Steve Amsden, primarily in late afternoons or early evenings,” he said. “Steve's very accommodating to help schedule me in when I can get off work.”
Late day workouts centering on circuit training give J that extra kick he needs for those sluggish afternoon feelings.
“I was a cardio man, never lifting weights before meeting Steve,” he said. “Now I feel stronger and I like this type of training that consistently moves me through a variety of exercises.”
J remembers his first day with Steve and feeling the body shock of weight training. “I couldn't move my legs for a few days, and here's Steve telling me to push through the pain,” he said.
They joke about it now and J says, “Steve was right. Every exercise that Steve has me do, I never thought I could accomplish them. Often I slip on the correct form and Steve is always there to help and correct me,” he said.
Sharon Miller
Sharon's goal is to soak up as much fitness knowledge from trainer Patrick Stille as she possibly can fit into her 45-minute sessions.
“He is teaching me how to lift weights properly,” she said. “I love to run and am very surprised that I like strength training as much as I do now.”
She has discovered her favorite types of workouts.
“Patrick knows I like the treadmill and the cable weight machine to increase my upper body strength,” Sharon said. “He also knows the stairs remain a big challenge as I struggle with all my energy at the end of our workouts. My specific goal is to be strong enough to compete in 5K races.”
The stairs may be her nemesis, but after five weeks of training, Sharon sees improvement in strength and stamina. “Bending down and playing with our dogs on the floor feels much easier now. The stairs at home don't seem as daunting these days,” she said.
Kathy Couston
Kathy's training schedule at Push Fitness varies during the week and is usually in the mornings. “I like my workout regimen that trainer Michelle Amsden has put together for me,” Kathy said. “It gives me the rest I need between sessions to help with any soreness in my knees and legs.”
Running remains a challenge for her, but Kathy may have found her workout regimen niche.
“I really like dead lifts and chest presses. This week I dead lifted 90 pounds, for three sets of 10 repetitions. I do feel stronger and see the importance of body building.”
Michelle helps Kathy remain centered on good form when training on the treadmill. “I now feel more comfortable, both mentally and physically, during my workouts,” she said. “Michelle helps with my posture as for example, I would previously have a death grip on the machine handles.”