Fittest Loser contestants struggle at halfway point
There's something deeply satisfying and marvelously motivating about reaching a milestone in a challenging competition.
Just when you feel there's not an ounce of inspiration left to see you through to that critical juncture, you arrive safely at the halfway point of the event.
This year's five Fittest Loser contestants; Mel Boldt, Janet Ford, Jiten Patel, Sharon Miller and Kathy Couston now find themselves at the halfway point of their fitness challenge.
Together the five have lost a total of 110 pounds. With final weigh-in six weeks away on Saturday May 7, it's still anyone's game to win or lose.
While the road to fitness continues to pose some difficulties for our contestants, it hasn't been without a few lighter moments.
A warm afternoon inspired Mel Boldt to ride his Harley to Push Fitness. “Halfway through training I noticed the wind knocked my bike over,” says Boldt. “I managed to get the 900-pound machine upright, and standing there was my trainer Matt Bell. He yelled, 'Now give me three more!'”
Janet Ford's 6-pound Pomeranian, named Peanut Butter, doesn't stray too far from the kitchen these days. “She loves my high protein diet and I know she's secretly wishing for me to drop a few nuggets of chicken, fish or beef,” says Janet.
“I really get into my burpees now,” says Ford. “I almost took out fellow contestant Sharon Miller and her trainer Patrick Stille at Push Fitness studio. Oops, sorry!”
For the contestants, it's all in good, yet serious fun. “Who will break from the pack and make a run for the finish line?” is the question on everyone's mind this week.
As the race heats up, let's check in with the contestants for an update at the halfway point.
Mel Boldt
When he's not riding the Harley, Mel enjoys spending time in the kitchen with 8-year-old daughter, Molly.
“She listens intently to detailed explanations of why my breakfasts are more nutritious than the cereal on her wish list,” says Mel. “Molly happily samples the food I prepare, but still requests sugary cereal. We're making progress.”
And he's seeing progress in his exercise as well.
“Physically it's great to look back and see how much stronger I am now,” says Boldt. “At the halfway point of this challenge I've found it takes more effort with exercise and diet to continue weight loss.”
Mel strives to keep moving forward. “The same workout routine that depleted my energy six week ago, is now part of what I do on my days off from Push Fitness training.”
Mel remains excited about his weight loss, but feels some apprehensive about what comes next.
In the meantime, he and his wife, Angela, still enjoy date nights while he's on the program.
“I miss the nachos, soda and popcorn,” says Mel. Angela's committed to good health, too. “We've found that baby carrots, a bag of mixed nuts and water bottles tame those snack urges at the movies.”
Janet Ford
Physically, Janet Ford feels stronger with more energy and increased stamina. Her clothes are looser these days.
“I continue to be fully committed to this program,” says Janet. “The Push Fitness nutrition plan is smart, well-balanced and one that I want to continue as a lifelong habit.”
But there are clouds of doubt circling.
“Emotionally, I've had some ups and downs this week,” says Janet. “The downs center on my challenge to blow past this weight-loss plateau I have reached, halfway into the competition. After a busy night on call, hitting the gym in the morning made keeping a positive outlook almost impossible. I need to focus on the long-term goal and not just the scale.”
Reaching the halfway point has offered her positive perspective.
“I consistently work out seven days a week,” says Janet. “The comfort zone I now feel with exercising alongside men at the free weight area, I didn't have that six weeks ago.”
The plan is to keep expanding her fitness goals. “If I could just do a pull up and mix in some house cleaning with my workouts, that would be great,” says Janet.
Jiten “J” Patel
J looks back on those first weeks with laughter and a remembrance of unexpected soreness, especially in his legs.
“After my first workout at Push Fitness with trainer Steve Amsden, I seriously could not walk,” J says. “No doubt, it looked hilarious when I tried to get in or out of my car, I had to use the driver's door as a prop to hoist myself back in or out.”
Great pains aside, J's take away from six weeks of the Fittest Loser competition is that weight loss is about so much more than simply a number on the scale.
That was J's impression before this contest began. “Like Steve always reminds me,” says J, “This isn't only a 12-week challenge, it's a lifelong path.”
Just back from attending a wedding with his wife in Thailand, J now sees the hardest challenges arise not at home, but in everyday social events and special occasions.
“In these circumstances, it's challenging to stick with the program,” says J. “I work at staying focused and not letting temptations rule my life anymore.”
Sharon Miller
Six weeks into the competition and there may be a culinary mutiny on the menu at Sharon Miller's house.
“My family is still unsettled that St. Patrick's Day came and went without our traditional corned beef,” Sharon says. “And now there will be food concessions for Easter Sunday dinner also. Ham is allowed, but my traditional holiday vegetables with cheese sauce will be absent from the table this year.”
At the halfway point, there's more food dilemma. “Trainer Patrick made some changes to my diet, to help ignite weight loss,” says Miller. “No more morning banana, peanut butter, hummus or egg yolks.”
There's one treat Sharon especially misses. “I do enjoy the occasional glass of wine, but find that a cup of tea does help.”
Sharon looks past these challenges and focuses on the blessings. “At this point in the competition, I'm glad I've made it without any major complications, just muscle soreness,” says Miller. “With my boys grown and the confidence I'm gaining losing weight and feeling more healthy, I plan to pursue the career of my dreams: working at a hospital as a certified nurses assistant.”
Kathy Couston
There were more than a few anxious moments this week for Kathy and family. Their son, a University of Illinois college student, was in Brussels studying with 20 other students at a spring break honors curriculum program.
At boot camp Saturday morning, Kathy filled the other contestants in on his status. “I'm so relieved my son is safe,” Kathy says. “The University of Illinois and staff acted quickly to protect our students after the terrorist attacks.”
Kathy and family are eagerly awaiting his return from Europe.
We'll catch up with Kathy next week. And from her fellow contestants and Push Fitness staff: the Couston family are in our thoughts.