At Work teams celebrate at finale
After 12 weeks of healthy eating, tough workouts and a lot of fun, the Fittest Loser At Work teams were ready to celebrate at the finale.
The teams ended the challenge with new learned habits and plans to continue their healthy journey. Although they all felt like winners for completing the challenge, some special awards were given out at the finale May 15.
The third-place winning team (based in percentage of weight lost) was the We 5 Losers, representing the Kieth Wallace Foundation. The team lost a combined weight of 10.32 percent and learned valuable tips from the challenge. Team captain Garry Kiekens says, "I've learned that you should plan out your meals for your lunches and to have plenty of healthy choices on hand to keep you from making bad choices for the day.
The second-place winning team, New Dimensions of the Salvation Army, lost a combined 10.71 percent body weight. Teammate Sharon Korecki says, "I have learned to be in tune with my body, to stop eating when I'm satisfied and not when the plate is empty."
Losing the highest percentage this year was Elk Grove Park District's Elk Strong team with a combined weight loss of 12.64 percent. The team received a $1,000 donation to the charity of its choice, and each teammate received a $100 Deer Park Town Center gift certificate and a $250 Fitness Factory gift card.
This year teams were fortunate to have dedicated, inspirational captains to help guide them through the 12-week challenge.
Elk Strong's team captain, Aileen Tischauser was named team champion for demonstrating positivity, motivation, and organization. She also used her skills as a personal trainer to organize workout schedules for her team and provided alternative ideas for food and exercise.
Aileen shares with us her take-a-way and says, "As the captain I have noticed a much happier team! To see them smile because they feel so good about themselves is more than I can ask for. It's really what I wanted for them and they did it! They changed their habits and realized that THEY CAN DO THIS!!"
The top male, Bill O'Malley, also was from Elk Strong. O'Malley lost a total of 23.71 percent.
The top female, Vicki Olsen of Franciscan Sisters of Chicago's Dwindling Divas lost a total of 16.76 percent body weight. The top male and female each received a Power Plate, Dick Ponds shoes and insoles, and a $50 Seasons 52 gift card.
Every year we have returning teams, including Turco Roofing.
Sue Turco, team captain for Spin to Win #2 says, "As a captain and a participant we have enjoyed your program. Every year I have learned different techniques that has helped reach our goals."