Lifestyle

Fittest Loser At Work teams start out strong

Posted February 24, 2019 6:40 am

By Kat Polomsky kpolomsky@dailyherald.com

A and A Paving's "Pave it Forward" celebrated Presidents Day with a healthy pot luck with family and staff. On the left is Todd Eichholz's wife Jaime and daughter Aislynn and on the right is Dave Pawelek's wife Nancy and son Mason. Courtesy of A and A Paving's "Pave it Forward"

We are starting strong in the seventh year of the Fittest Loser At Work Challenge with more than 280 participants, representing 50 unique businesses, both newcomers and veterans alike.

Some returning companies this year include AVS Companies, Pump Supply Inc, Franciscan Ministries, NEC Display Solutions, Schaumburg Park District, TTI, Inc, and WINGS Program, Inc.

Tempco Electric Heater Corp is also back with a whopping seven teams including, "Los Desididos," "Guerreros Poderosos," "Green Light," and "Net Loss."

Last year's second-place winner "New Dimension" of The Salvation Army and first-place winner "Elk Strong" of Elk Grove Park District have returned to test their odds.

Elk Strong were solid contenders last year by producing the winner for top male with most weight lost with the help of their team captain Aileen Tischauser who was named Team Champion for her role as Team Captain.

Contestants began the challenge with a complimentary health assessment provided by Amita Health. In the span of four days, each contestant met with the nurses to discuss heart health, stroke risk, dietary needs, body fat, and cholesterol to help prepare everyone on their weight loss journey.

In the same week participants were able to get a head start with sponsored activities, including Boot Camp offered by Push Fitness, "Belly Busters" - The Science of Abdominal Fat and How to Reduce it offered by Hoffman Estates Park District, and yoga at Deer Park Town Center.

Many teams have shared their plans and are excited to try new exercises and activities.

Brandy Thompson of Fitz Chem "Skinny Dippers" says "I'm excited to participate in the cooking classes, the 5K and the seminars this time around."

Kim of NEC Display Solutions "Weapons of Less Consumption" says, "I feel my life has gotten out of control this past year. I have been taking care of everyone else, and neglecting myself. It is time to take my health back. I would like to be the best version of myself that I can be. I know I can do it because I have accomplished this goal in past years through the Fittest Loser Program."

Some teams have already seen some significant weight loss.

Tempco Electric Heater Corp's team captain of "Net Loss" says his team has lost 6 pounds in its first week. He also says, "So we are concentrating on workouts and eating healthier. We hope to improve cholesterol and sugar count as well as reducing the waistline. Of course, doing this as team we are able to motivate each other and have fun doing it."

Teams should keep an eye on Jennifer Voss's team "The POWER Crew" of Mount Prospect Park District. Their team is already down 21 pounds in the first week.

Sue Turco, team captain of Wood Dale Park District's "Spin to Win," said her team's main goal is weight loss, as well as "learning a healthier lifestyle and improving health,"

Most teams participating have five members, plus a team captain. Teams are given a long list of mostly free activities to participate in during the 12 weeks, provided by Daily Herald Media Group sponsors.

The winning team will be honored and awarded prizes at the Fittest Loser Finale on May 14.

Common Sense Solution's "CSS Truffle Shuffle" goals include consistency with working out, good eating and sleeping habits, and Josh hopes to "get rid of his Dad bod." Left to right is Josh Knoell, Brani Rogic, EJ Piersol and Toby Starks. Courtesy of Common Sense Solution

Tempco Electric Heater Corp's "Chicas Fitness" joined the challenge to lose weight, feel better, have clothes fit better, and to improve their overall quality of life through exercise, diet, and improved health. From left to right, Edith Hurtado, Martha Sarabia, Aracely Navarro, Yolanda Garcia and Elka Feltz. Courtesy of Tempco Electric Heater Corp's Chicas Fitness

AVS Companies "The REAL Slim Shadies" plan to have healthy pot lucks, try different types of workouts, and change schedules to improve exercise habits throughout the challenge. From left to right, Marilin Aparicio, Eileen Schreiner, Manny Figueroa, Patti Gumma, and Cortney Kinzler. Courtesy of AVS Companies "The REAL Slim Shadies"

Schaumburg Park District's "Schaumburg Shredders" has a goal to lose 20 percent of the team's total weight, make new friends and reduce necessary medication and lower lab numbers. From left to right, Blake Hanauer, Tony DeLeon, Sue Longo, and Steve Richter. Courtesy of Schaumburg Park District's "Schaumburg Shredders"

Fitz Chem's "Skinny Dippers" are ahead with 18 pound lost and plan to try new fitness classes, attend nutritional seminars and cooking classes, and drink more water. From left to right, Sonja Jacobson, Laura House, Brandy Thompson, Barb Merner, Lori Tobler, Christy Marcuccelli. Courtesy of Fitz Chem's "Skinny Dippers"

A and A Paving's "Pave it Forward" goal for the challenge is to support each other and to help increase their activity. From left to right, Nate Olson, Joe Baker, Mandi Smith, Todd Eiccholz, and Dave Pawelek. Courtesy of A and A Paving's "Pave it Forward"

"Team Down-Sizers" of Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage showing off their "guns". Left to right, Emilia Ivanova, Chris French, Monica O'Byrne (captain), Joanna Krzepkowska, Janine Sasso, Christine Bauer. Team Captain Monica O'Byrne said her team joined because "A lot of complaints about headaches and fatigue so we are hoping some lifestyle changes will make a big difference." Courtesy of "Team Down-Sizers" of Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage

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