2020 Fittest Loser Team Challenge: Weight-loss success is easier with support
Three weeks into the Fittest Loser Challenge and the teams are discovering their strengths, weaknesses and ways to overcome the obstacles found in daily life.
In today's world, many of us face busy work schedules, families to care for and other life demands. This often prevents us from placing ourselves and our health higher on the to-do list.
Taking on new tasks and allowing more "me time" can be challenging but, luckily, with a little help from others, you can make these tasks more achievable.
Buffalo Grove's "Team Energy" from Indeck Energy Services Inc. has discovered they are a very dependable, motivated group of women. "We are in similar situations - all very busy schedules with work, kids and commitments," team captain Cathy Mitchell tells us. "This allows us to share ideas on how to manage our schedules and stay on track with our eating goals."
It is one thing to find common ground as a team, but sometimes other obstacles get in the way while we chase the sun, time slipping through our fingertips. Some teams are taking one fell swoop to achieve more in each day.
"4 Fantasticas" from Tempco Electric Heating Corp. in Wood Dale has weekly face-to-face meetings but also discusses plans during weekly Zumba classes after work.
Other teams use digital applications such as email, texts, the Fittest Loser Journyz app, social media and more to encourage success.
"The POWER Trotters" from Medinah Black Horse Stables, which is located in Carol Stream, have created their own Facebook group page to stay motivated and share resources. In addition, team members often run into each other daily and one of them, Sonja Klattenberg, uses these moments to "share little successes or struggles and exchange recipes."
With life's demands and busy schedules, it is easy to give in to temptation. Luckily, having the support of a team can help keep oneself on track.
Cynthia Johnson of AT&T's "Four Women and a Man" says: "If I give in and do something unhealthy, my team is there to support me and remind me that it's OK to go slip up once in a while - just remain focused on the goal."
Acceptance and understanding is key within a team and at the end of the day, we all have the same goal.
Kimberly Jurkowski, captain of Schaumburg Park District's "Schaumburg Shredders," says "Everyone is so motivating and trustworthy. We are constantly cheering each other on and we have all realized we are stronger than we think even when we want to hit the floor."
Team captain Lisa McQueen of the "Transformers" team from Arlington Heights says she's learned that "no matter how different our goals may be, and how different our shapes and sizes are, we all want to feel better about ourselves and to improve our health."
Based on feedback from teams, a good foundation for success as a team can be attributed to communication, support, motivation, overcoming obstacles and having fun!
• The Fittest Loser Team Challenge will honor top teams and individuals as determined by weight loss and participation in challenge activities. Those awards, as well as a team captain champion, will be announced at the Fittest Loser Finale on Tuesday, May 12, at Chandler's Banquets in Schaumburg. Participants and the general public are invited and can register at events.dailyherald.com. Follow the teams' progress and join the discussion on Facebook at www.facebook.com/TheFittestLoserDH.