'Biggest Loser' Danni Allen helps others get fit
Danni Allen, the Mundelein native and one-time Wheeling resident who became the winner of NBC's "Biggest Loser" in 2013, still spends a lot of time in the gym.
Only now, it's her job.
Allen, 32, and living in Evanston, is the director of development and engagement for Planet Fitness' Chicago-area region, which this week opened its 18th location - this one in Elk Grove Village.
Allen, who holds an architecture degree from Clemson University, was able to put those skills to use on the interior build out of the 18,000-square-foot space in the Elk Grove Town Center at Biesterfield and Arlington Heights roads.
"I led everything from the beginning phases to handing the keys over," she said.
Allen also led a workout session at the Tuesday, Feb. 12, event, sharing fitness tips she learned while dropping 121 pounds on the TV weight loss competition.
She doesn't work out 10 hours a day anymore like she did on the show, but instead tries to incorporate fitness whenever she can into her busy days. Sometimes it's a spin class or hourlong gym session, but sometimes it's just five minutes of squats and pushups at the start of the day.
"I don't believe there's anytime to work out that's too small," she said. "I like to show that I'm just like that regular person trying to balance work, health and fitness, and kids."