At the YMCA, a big loser will be a big winner

By Scott L. Miley

August 14, 2008 07:01 pm

— ANDERSON — Some big losers will become big winners this weekend when the final weigh-in is held for the Super Summer Shape Up Weight Loss Challenge.
So far, 20 of the original 50 enrollees have stayed with the 10-week program offered by the YMCA, Mounds Mall and GNC stores.
“I’ve been waiting for something to get back in shape, and it came at the right time,” said Brad Cummings, currently the leader after shedding 21 pounds. “It’s motivational with other people around and going through some of the same things.”
Some plan to stick with it when it begins again Sept. 9.
The challenge came at an opportune moment for Cummings, who works for Anderson Tool. His father died from heart problems, and his mother experienced a stroke.
For him, the program doesn’t just work away the pounds. It works at changing lifestyle.
Instead of fried foods, Cummings orders salads at restaurants. But the biggest change has been Cummings’ willingness to take to bicycle riding. He was pedaling up to 35 minutes during the first half the program but hit a plateau in his weight.
Weight loss program coordinator Angie Smith, fitness and wellness director for the Anderson Family YMCA, suggested he increase his ride times. He’s now at 1 hour and 10 minutes.
“I’m trying not to look at this as a 10-week thing,” Cummings said. “I’m trying to look at it as a life change to try to get healthy.”
That’s exactly what Smith hoped would happen when she initiated the program. At the time, program sponsors thought they would draw 10 to 20 total participants. More than twice as many showed up for the first weigh-in.
The participants, who paid $80 each to participate, were encouraged to consume at least 1,500 calories daily, perform 30 to 90 minutes of daily physical activity and keep a diary. Although some dropped out, some went on, only to experience one of the toughest challenges: beating a plateau, losing weight to a point and then unable to lose more.
Jennifer Wagner joined the program primarily to build upper body strength. She wanted to pass a fitness exam for a new job. “My motivation was the job, but I plan on sticking with it,” she said.
While the shape up program isn’t an all-out battle like NBC’s reality show “The Biggest Loser,” prizes are given out each week, including gift certificates.
“It would be great to win the prize every week,” said Ginger Washington, a special education teacher. “But at the end of the day, you’re still skinnier than when you started. How could you not feel that you’re a winner?”
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Hitting plateaus
Most people attempting to lose weight can find they hit a plateau when the loss comes to a stop. There are ways to jump start the weight loss, said Angie Smith, fitness and wellness director for the Anderson Family YMCA.
“Change your diet, change your exercise program, you’ve got to change something over what you’re doing,” Smith said. “And you’re going to have to change it several days in a row.”
— Do strength training to work muscles, strengthen bone tissue and ultimately boost the metabolic rate.
— Change the exercise routine. Add walking, swimming, cycling, etc.
— Alter what you eat. If your menu is high in carbs, try eating fewer carbs and more protein. Carb snack every day? Change it to protein.
— Change meal frequency. If you eat three squares a day, add snacks (which may mean reducing the size of main meals).
— Used to eating 1,800 calories a day? Mix it up by eating 1,500 calories one day and 2,100 the next.
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Upcoming YMCA events
Aug. 26: Health Fair, 8:30 a.m. to noon, YMCA gymnasium
Sept. 11-Dec. 11: Dave Ramsey Financial Peace Class
Sept. 13: Fantastic Fitness Fall Frenzy weight loss challenge, pre-registration requested.
For these and other programs, call the Anderson Family YMCA, 28 W. 12th St., at (765) 644-7796.

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