Plymouth Recreation seeking area’s Biggest Loser
Need a creative way to lose some weight? Want to get in shape but need motivation? Inspired by the television show “The Biggest Loser,” Plymouth Education and Recreation is launching its own Biggest Loser Challenge, to help people get fit and lose weight.
“It’s great for people who need that little boost of encouragement or accountability,” said Wendy Schleis, recreation coordinator.
The district offered a similar program for its employees last year, with great response, Schleis said.
Lynn Graening, a literacy coach at Riverview Middle School, joined that program because she wanted to keep off the 66 pounds she had lost eight years ago.
“I don’t want to gain it back,” she said. “It’s easy to eat a little more once the weather gets colder and you don’t exercise as much.”
Unlike the new program, the employee program teamed people who wanted to lose weight with people trying to maintain their weight. Graening was a successful maintainer, and even lost 2 pounds.
She encouraged others to take the challenge. “If you make the effort you will lose weight and get in shape,” she said. “You’ll feel better and look great. You’ll be on your way to a healthy lifestyle.”
Jane Roberts, who works in the district office, lost 25 pounds through the program last year. “It would be great for anyone, no matter if you wanted to lose weight or just need to get on an exercise regimen,” she said.
The 10-week challenge will run from Oct. 5 to Dec. 18. The top three losers, based on percentage of weight lost, will receive prizes.
The registration deadline is Friday, Oct. 2. Enrollment is limited to 25 participants.
Participants must be Community Education Fitness Center members. The fitness center, which offers a wide range of equipment from ellipticals to free weights to treadmills, is open to the public from 6-8 a.m. and 4-8 p.m. weekdays and 8-11 a.m. Saturdays.
Quarterly membership fees are $60 for individuals, $90 for families and $45 for seniors; annual and semiannual memberships are available.
The fee for the challenge is $15, which includes confidential pre- and post-fitness assessments. Personalized fitness programs will be developed for each participant, if desired. Target heart rates and variety will be emphasized, Schleis said. These tools are designed to help people get the most out of their time and effort when working out.
For more information and a registration form, visit www.plymouthcommed.org.
