North River YMCA wellness coordinator and Lose It coach Kelli Hays, left, demonstrates the process of weighing in for the Lose It program with North River Y fitness coordinator Jeanne Wheeler.
Contributed photo
Photo by Katie WardHixson’s North River YMCA is enlisting recruits ages 12 and up through Jan. 10 for the 2011 Lose It eight-week weight loss challenge.
“It is a motivational lifestyle program with the benefit of weight loss,” said North River Y fitness coordinator Jeanne Wheeler. “We post weekly results on a chart with stickers showing how much weight each team and individual has lost.”
She said showcasing the results keeps participants on their toes to continue striving for their individual weight goals. Wheeler said North River Y’s six Lose It coaches will accommodate participants’ schedules, meeting with them once a week for weigh-ins and conditioning. She said the Lose It program began at North River Y five years ago and has yielded positive results annually.
“Two men [Chris Theoboldt and Jim Davis] tied last year losing 50 pounds each,” said Wheeler. “One lady [Lori Minton] lost 25 pounds.”
Wheeler said after the final weigh-in is conducted at the close of the eight-week program. The team with the most weight lost gets a prize. The individual male and female that lose the most weight get a prize too. All participants receive a T-shirt.
She said the Lose It challenge averages 40 to 45 Y members and non-members divided into six teams.
“It’s open to families,” said Wheeler. “We try to encourage families with children suffering from obesity to bring them too.”
She said certified, trained coaches give participants pointers to incorporate all areas of fitness in the workout.
LOSE WEIGHT NOWEarly registration deadline is Jan. 7; late registrants must sign up by Jan. 10. The registration fee for Y members is $35 and the fee for non-members is $75. For more information, the North River Y, at 4138 Hixson Pike, can be reached at 877-3517.
“I encourage them to take cycle classes,” said Wheeler. “I introduce them to cross-training and fitness balls. We do cardiovascular and strength work.”
She said Lose It coaches give dietary suggestions along with the exercise tips.
“We encourage everyone to eat less bread and sugar and eat more lean meat, fruit and vegetables,” said Wheeler. “The class encourages me to regroup after the new year and eat healthy again after the holidays.”