Two Biggest Loser-style contests will be held — one locally and one statewide
For the new year, many people vow to get in shape and live healthier lives.
For 11 seasons, Americans have watched as men and women have battled their health and weight issues on the NBC show “The Biggest Loser.” Since the success of the show, competitions have sprung up around the country encouraging those not enrolled in the hit television program to live healthier lives and lose weight.
Two competitions are challenging Borderland residents, and Minnesotans overall, to get fit.
Local competition
Snap Fitness is leading a local effort in a Biggest Loser-style competition that challenges individuals and business teams to get physically fit.
The 16-week competition is to challenge people to lose the greatest percentage of body weight. Some businesses are holding in-house competitions among employees, as well as being part of the larger Biggest Loser challenge.
Currently, there are 36 participants in the contest, said Snap employee Euphemia Whiteford. This is the second such contest for Snap Fitness in International Falls; it follows a similar competition held last year.
Whiteford explained that following New Year’s resolutions, many people are more health conscious this time of the year. A competition such as Biggest Loser provides incentive and accountability for participants.
The program began Monday, Jan. 10, but sign-ups continue throughout the 16 weeks. However, Whiteford notes, the earlier someone signs up, the more time they have to lose weight. The program ends April 28.
For the individual Biggest Loser challenge, weigh-ins occur Mondays from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and on Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Snap Fitness. Weigh-ins are also done at participating businesses for corporate competitions on a weekly basis, Whiteford said.
One of the positive aspects of the program, Whiteford said, is the upbeat attitudes and positive encouragement from one participant to another.
Participants take a physical fitness assessment at the beginning of their program, and take a similar test at the end to gauge their overall wellbeing.
For more information on the Biggest Loser Challenge, call Snap Fitness at 283-0020.
Minnesota challenge
Minnesotans determined to adopt healthier habits this year will get a chance to transform their lost pounds into food bank donations through a competition sponsored by the Alliance for a Healthier Minnesota.
Those who wish to participate are now able to register their teams of friends, family and coworkers to compete in the Biggest Loser Minnesota Challenge.
Registration began Wednesday at http://competeforhealth.org and the Minnesota Challenge runs Jan. 24 through April 15.
Businesses, community groups and families will compete with one another, earning points for healthy behaviors like dropping extra pounds, exercising and eating healthy foods. Participants who track their healthy behaviors consistently throughout the challenge may be eligible for prizes including a trip to “The Biggest Loser” television finale in Los Angeles.
Participants are encouraged to join the Pound for Pound Challenge to make a difference in their communities as they improve their own health and wellness. For every pound of weight they pledge to lose, a pound of groceries will be delivered to a local Feeding America food bank. A pledge to maintain their healthy weight will result in a five-pound grocery donation.
The Minnesota Challenge is the second wellness competition offered by the Alliance for a Healthier Minnesota, a group of Minnesota companies joined together to create events and competitions to help Minnesotans get and stay healthy. Members of the Alliance include Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota, Cargill, General Mills, Medica, Medtronic, Target, UnitedHealth Group and the Minnesota Department of Health’s Statewide Health Improvement Program.
“We hope all members of the International Falls community will join the Biggest Loser Minnesota Challenge for some healthy competition,” said Rick Kupchella, partner, Alliance for a Healthier Minnesota.
“It is well studied that active, healthy people have fewer physical injuries and chronic illnesses which may take them away from their jobs,” said Faye Whitbeck, president, International Falls Area Chamber of Commerce.
Anyone who lives or works in the state of Minnesota can create or join a team with coworkers, friends or family members to compete in the Biggest Loser Minnesota Challenge.
During the Minnesota Challenge, teams will log in to track their healthy behaviors and compete for real-time online rankings against other teams throughout Minnesota. Participants must be 18 years or older. There is no cost to participate in the Minnesota Challenge. Learn more about competing in the Minnesota Challenge at http://mnalliance.org/competitions/compete-for-health-notification-sign-up.
