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Here's a great article I found at www.northwestnavigator.com: -- Sometimes a big loser can also be a big winner.  Such was the case at the awards ceremony for Naval Base Kitsap Fitness Center’s 2008 Biggest Loser program on March 31. The 12-week program is for service members, retirees, family members and Department of Defense civilian employees to assist them in developing a healthy lifestyle in addition to overall weight loss. John Becker was announced as the Biggest Loser in the weight loss category with a 35.5 pound loss and Mary Dorsey was the Biggest Loser for the body fat loss category losing 14.3 percent body fat.  The program featured two grand prizes of a $250 Visa gift card, one for each category. Participants celebrated as 22 people posted 100 percent completion on all the requirements of the program. Combined weight loss for the entire group was 438.7 pounds and percentage of body fat lost was 150.6 percent.  Impressive personal results were seen by many of the people in the competition.  “My doctor was surprised to see my diabetic results normal again,” stated Mike Hastings. “I also liked seeing everyone I got to know in the program and want to thank Castor Guzman and Ramona Park (fitness specialists) for their enthusiasm in their fitness classes.” Joan Sandstrom, Naval Base Kitsap Trips and Tours coordinator said, “my doctor is impressed with the way I’m losing weight - slowly and correctly through diet and exercise. He is very proud of me!” Fifty people entered the fitness and health competition on Jan. 7 and began a life changing journey. Naval Base Kitsap Fitness staff, led by Steve Watland, fitness manager and Biggest Loser program coordinators Kayla Boddy and Earl Strong, (fitness specialists), weighed and measured all 50 participants, issued exercise and nutrition journals and taught the first weekly Biggest Loser class.  Competition requirements included weekly attendance at an educational meeting where topics such as nutrition, healthy cooking, fitness and exercise, stress management, and dining out were discussed.  In a real Naval Base Kitsap team effort, MWR partnered with educators from Fleet and Family Support Program and the Naval Hospital to ensure that each participant got valuable information to make healthy life decisions. A tour of the Commissary included learning to read nutritional labels and make smart food choices. Each member of the program was assigned a personal fitness trainer to work with.  Medical questionnaires were completed and information gathered on previous weight loss attempts; then individualized exercise programs were developed. In addition to weekly meetings and mandatory journaling of exercise and diet, competitors were required to perform cardiovascular exercise at least five times weekly, including two group fitness classes provided at either Kitsap’s Bangor Fitness Center or Concourse West.  “I didn’t think I was a group fitness person,” stated Mary Dorsey. “I found that I really love group classes and the instructors are awesome! I particularly want to thank Bobbi Jackson and Earl Strong for keeping me motivated. Also, Lisa, my trainer! The entire fitness staff has made a huge impact in people’s lives during this program.” Six weeks into the program, a second weigh and measure was held to give participants an idea of their progress and to allow visits to fitness specialist to ramp up exercise.  At the awards ceremony, many people stated the best by-product of this program was the camaraderie and new friendships they’ve made with people who will help them keep living a healthy lifestyle.  People don’t have to wait for the next Biggest Loser competition to start getting in shape. All MWR-authorized patrons are eligible to utilize the fitness centers, attend group fitness classes and meet with personal trainers.  To schedule an appointment with a trainer at Bangor, call (360) 315-2140 or at Bremerton, call (360) 476-7026.  There is a small fee for usage and classes for Department of Defense civilian employees. For more information and resources, visit http://www.navylifepnw.com and click on Fitness and Sports.  http://www.northwestnavigator.com/index.php/navigator/regionalnews/biggest_loser_program_makes_everyone_a_winner/