"The Fittest Loser", Big Hope for a Small Community

Picture by: Aspen Schmidt

Stayin' Fit and Lovin' it, a community gym located in the small town of Elizabeth Colorado, hosted a major event that mimicked the efforts of the hit TV show, The Biggest Loser. 15 contestants were chosen to compete in a mentally and physically demanding challenge to lose weight, and change their lifestyles forever. More about their moving journey below.

Beginning of a Journey-- Saturday, February 5, 2011 was the start of an incredible journey for 15 people striving to achieve their weight loss goals; it was the event local residents had been anticipating for weeks. Fifteen men, women, and teens had been thoroughly interviewed, and selected from a much larger group of aspiring contestants. “The Fittest Loser” was a competition of not only weight loss, but a measure of lifestyle change. The winner would walk away with a new physique, and 5,000 dollars to help with the cost of a healthier lifestyle. 

Logistics

This event was sponsored and funded by the Melaleuca Wellness Company, a work-from home company dedicated to recruiting people to work from home and join the company at no cost. Linda Potter, owner of the Stayin' Fit, joined the company back in 2003, and his since been thriving as a lead seller in her district. "The company is truly amazing, it focuses on all natural products that are safe for your home, and that is huge when you have children, and are committed to promoting a lifestyle of wellness", said Linda. 

 “I am overwhelmed with gratitude to be given this chance- I need this”, said Mary Tulper of Parker, Co. Mary is a teacher at Elizabeth High School, and is one of seven women that was chosen to compete. Mary’s overall goal is a loss of 25 lbs., and “to be able to wear my wedding dress again!”.  

This second annual event was a monumental day for people on all walks of life. About 60 family, friends, and on-lookers gathered inside the local “Stayin Fit and Lovin It”, to cheer on the contestants in their first bootcamp-like workout. The gym was hot, and smelled of cleaning products excessive deodorant. The contestants were sweating, and the sound of cheering family members was an overwhelmingly triumphant sound. 

Diana Wise, a 19 year old Sophomore at CCD was in tears as she shared with the group her goals for the upcoming months.“I just want to feel happy again, I want to feel like myself”. Diana was one of four college students that had been selected to partake in this “Biggest Loser-like” competition.

Unlike the “Biggest Loser” we see on T.V., this was about more than just losing weight. “We are trying to give people that have gotten lost in the hustle of everyday life a chance to find their health again. We are going to give them all the tools they will need to start over, and start on a path of wellness, towards their fitness goals while giving back to the community, and thanking them for their support since our opening last Spring”, said owner, and organizer Paul Davy, husband of Linda Potter.

“Stayin’ Fit and Lovin’ it” is an average size, not giant like some of the corporate gyms we see trending across Denver, it is more intimate, and personal. The gym includes free weights, weight machines, cardio equipment, and a private room for classes. The event was incredibly empowering, and it was nearly impossible not to be inspired.

Each contestant was interviewed, and weighted before being selected. After the final selections were made, they were given meal plans, work out plans, and access to personal training 7 days a week. There was a strict "no exception rule", the trainers made it very clear that each contestant needed to fulfill their workout quota each week.

Contestant Sunny Martinez, a 46 year old mother, shared her thoughts: “I love that I can be flexible, they really want us to succeed, and gave us everything we need to meet our goals. I have four kids, and getting to the gym is not easy, but they gave me the option to come early before I have to get my youngest to school, it’s really great”. Sunny was easy to spot from across the room, she was smiling the entire work out, yet tears were streaming from her dark brown eyes.
          In addition to the enormous value of tools the contestants received for free, they were given eight weeks worth of Melaleuca supplements such as; nutrition bars, protein shakes, and meal replacement shakes. “I always love free food!” Joked a spirited 58 year old John Lloyd. John was wearing American flag sweat pants, and an oversized tee that read “Fat Guy”. He later shared that at the end of all of this he would burn the obnoxious shirt that he would no longer need to break the ice at office meetings. 

Community Support

The small, cozy community of Elizabeth was brought together to watch a life-changing journey begin for 15 people. The event was sure to be beneficial for all parties involved, including its sponsor that would gain revenue from the new recruits. This day was only the beginning of an intense eight week journey for these contestants, and the support they have from the community will surely keep them on the right path.  If you or someone you know is interested, or feel that they can benefit from taking part in an event like this, simply follow this link to get in touch with a fitness expert that can help you meet your goals from anywhere in the Denver area.