RANGELEY – The scales in Rangeley are tipping toward healthy weight loss and increased fitness levels.

Now in its second year, Rangeley’s Fit ‘n’ Big Loser competition, sponsored by the Rangeley Region Health and Wellness Partnership, has reached the sixth week of the 12-week challenge. A majority of the more than 200 entrants are still in the running for a shot at a weeklong stay in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.

And how are the entrants holding up?

“I feel awesome! I really do,” said Gisele Glidden of Rangeley, a mother of two and part-time college student. “Working is much easier. In fact, everything is much easier. The draw for me was to be healthier and go out and enjoy activities with my kids without hurting.”

For Tim Allen, another Rangeley resident, the winter season offered a chance to enter the challenge.

“This is a slow time of year for me workwise, so it was a good time to get back in shape,” said Allen, the owner of a construction firm. Allen added that by the halfway point of the challenge on Feb. 18 he had already reached his weight loss goal through core exercise and dynamic training classes.

The decision to enter the challenge for Dan Patterson of Oquossoc stemmed from “a New Year’s resolution that I never carried through.”

“I’d been thinking about joining the gym, and then New Year’s came and the challenge was announced and I decided to enter. Being on a team has really motivated me to get in shape I feel a lot fitter than I did five to six weeks ago,” said Patterson, who now exercises three to four times a week and attends water aerobics, circuit training and team training classes.

Not only has entering the challenge resulted in increased amounts of exercise, but also changes in nutrition. All three competitors have seen a definite change in the way they view food and their eating habits.

Glidden has become a self-described “label reader,” buys less processed food and has introduced her two children to healthier snacks. Allen has also learned to choose healthier snacks and reduce his food portions and Patterson admits to eating less “junk food.”

And other changes are noticeable. Glidden said friends and relatives all comment on seeing a difference in her over the past six weeks, even if they are not sure what it is.

“I have a lot more energy and am much more motivated. I start my day off with tons of energy and I stay that way. I feel better and breathe better,” said Allen.

Glidden plans to continue with the program after the challenge ends, especially with the arrival of spring when she can exercise outside. She added that the best reason to enter a challenge like Rangeley’s Fit ‘n’ Big Loser is a personal one, not for the vacation in a warm place.

Allen plans to continue the program on a seasonal basis in terms of exercise. Patterson sees the challenge as a “motivator” to get him into doing more of the activities he likes to do, like hiking and mountain biking.