Rangeley Fit ‘N’ Big Loser entrants, from left, are Mihaela Hambrick, Louise Clifford, Ginny Spiller and Bonnie Haggan with Fitness Coordinator Erin LaRochelle in front.

Fit ‘N’ Big Loser changes people’s lives

RANGELEY – The after-effects of the second annual Rangeley Fit ‘N’ Big Loser competition extend far beyond the three-month competition that ended with those who finished the challenge shedding a total of 1,266 pounds and inches. The competition is sponsored by the Rangeley Region Health and Wellness Partnership.

“I was more aware of the nutrition end of health, but did not apply it. I went on a healthy diet and my husband did too … unwillingly at first. There is no longer junk food in the house. I’ve noticed changes because I was dealing with a lot of health issues (before the competition). I had a lot of aches and pains that I don’t have anymore,” said Mihaela Hambrick, the third-place winner.

Hambrick continues to exercise three times a week with an eventual goal of five times a week when her schedule permits, adding to her total of 42 pounds and inches gone.

“This program gave me the incentive to do something about myself. In the process I enjoyed the workouts and the staff was wonderful. And getting out and meeting people was great,” added Ginny Spiller, who attends four exercise classes a week at the Wellness Pavilion on Dallas Hill Road.

“I had blood pressure problems, but was never on medication for them. They went away after I started the program. Becoming healthy is all part of the challenge,” said Louise Clifford, another entrant. ” I work in a really stressful position and the exercise helps deal with that. I’m amazed at 6 or 6:30 a.m. you see people eager to get into (exercise) class.”

Tim Allen, overall winner with a total loss of more than 56 pounds and inches during the 12 weeks, used a tried and true approach.

“I reduced the beer intake, started exercising and saw immediate results. Then I just kept adding healthier choices into the mix as I attended classes and kept up the steady workouts. I began feeling better and really got into the contest,” he said.

The 110 entrants who made the final weigh-in in April dropped their body fat percentage by an average of 4.3-percent. More than 200 exercise classes were attended during the 120 days of competition. For many the exercise classes were the favorite, and often the most challenging, part of the contest.

“I joined to lose weight and got addicted (to exercising). People get so stressed over losing weight. You’re not expected to be the biggest loser,” said Spiller.

“It is addicting,” echoed Clifford.” It (exercise class) is the best part of my day.”

Said Hambrick, “The way you feel is the main thing. Some people get upset if they don’t lose a pound, But this is not necessarily just about weight loss, it’s about getting healthy.” Hambrick and Spiller both said they plan to participate in the next competition.

Nancy Bessey, one of the event organizers and a member of the partnership board of directors, said next year’s competition will possibly include two separate 12-week challenges, one for those entrants interested in improving fitness and the other for those aiming for weight loss.

“We’ve gotten great feedback, and will begin working on next year’s contest design. The best thing about our contest is that it provides a great framework and fun incentives to lose weight and get fitter. But each person can follow their own path to better health. Whether it’s classes, personal training, team activities, a diet plan, or a little bit of everything – it all works. You absolutely can make a huge difference in your physical state and fitness health in twelve weeks,” said Bessey.

For more information about the Rangeley Fit’N’ Big Loser Challenge or other programs at the Rangeley Rehab and Wellness Pavilion, call Erin LaRochelle at 864-2900.