Already so maybe you’ve heard about it, or maybe you haven’t, but here in Knoxville Fox Fitness is doing it’s own version of the Biggest Loser Challenge, but we’re calling it the 1000 Pound Weight Loss Challenge!
No everyone could get in…only 10 participants were chosen to be a part of the group.
The Goal: To lose 100 pounds each in 2010!
So who are the contestants? Meet them here:
Carolyn
Hi, I’m Carolyn Wilson! I am 33, happily married, and a mother to two wonderful little girls who keep my running 24 hours a day!! I have struggled with my weight for as long as I can remember. My favorite picture of myself is when I was about 5 years old, sitting in a little boat on the beach in a little bikini. Sad to say that I’ve never wanted to be in a picture since then. I was always active in school but the weight slowly crept on. If you’ve never grown up overweight in school, let me tell you, it’s not for the weak. You learn to build this outer shell so that no one can hurt you too bad because you are always deflecting comments and looks of disgust. Yet, I would go home and my mom would always have a great meal waiting that would wash all the sorrow away. I have two younger sisters and we learned at an early age that food was a comfort in all ways. If we had a bad day we would make something great for dinner. If we had an amazing day we would go out to eat or make our favorite meals. If we wanted to spend time with our friends or family – what can we make for everyone?? It was a vicious cycle that I don’t believe any of us knew we were in.
Fast forward a few years to college graduation and getting a job. Now I was no longer as active and career advancement was all I could think about. That’s when my weight really started to balloon. A few years later I got married, gave birth to my two angels, and that’s when I stopped and said, how in the world did I get here? My husband and I left corporate America to open our own business and work around the clock. That’s when fast food became a necessity and now I have started teaching my girls some very bad habits as well. They have learned that it’s easier (not to mention fun) to grab something fast so we can get on to the next event.
It’s now 2010 and I am determined to make a permanent change. I’ve dieted since I was a child and never had any luck. I want to be a good role model for my girls and show everyone in my family that change is possible. The majority of my family has the same problem in varying degrees and I want to stop the cycle before it gets ingrained into my kids. Ultimately, I want to lose about 200 lbs. and my dream is to be able to travel the world speaking to others who have been in the same place as myself and encourage them that they CAN do this. It’s NOT impossible. For me, being able to walk down the beach and not want to cry, look beautiful in dress, and feel good about myself is the icing on the cake. What I really want out of this experience with the 1,000 Pound Challenge is to be able to help others. I know I was put on this earth to help and now I have figured out what I can help with. The first and most important step is helping myself so I can pass it on. That is what 2010 is about and why I am so motivated to make this the year of change.
Nikki
Hi my name is Nikki and I am excited to be part of the 1000 pound challenge. I have gained 8-10 pounds every year for the last 10 years and realized now is the time to make a life change! I am ready to learn to lose the weight not only to gain it right back but by eating healthy and exercising. I am tired of this being the only goal I set for myself I am never able to complete, this time I AM GETTING HEALTHY ONCE AND FOR ALL!
Debra
I am a middle aged Registered Nurse who has spent years taking care of family, friends and patients. While I have focused on helping others I have not take care of myself. My goal for 2010 is to reclaim my own health. Our group challenge has been the missing link that I need to finally be successful at weight loss. The synergy of our weight loss group is truly amazing and great things are happening.
Karen
I am Karen, age 53, and I’m excited to be part of the 1000 pound weight loss challenge. With a starting weight of 291 pounds, I can not wait to see the scale read below 200 pounds. My goal weight is 150 lbs.
I am self employed. I enjoy traveling, reading, movies, games and puzzles, family, zoos, amusement parks and many other activities.
It will be great to be able to take my granddaughter to an amusement park and not worry if she will fit on the ride!
I hope to learn to enjoy exercising and how to make better food choices.
I enjoy the interaction of a group. Having others to encourage and support each other in their weight loss journey is one of the most important parts of this group.
Lynette
I have struggled for years with my weight and have tried various ways to lose it. It wasn’t until recently when I had to make a permanent change to my diet, as well as to my life, that I realized I could lose the weight the right and only way. The day I heard about the Thousand Pound Challenge, I knew if I was accepted, my life would change. Luckily, I was blessed with this opportunity and I am going to fully take advantage of it.
Sandy
My name is Dr. Sandra (Sandy) Setzer. I am a mom, wife, sister, daughter, friend, and chiropractor. I have been bigger most of my life, but for some reason this year, 2010, has become a turning point. I have decided to take control and make myself and my life more of what I have always wanted.
At 36 years of age and 200+ pounds, things were beginning to look dim. I didn’t know who I was anymore or what value I could add. I basically didn’t like the person staring back at me in the mirror.
For me this journey is beginning with weight loss and in particular a wonderful group of people who are helping me do that. My 1,000 pound challenge team is my inspiration and my pushing force. I am doing things for myself first so that I may have more to give later.
Some of my goals include silly things like
- being able to shop in any store I want and find clothes that actually fit
- Being able to be quoted for health insurance without an up rating for being obese
- Being able to climb stairs or hills without getting winded
-being able to scratch my own back because I have regained flexibility
-chasing after my 4 yr old for more than a few minutes
-getting pregnant again
-improving my Chiropractic Practice because I have the confidence to go out and tell people about how great it is
-Smiling at myself in the mirror and MEANING it
Julia
My name is Julia and I am 29 years old. I am a pastry chef and a mother of 2 children. I moved to knoxville a few months ago from NYC to be close to family. I have had issues with my weight most of my life and am excited that for the first time I have found the tools, support, and motivation to regain control. I am looking forward to all the changes and hard work this year will bring!
More info coming soon on:
Bo
Jessica
Jennifer
