Biggest Loser Finale
They came, they joined, they kicked some fat. Nearly 470 pounds to be exact. Not only is that the weight of about three people, but in volume that’s over 63 gallons of fat!
After 12 weeks of the physically intense program and nearly 2 weeks on their own, the results are in.
The 1st place winners both earned an annual family membership at the YMCA, valued at over $800. “Bear” Sherry Loomans lost 41 pounds which was 20% of her initial body weight. “Elmo” Brian Wendt was 1st place male winner and he lost 56 pounds, almost 18% of his initial body weight.
“Gizmo” Tim Gerdmann lost over 63 pounds (17% of initial weight) to claim 2nd place for an annual adult membership, nearly $600. And “Squeaker” Melissa lost her goal weight of 30 pounds (16% of initial weight) to win the third place prize of 10 one-hour personal training sessions worth $350.
Of course, the best things about the program are not about the weight loss at all. Ask any of the participants what they liked best about the program and they likely say the relationships they built with the other participants. Spending over four hours a week with each other while working out they learn to depend on each other and rely on the encouragement and camaraderie.
The trainers want to congratulate all involved. This is not an easy program. It is physically and emotionally demanding and we are proud of every single person who joined up! This is a huge personal accomplishment to survive this program and we wish the best of luck to all they continue their healthy lifestyle journey.
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Monday, April 26, 2010
Salt Shakers and the American Diet
Salt shakers. Most of us have a couple around the house. Some of us even have a collection. But no matter what their shape or color, almost every dinner table in America has one on top of it.
Americans have developed quite a taste for sodium over the last 30 years. So much in fact that most of us now consume about twice the government’s recommended daily limit of sodium.
Those salt shakers on our tables, however, are only a small part of the sodium intake problem. Over three quarters of our sodium actually comes from the food processing that occurs before it even hits our tables.
This has caused the FDA to take notice. They are now considering a plan to gradually lower the content of sodium in foods citing the prevention of thousands of deaths a year from hypertension and heart disease. One report estimated 44,000 lives could be saved every year by reducing our consumption by a half teaspoon each day.
Officials from the FDA are careful to note that this plan would occur over a 10-year period. They acknowledge that an entire generation has developed tastes geared to our current high salt content and will require time to adapt to a gradual decrease.
Until the time when the first Federal salt limits go into effect, the best way to limit your own intake is to read the nutrition labels. As of now the food industry can add as much salt to a product as they wish as long as they report it on the food label.
To give you an idea of what you are looking to achieve, the current recommended daily intake of sodium for the average healthy individual is about 2300 milligrams. Less if you are in a special population, like hypertensive, some races and older adults.
Once you start looking you may be surprised how much salt is in most every processed food you can buy. Even cookies!
A smarter consumer is a healthier consumer. Take time to educate yourself about what exactly is going into your body and it will pay off in health.
Americans have developed quite a taste for sodium over the last 30 years. So much in fact that most of us now consume about twice the government’s recommended daily limit of sodium.
Those salt shakers on our tables, however, are only a small part of the sodium intake problem. Over three quarters of our sodium actually comes from the food processing that occurs before it even hits our tables.
This has caused the FDA to take notice. They are now considering a plan to gradually lower the content of sodium in foods citing the prevention of thousands of deaths a year from hypertension and heart disease. One report estimated 44,000 lives could be saved every year by reducing our consumption by a half teaspoon each day.
Officials from the FDA are careful to note that this plan would occur over a 10-year period. They acknowledge that an entire generation has developed tastes geared to our current high salt content and will require time to adapt to a gradual decrease.
Until the time when the first Federal salt limits go into effect, the best way to limit your own intake is to read the nutrition labels. As of now the food industry can add as much salt to a product as they wish as long as they report it on the food label.
To give you an idea of what you are looking to achieve, the current recommended daily intake of sodium for the average healthy individual is about 2300 milligrams. Less if you are in a special population, like hypertensive, some races and older adults.
Once you start looking you may be surprised how much salt is in most every processed food you can buy. Even cookies!
A smarter consumer is a healthier consumer. Take time to educate yourself about what exactly is going into your body and it will pay off in health.
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Upcoming Inhouse Trainings
This May at the YMCA of the Northwoods we will be holding two of the YMCA Health and Well-being track courses.
The Healthy Lifestyle Principles course is the new pre-requisite course for all other YMCA of the USA Health and Fitness certifications. It provides practical and theoretical information for instructors of all YMCA health and fitness programs, including information on effective leadership, basic physical activity and healthy lifestyles principles, and program safety guidelines. The course also covers the YMCA mission, philosophy, and the national program training and certification system. No to low activity. Street clothes are appropriate.
MONDAY MAY 24, 11AM - 3PM
$20 for YMCA of the Northwoods Members,
$35 for Non-members
The Foundations of Strength and Conditioning class is a new instructor level certification course specifically designed for YMCA fitness center staff. Course content includes member service and orientation procedures, leadership and relationship building strategies for working with members, exercise science and practical applications, and exercise instruction for strength, flexibility, and cardiovascular training. Course includes practical sessions using carious exercise equipment, case studies, and a written exam.
MAY 25-28, 11AM - 3PM
$80 for YMCA of the Northwoods Members,
$140 for Non-members
Deadline to register for both courses is May 22, 2010. MUST bring proof of valid CPR certification to class. To register, contact the YMCA of the Northwoods at 715-362-9622.
If you have any questions, please contact the Wellness Director, Katie Simonsen, at 715-362-9622 x 113.
The Healthy Lifestyle Principles course is the new pre-requisite course for all other YMCA of the USA Health and Fitness certifications. It provides practical and theoretical information for instructors of all YMCA health and fitness programs, including information on effective leadership, basic physical activity and healthy lifestyles principles, and program safety guidelines. The course also covers the YMCA mission, philosophy, and the national program training and certification system. No to low activity. Street clothes are appropriate.
MONDAY MAY 24, 11AM - 3PM
$20 for YMCA of the Northwoods Members,
$35 for Non-members
The Foundations of Strength and Conditioning class is a new instructor level certification course specifically designed for YMCA fitness center staff. Course content includes member service and orientation procedures, leadership and relationship building strategies for working with members, exercise science and practical applications, and exercise instruction for strength, flexibility, and cardiovascular training. Course includes practical sessions using carious exercise equipment, case studies, and a written exam.
MAY 25-28, 11AM - 3PM
$80 for YMCA of the Northwoods Members,
$140 for Non-members
Deadline to register for both courses is May 22, 2010. MUST bring proof of valid CPR certification to class. To register, contact the YMCA of the Northwoods at 715-362-9622.
If you have any questions, please contact the Wellness Director, Katie Simonsen, at 715-362-9622 x 113.
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Earth Day Fitness
This week Thursday April 22, we mark 40 years of celebrating earth day. First proposed by our very own Wisconsin Senator, Gaylord Nelson, this day was meant to bring the concept of environmental protection to the National agenda.
Most people who live here in the Northwoods are well aware of the importance of our natural resources. Not only do they fuel our economy but we get to enjoy the abundant natural resources on a regular basis.
We appreciate the lakes for fishing, swimming, boating and the woods for hunting, hiking, and snowmobiling. Rivers, bogs, barrens, wetlands, enable us to explore a huge variety of activities within easy driving distance.
Just walking down the street we get to enjoy the smell of pine trees and fresh air. I will always remember soon after my husband and I moved up here from Monona we would just sit on our back porch and breathe. We just could not get over how fresh air was. Breathing became a totally different experience. Too often we take all of this for granted.
So this week, in honor of Earth Day, regardless of your political views, let’s honor the Northwoods and all the ways our spectacularly unique natural resources enhance our lives.
One day this week, head outdoors and take your workout with you.
Take a hike on a trail you have never visited before. Or, you can bring a home gym workout to your backyard. No equipment needed, take advantage of gravity and the things around you. Here’s an example:
Walking Lunges: Begin walking, start taking slower and longer strides. As you step your foot forward, bend it only as far as the knee does not pass the toe with the weight in the heel. The back knee also bends close to the ground. You can add an extra challenge by picking up a good size rock or log. Every time a foot goes forward, you twist from your waist to the same side. The further away from your body you hold the rock the more you engage your core.
This is just one example. It is easy to get active outside, and this week is a great reason to graduate from our winter caves.
So get out. Get active. And don’t forget to breathe.
Most people who live here in the Northwoods are well aware of the importance of our natural resources. Not only do they fuel our economy but we get to enjoy the abundant natural resources on a regular basis.
We appreciate the lakes for fishing, swimming, boating and the woods for hunting, hiking, and snowmobiling. Rivers, bogs, barrens, wetlands, enable us to explore a huge variety of activities within easy driving distance.
Just walking down the street we get to enjoy the smell of pine trees and fresh air. I will always remember soon after my husband and I moved up here from Monona we would just sit on our back porch and breathe. We just could not get over how fresh air was. Breathing became a totally different experience. Too often we take all of this for granted.
So this week, in honor of Earth Day, regardless of your political views, let’s honor the Northwoods and all the ways our spectacularly unique natural resources enhance our lives.
One day this week, head outdoors and take your workout with you.
Take a hike on a trail you have never visited before. Or, you can bring a home gym workout to your backyard. No equipment needed, take advantage of gravity and the things around you. Here’s an example:
Walking Lunges: Begin walking, start taking slower and longer strides. As you step your foot forward, bend it only as far as the knee does not pass the toe with the weight in the heel. The back knee also bends close to the ground. You can add an extra challenge by picking up a good size rock or log. Every time a foot goes forward, you twist from your waist to the same side. The further away from your body you hold the rock the more you engage your core.
This is just one example. It is easy to get active outside, and this week is a great reason to graduate from our winter caves.
So get out. Get active. And don’t forget to breathe.
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