End of the Week MOOser Workouts

Playing a little bit of catch up here.  The MOOsers finished off their week in style with two awesome workouts.  Thursday was a Cardio Day and Friday was Tabata workout which is a legendary bootcamp workout.  Thursdays workout had four stations for cardio but there were repetition goals set for each person at each exercise so that the MOOsers would not have a chance to slack.  It kind of put a competitive spin on things too.  Here was their Thursday Cardio Session:

Bike
Firehose Slam
Burpees
High Knees

30 seconds of work 60 seconds rest for 20 minutes


Fridays workout...TABATA
20 seconds of work 10 seconds rest for 8 straight sets of an exercise.  We did four exercises:

Squat Press
Kettlebell Swings
Step ups
Burpees

Then we finished with an ab/cardio circuit which is pretty testing to ones will
Here's Fridays videos





In their Metabolism Makeover Class, we went over portion control as well as record keeping/tracking.  Next week the MOOsers will have to bring in a sample of what they are eating to make sure they are practicing supportive nutrition.  Next week will also be the starting point of 6 days of workouts rather than 5.  Stay tuned...:)

On a Roll Now

MOOsers are hitting their stride and getting in a groove with their workouts.  Starting to understand what it takes to be successful and are becoming inspirations to those that workout with them as well as those who are watching from afar.  Today the Moosers did Timed Ladders and the workout looked like this:

Circuit 1
Kettlebell Swings
Push ups
Kettlebell Deadlift
Squat Press
Burpees
T-Push ups

Circuit 2
Renegade Rows
Snatch
See Saw Press
Reverse Lunges
Hill Climbers
Squat Press

Circuit 3
Reverse Plank
Bilevel Plank
Burpees with Push up
Split Jumps
Get up Sit ups
Flutter Kicks

Start with 2 exercises with partner.  One partner does one exercise for 30 seconds while the other does the other exercise.  Then switch.  Round two start with those same exercises but add to exercises to the circuit.  Repeat, repeat, repeat.

Here's a video of the action

MOOsers Experience Their First Cardio Day

First Cardio Day today for the MOOsers and they were put to the test only to have them all pass with flying colors.  They all met the challenge and pushed through the workout.  Here is what they did:

Bike
Firehose Slams
Jump Rope/Jumping Jacks
High Knees

30 seconds per movement at a very high intensity.  Recover for 60 seconds and rotate to next exercise.  Complete 20 minutes.

On Cardio Day we will do Interval Training/Metabolic Circuits which is the best form of 'cardio' to lose fat.  Long slow steady cardio has its place but is far from a priority when trying to lose fat.  The MOOsers will do this form of cardio toward the end of their transformation, but for now, we gotta hit fat right in the face, and lose it fast and this is the best method combined with a solid weight training program.

MOOsers Meet Tabata

MOOsers had their first Tabata Experience today with many more to be experienced in their future.  The workout was Tabata Extra and here is the format:

40 seconds of work with 20 seconds rest.  Each station has 2 exercises which you will alternate until you have completed each exercise 4 times. There is then a 30 second rest before starting the next station. Here are the stations the MOOsers did:

1. Renegade Rows
Step ups

2. Close Grip Push ups
Hill Climbers

3. Double Kettlebell Squat
Bicycles

4. Single Leg Deadlift
Firehose Slams

The MOOsers were also introduced to the Firehose for the first time today.  More to come on that tomorrow:) .  Sorry no video again today, but I promise to make up for it tomorrow.

Speaking of tomorrow it will be the MOOsers first Cardio Day AND MOOser Shannon will be on MOO92 with me tomorrow morning around 8am, be sure to tune in for a MOOser update.

End of the Week: MOOsers Workout Day 4

MOOsers brought it today and have improved tremendously from Day 1.  I've got three videos for you.  But first here is the workout:

Four Minute Madness

1. Rows
Russian Twist

2. Split Squats
Push Press

3. Speed Rows
Snatches

4. Kettlebell Swings
High Knees

5. Step ups
Burpees












There have been some followers asking questions about how the food works with our program.  Well I'm going to give you a quick rundown.  The MOOsers are in the Metabolism Makeover Program and what we talk about a lot is supportive nutrition.  Supportive Nutrition is eating a lean protein and a fibrous carb every time you eat.  Using that rule you can create supportive meals. Some examples of lean proteins are: chicken breast, turkey breast, egg whites, fish, protein powder, extra lean beef, wild game, and seafood.

Examples of fibrous carbohydrates include: strawberries, blueberries, rasberries, blackberries, spinach, broccoli, cabbage, brussel sprouts, squash, asparagus, as well as many others.  Some foods are hybrids like beans and lentils which are lean proteins as well as fibrous carbohydrates.  So if we look at a sample meal plan it could look a little like this:

Meal 1:
1-3 servings lean protein (3 egg whites)
1-2 servings fibrous carbohydrate (1/2 cup green peppers, 1/2 cup onions)
1 ounce of cheese (optional)

Meal 2
lean protein (1/2 cup low fat cottage cheese)
1 serving fibrous carb (1/4 to 1/2 cup blueberries

Workout Meal
1/2 scoop protein powder with about 20-30 grams gatorade

Meal 3
1-2 servings lean protein (3 ounces chicken breast)
1-2 servings fibrous carb (1/2 cup tomatoes, 1-2 cups spinach)
1 serving fat (1 tablespoon vinagrette dressing)

Meal 4
1/2 scoop protein powder
1/4 cup rasberries or 1 tablespoon nuts

Meal 5

2 servings lean protein (3-6 ounces lean beef)
2 servings fibrous carb (1 cup broccoli)
1 serving fat (2 tablespoons parmesean cheese)

Hope that helps

MOOsers, feeling it: DAY 3

Now the muscle soreness is setting in and the MOOsers are in the thick of it.  George wasn't feeling well so he sat out today but the other three got in a great workout.  Here is what they did:

Engine 8

1. Push ups

2.Kettlebell Swings

3. Kettlebell Deadlift

4. Rest

5. Bike

6. Squat Press

7. Snatch

8. Rest

50 seconds per movement 10 seconds rest and transition.  Complete 3 rounds

Here's a video of today (sidenote- the MOOsers are still learning the movements so the kettlebell swings are still being perfected.  One thing we will be teaching them is to keep their chest a little higher and to explode through their hips).





The MOOsers also had their first Metabolism Makeover class tonight where we talked about goals and how to map them out and how to make them the driving force behind our actions to get what we want.  They have to be very meaningful and must also be very close to your heart.  You should be able to visualize it in your mind and be able to write it down on paper.  Details, details, details and set benchmarks.  Start with a specific goal date to reach your goal and work backwards and set a goal of where you are going to be at each benchmark.  It will help keep you motivated.

Day 2: Welcome to Bootcamp!

Today the MOOsers joined an actual bootcamp class and fit right in.  The 630am class was very welcoming and extremely excited to have the MOOsers join them.  Todays workout was a circuit based workout that allowed for a lot of quality work to be done.  Here is what they did:

PHA

Rows
See Saw Press
Double Kettlebell Squat/Goblet Squat
Flutter Kicks

30 seconds per movement with 10 seconds transition.  Repeat for 8 rounds without rest. 

Sorry no video footage today but sure to have some tomorrow.

Talked with some of the MOOsers after class about nutrition and how things were going in the early stages and it sounds like they are catching on pretty quickly.  There were a lot of questions about post workout and protein powders.  Here is my quick tip on post workout shakes.

Post workout shakes should have a combination of protein and carbohydrates preferrably simple carbs and liquid like gatorade.  Liquid is best because it absorbs very quickly aiding in recovery much faster.  A great combination that tastes great is orange gatorade with some vanilla protein powder like Prograde Protein.  Use about 20-30 grams of gatorade with one scoop of the protein and shake it up.  It tastes like an orange creamcicle:).  Protein powders generally should be reasonable in calories, have little fat and very little carbohydrates with a short ingredient list.

Tomorrows workout is sure to test their will, be sure to check in to see how the MOOsers did.

MOOsers Day 1: Fat Loss Begins Today

First workout day for the MOOsers.  Lots of good effort, with much more to come.  Here is their workout:

Double Vision

4 Rounds of
Kettlebell High Pull
DB Snatch Left hand
Push ups
DB Snatch Right hand

4 Rounds of
Goblet Squats
Burpees
High Knees
Hill Climbers

4 Rounds of
Push Press
Squat Hold

All exercises are 30 seconds and complete 4 rounds without rest

Here's a video of the action from today





Not bad for day 1, as this is a tough workout and the MOOsers have already begun their nutrition transformation by implementing one big rule of eating a lean protein and a fibrous carbohydrate with every meal (fibrous carbs are dark leafy green veggies as well as berries, apples, cauliflower, etc).

Day 1: The First Meeting of the MOOsers 2010

This is the first day for the MOOsers.  Today we did measurements and took before pictures.  They also received their Metabolism Makoever Programs.  Tomorrow their first workout and Thursday is their first nutrtition class.  For those of you wishing to embark on your own 12 week transformation be sure to visit http://biggestmoosers.ning.com/ and sign up to join our community and post your before pictures too. 

Here they are: The 2010 MOOsers

George Ostrom

Jule Meunier

Shannon Collins

Emily Judd

More tomorrow as we will shoot video of every workout from the MOOsers as well as post the workout of the day.  Stay tuned...

Congratulations to this Years Biggest MOOsers!!

Congratulations to this years Biggest MOOsers:

George Ostrom

Emily Judd

Jule Meunier

Shannon Collins

These four individuals will take on the Bootcamp Journey and will participate in 12 weeks of bootcamp as well as the Metabolism Makeover Program.  All along the way we will be providing updates on this blog as well as on the radio at MOO92 where you can listen on your radio or stream online.

All the action starts on Monday January 18th where the MOOsers will meet for the first time and will be measured and have their before pictures taken as well as receive the Metabolism Makeover Program and embark immediately on changing their bad habits into supportive ones.

We hope to have a site up soon where others can follow along with their progress and you can be an active participant too.  Start your own weight loss journey along side the MOOsers and see how well you can do in 12 weeks.

Application Process has finished!! Here are your 8 Semifinalists!

Ok the wait is over! Here are your 8 semifinalists! Be sure to vote for your top four contestants on the right column next to this post. Voting will take place until next Thursday January 14th at Midnight. Those top four vote getters will be chosen to take the bootcamp journey and change their lives forever. Here they are:

Contestant #1

2. How long have you struggled with your weight? Give details such as other programs you have tried, emotional struggles you have had, and social struggles also apply. Use as much detail as possible here.


I have struggled with my low self-esteem and weight ally life. With every added pound the self- esteem plummets to a point where it appears there is no return. My weight problem started really when I was 16 years old. It was at this point that I was traumatized and "thought" that the only way to be attractive was to be skinny. I was walking with a skinny friend and I remember this just like yesterday. Two boys were walking behind us obviously checking us out but it was what one of them said that has hurt me to this day..he said"oh yah, I ll take the dark haired one and you can have the fat one". Seeing how I had blonde hair, I knew which one I appeared to be.This lead to my first encounter with anorexia. Since then many years later, I understand not to let remarks like that bother me and that there is more to a person. However, there is no denying that in our society, looking good is key to success as well as happiness in many areas. For me it is about feeling better about myself physically and doing so in a healthy way. I have tried so many diets but the minute you say diet I want to eat, so they do not work for me. I have tried Weight watchers, atkins, south beach, grapefruit, popcorn, herballife, slimfast and Im sure there are more that I have forgotten. Every social relationship I have been in has failed due to my self confidence and always feeling I look horrible and I am not good enough. Loved ones can only take so much accusations that they have a straying eye or that they are cheating on you before it ruins everything.I don't want this to happen in the relationship I am now.


3. Why is is so important for you to lose weight? Please add any medical conditions here if applicable.


I need to lose weight for myself. I want to feel good about my body once and for all before my time runs out in this life. I know this sounds morbid but up until now I have been extremely self conscious and cannot stand the way my body looks! I have not worn shorts or a bathing suit since I was 15 years old-22 years!!!! I also have three gorgeous children that I want to live long enough to see and spend time with NOW! Children grow way too quickly and I don't want the fun to pass me by because of my damn weight. I also suffer from a mental health issue that is compounded by my self esteem due to my weight problem. It is a terrible catch 22 to be in:(


4. There are so many people struggling with how they feel about themselves due to their weight. How will you reach out to them and lend a helping hand once you have achieved success?


Reaching out to people is what I love to do. If I can be a success and then be an inspiration to people...I would be ecstatic. I would definately reach out to all I know with weight problems and tell them if I can do it you can do it and I will be there the whole way to help you and lead you to success.


5. What are you willing to do in order to succeed?


I am willing to do just about anything (it has to be legal:) I have done all the diets, over- exercised, starved myself...I am comitted and just need the right program and support. I am hoping to find this through your program. I go on your website quite a bit just to read the testimonials and get pumped up, but then I shut down the computer and I forget all about it. I want to take action NOW!!


6. What are you not willing to do?


Everything is negotiable:)


7. How will you celebrate your results?


I will celebrate my results by buying a great bathing suit and bring my family to Florida 9i HAVE BEEN WANTING TO DO THIS FOR SOME TIME HOWEVER, MY WEIGHT HAS GOT IN MY WAY) and go to the beach for the first time- confident with myself and the way I look! And if my beau has a wondering eye....oh well!! I look HOT!! LoL!


8. You will experience one or more times during your transformation that you could quit or could continue and press on. How can we be sure that you will be one that will not quit?


I AM VERY MOTIVATED TO LOSE WEIGHT AT THIS TIME...OTHERWISE I WOULD NOT BE REACHING OUT TO YOU FOR SUPPORT! I want this so bad..I need this so bad for so many reasons. So I hope you will choose me to be the next biggest mooser!


9. Is there anything else we should know that will help us determine if you would be a great choice to participate in this transformation contest?


I am a hardworking, single mom of three great children. I work full time and volunteer to give back to our community and I am in the Masters program at Springfield College School of Human Services...so perserverence is a way of life. Please choose me to be your next poster girl!!

 

Contestant #2

 

2. How long have you struggled with your weight? Give details such as other programs you have tried, emotional struggles you have had, and social struggles also apply. Use as much detail as possible here.


I have been extremely over weight my whole life. I have tried a few diets in the past but failed. I even went to a nutritionist years ago and stuck to the diet plan for 3 months and lost nothing. I don't go out much and am on meds for depression and I think my weight has a lot to do with it.


3. Why is is so important for you to lose weight? Please add any medical conditions here if applicable.


Health is the biggest reason for me. I have high blood pressure and suffer from depression and anxiety attacks. My weight never seemed to bother me in the past as far as getting around and doing day to day task. But the past several years it is getting harder. Lower back pains, sore knees and aches and pains.


4. There are so many people struggling with how they feel about themselves due to their weight. How will you reach out to them and lend a helping hand once you have achieved success?


I guess I would just show them that it can be done and it is never to late to get started.


5. What are you willing to do in order to succeed?


Pretty much anything I can physically at this point.


6. What are you not willing to do?


Eat Fish!! HA HA I hate fish


7. How will you celebrate your results?


Not sure. Maybe have a pizza. Just kidding. Going to a regular store (not a big guys store) and buy some new cloths would be nice. Maybe find a wife too. lol


8. You will experience one or more times during your transformation that you could quit or could continue and press on. How can we be sure that you will be one that will not quit?


Tuff one! This time I really need to do this for my health. It might be hard but I think with your support I will be able to follow it through.


9. Is there anything else we should know that will help us determine if you would be a great choice to participate in this transformation contest?


I am 47 years old and weigh over 400 lbs. I really need to do something about this now. I really want to feel better about myself and physically feel better. I have been overweight my whole life and would love to experience what it feels like being normal sized for once. In the past when I look at myself I never seen a fat guy. But the last few years that changed. Now when I look at myself I get disgusted. Whenever I see a doctor for something they always tell me to loose weight. Stop eating so much. When I tell them I really don't eat that much they just think I am lying to them. I really don't eat that much to be over 400 pounds. I think my biggest thing is exercise. I really think with the help from you I can do it. I can be the biggest mooser. I no longer want to be in the morbidly obese classification. Doesn't morbidly obese sound really bad. I think fat sounds better then that. Anyway thanks for the consideration.

 
Contestant #3
 
2. How long have you struggled with your weight? Give details such as other programs you have tried, emotional struggles you have had, and social struggles also apply. Use as much detail as possible here.



I have been struggling with my weight since I was in 5th grade. That was about the time I realized I did not look like the other kids my age. As I got into junior high school I was between a size 14 to 16 and I was 5 foot 5". The jokes and mean comments started. I would get off from the school bus and head straight for the ice cream. Then at the age of 17, I started working at Mcdonalds which as you can imagine did not help matters. Being overweight is nothing new in my family. Watching my grandmother, aunt, mother, and older sister struggle shows me a long hard road I am headed down. I started weight watchers in 10th grade and have tried it every year since. I can never seem to stick with it long enough to see results, when it doesn't come off, I give up. I've tried working out, but stop going when I loose motivation and make excuses. Playing basketball as a teenager was the only time I saw a change and I weighed 194 pounds then. When I eat now I know it's not because I'm hungry, it's because I'm stressed, bored or just relaxed my eating habits after I found the right person. I am definately an emotional eater. I am a hairdresser locally and I am constantly looking in the mirror. I dislike how I appear to myself and others. I am always worried about what people think of me and how I look in their eyes. I recently had a baby and weighed 312 pounds when I went into labor. I now weigh 286 pounds. I only gained 17 pounds with my pregnancy, so I was already considered obese before and was told to watch the weight I gained during my pregnancy. My weight holds me back from alot of things in life


3. Why is is so important for you to lose weight? Please add any medical conditions here if applicable.


I am uncomfortable to a point where it is hard for me to breath when I bend over, walk or do anything. Diabetes and high blood pressure run in my family and I want to prevent it from happening to me and maybe give some incouragement to my family on improving their lives too. When I was in high school I dated a guy for three years who weighed 419 pounds and wore a size 6xl. He passed away at that weight from a heartattack at the age of 20. That should have made me change but it just got harder. I think every day I dont want that to be me or my husband or my kids. I am wearing a size 24 pants and I am sick of shopping on the "plus size" side of the store. I want to be able to play with my children and be around to play with my grandchildren some day. Most importantly I want to be healthy and be happy with who I am.


4. There are so many people struggling with how they feel about themselves due to their weight. How will you reach out to them and lend a helping hand once you have achieved success?


I would like to let them know they are not alone. we have all tried diffrent things that have'nt worked. I hope to encourage them to reach out and give themselves a push to try again and not give up on thier goals. tell them the story of my success and give them hope and motivation. That is how I heard about this contest from a client who encouraged me! when I watch the biggest loser I see the results of the contestants and say I want to do that, look like that! I want to help my children go down the right road and be healthy.


5. What are you willing to do in order to succeed?


I am willing to change my life even if it takes pushing my body to its limits until I throw up. I want to learn how to eat healthy. I am ready to make a diffrence in my life. This is my time to change. I can feel it I am ready to go the distance to get there and I know it will be tough and long but It will be sooo worth it!


6. What are you not willing to do?


I am willing to do whatever it takes to change my life and stay healthy.


7. How will you celebrate your results?


I would celebrate my results by going out and buying a whole new woredrobe and give away all my old huge clothes! I would go to an amusement park and go on every single ride I could never fit in before. Continue to keep myself healthy and keep my results.


8. You will experience one or more times during your transformation that you could quit or could continue and press on. How can we be sure that you will be one that will not quit?


I need this to continue on in life and be around. I can not afford to quit. I am not a quiter. I have a goal and I will reach it no matter what!


9. Is there anything else we should know that will help us determine if you would be a great choice to participate in this transformation contest?


I am finally at a point in life where I am willing to do whatever it takes to get this weight off and keep it off. I have made myself a priority. I cant wait to look in the mirror and sing "I feel good doodadoodadoodadoot..." Its time to start living and start losing!


Contestant #4

2. How long have you struggled with your weight? Give details such as other programs you have tried, emotional struggles you have had, and social struggles also apply. Use as much detail as possible here.




FOREVER....I have struggled all my life with being the fat girl. I started buying diet pills in sixth grade, because I was bigger than everyone in my class including the boys. I have done every diet under the sun and lost weight but always looked the same to me and I would eventually gain it all back and then some. Two years ago I weighed what I did at nine months of pregnancy and my baby was 6 yrs old. I went to the doctors I was phyiscally and emotionally drained. She of course told me that my weight was a huge problem and was going to cause more problems for me if I did not do something about it. I told her my work schedule and my eating habits, she said I was not eating enough and my body was storing everything because it was in starvation mode. I was told to eat a breakfast every morning either string cheese, yogurt, a fruit, something to get me going in the morning. I did and when I went back to the docotrs I had gained 17 lbs in one month. Her answer after doing blood work was that I was depressed and put me on an antidepressant, which of course side effect.....gain weight. I have done weight watchers, Atkins, South Beach, Hypnosis, Cleansing, diet pills, if it is out there I have tried it. With little or no change at all. I want to look in the mirror and like what I see. I don't even have many pictures of myself with my babies because I am so fat I did not want to be in the picture, so I would take all the pictures. Last winter my family and I planned a day at camp, but in order to get to camp we had to walk into camp. No problem I can walk, well the snow was up to my thighs, my husband, and two kids were able to walk on top, I could not I had to crawl on my hands and knees or I would sink through the snow. My daughter kept saying poor mommy. That killed me I don't want my kids to feel bad for me, I want to be able to do everything with them.


3. Why is is so important for you to lose weight? Please add any medical conditions here if applicable.


I have two beautiful children that deserve to have a Mom that can be there for them. I diabetes runs in my family, my grandfather died from the diease and my grandmother and aunt both have diabetes, and my sister developed gestastional diabetes when she was pregnant. Also I carry a lot of my weight around my waist. When I lose weight it seems to be every where except around my waist.


4. There are so many people struggling with how they feel about themselves due to their weight. How will you reach out to them and lend a helping hand once you have achieved success?


I want to start with the children. It is so important to show them how fun it is to be active. I think that kids can be cruel to each other and we start developing a self image at such a young age that if I could keep them engaged in fitness it would be a life long goal to stay active and healthy.


5. What are you willing to do in order to succeed?


I am willing to do what it takes to achieve sucess. I will do 110% of whatever it takes.


6. What are you not willing to do?


I am not willing to quit!


7. How will you celebrate your results?


I will buy some nice clothes that fit. Right now I tend to wear oversized shirts to try and hide my fat stomach. I would like to do a fitness contest and I really would like to do a marathon for Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.


8. You will experience one or more times during your transformation that you could quit or could continue and press on. How can we be sure that you will be one that will not quit?


I want to transform my body and be fit. This would be the first time in my life that this would happen for me. Words can not describe how exciting that makes me feel. To think that I could get the results I have trying to achieve all of my life.


9. Is there anything else we should know that will help us determine if you would be a great choice to participate in this transformation contest?


I have the best support team around. My kids are the best kids, they have even joined me a couple of times at Boot camp. They help to keep me focused. I want this transformation to help teach me and teach my family a healthy way of LIVING!

Contestant #5

2. How long have you struggled with your weight? Give details such as other programs you have tried, emotional struggles you have had, and social struggles also apply. Use as much detail as possible here.



I can't think of a time I didn't struggle with my weight. It has been a constant in my life. As a child I was subjected to all of the "fat kid" jokes that come with the territory. Kids really can be cruel. Growing up in a small town I still managed to have some friends and got along with everyone because I would do anything for people to like me even if it meant doing things I didn't want to...My sense of humor also played a big part in my social life. I was the fat, funny girl in class. Once I got into high school I was easily 250lbs and all of those kids I grew up with and who I thought were my friends, suddenly wouldn't talk to me in the hall or sit with me on the bus. I felt so alone. The bus was torture because there was no one there to help you if something happened. There were plenty of witnesses but not one person to stand up for you. I recall one day getting up to get off the bus and feeling soneone blow in my hair. I turned around and the people behind me said nothing. As I got into the school building I reached up and ran my hand down the back of my hair only to find that the blowing I felt was the kid behind me spitting a loogie into my hair. I will never forget how I felt at that moment. It wasn't long after that that I started seeing the guidance counselor because I had told my best friend that I wanted to die. Needless to say high school was not a time in my life that I would ever want to revisit. Many people talk about high school as the greatest experience of their lives. I have always said that you couldnt pay me to relive those experiences. I tell myself that everything I went through as a kid shaped me into the person I am today. As rough as things were, I dont know that I would go back and change anything if I were given the chance. I am genuinely a happy person and optimistic in just about any situation and I think my childhood is a big reason for that. I also would not want to change things if it meant that I did not meet my husband and have my 2 beautiful children. They love me unconditionally and they will love me no matter what I look like. My ultimate goal is to not change who I am on the inside but to be healthy so I can continue to take care of myself and my family for as long as possible.


3. Why is is so important for you to lose weight? Please add any medical conditions here if applicable.


I have never known what it is like to be truly healthy or what I might look like without all of this fat covering me. One of my biggest fears is that my children will go down my same path and have to go through all the things that I did or possible miss out on experiences like I did because of my weight. I want to become a healthier person so I can be a healthier and happier mom to my children and wife to my husband. Ultimately I need to do this for myself but knowing how it will affect my family is also a driving force.


4. There are so many people struggling with how they feel about themselves due to their weight. How will you reach out to them and lend a helping hand once you have achieved success?


I think it is extremely important for people who are trying to lose weight to have inspirations. Just seeing and reading about Lisa's success has been inspiring to me and got me thinking about putting in that extra effort to make these changes. If(when) I reach my goal or even lose 5 lbs(which is a success!) I will be shouting it out to the world trust me! I would make myself available for questions, pep talks, advice and maybe even the harsh words that someone needs to hear, like "Get up off your butt and get moving" cause there have been times when I wish I had someone to do that for me.


5. What are you willing to do in order to succeed?


I will put all I have into this...if I am chosen I know what a great privelege and gift it is that I have been given. I would do everything I need to do to be successful because it's not just about me. There would be tons of people out there listening and reading about my journey. So I would owe it to not only myself but also to the people who may not have been chosen.


6. What are you not willing to do?


uuummmm.....NOTHING!


7. How will you celebrate your results?


Publicly, privately, with my family, with my friends, with my colleagues, with strangers, at home, at school, in the bathroom, in the car....any questions?;)


8. You will experience one or more times during your transformation that you could quit or could continue and press on. How can we be sure that you will be one that will not quit?


I have wanted this for too long. I know that changes are not going to happen overnight and that everything worth doing and doing right, takes time, energy, effort and sometimes sacrifices. I truly know this.


9. Is there anything else we should know that will help us determine if you would be a great choice to participate in this transformation contest?


I have been overweight for 30 years and I dont want to spend the next 30 the same way.

Contestant #6

2. How long have you struggled with your weight? Give details such as other programs you have tried, emotional struggles you have had, and social struggles also apply. Use as much detail as possible here.



My story starts a little diferent, I was that skinny kid. I could eat whatever I wanted, when I wanted and it didn't seem to matter. Then @ around 20 years old it all began to change. For the last 15 years I have struggled with my weight. Like many people, I have tried all those Crazy diets, some of which worked for the short term, but once you stop, all the weight (and then some) comes back. Some of my family have struggled with thier weight for most of thier lives, and I want to teach my 5 year old early the good eating and excersize habits, so she doesn't fall into the same cycle as me .I have done one round of bootcamp classes about a year or so ago., And to be honest, it was the best I have felt in a long time. (not to say that there was not pain involved but it was a good pain) I thought I could do this on my own, but I am now willing to admit I CAN'T! I NEED HELP!!! Now with that said, that is the last time the words can not will be used . The will be replaced with I WILL TRY, and I WILL SUCCEED!!! I am a very competitive person. I know this means I need to make some major life changes ant it isn't going to be easy. But I now realize that I NEED to take this time for myself, to be able to be the best mom and wife I can be. I am sooooo ready to embark on this journey. I am sick and tired of being the "bigger girl" and ready to be the beautiful ( and dare I say HOT) woman I know I can be.


3. Why is is so important for you to lose weight? Please add any medical conditions here if applicable.


I don't have any medical conditions related to my weight, but if I don't get my eating and excersize under control, I am sure there will be some in my future. And that is NOT a future I want to see!!! I want to see myself doing things I never thought possible. It is hard to say why this is important to me, because there are so many reasons. First of all I want to feel beter and have more energy. Second, I want to regain my confidence. And Last but but not least I want to feel comfortable in my own skin again.


4. There are so many people struggling with how they feel about themselves due to their weight. How will you reach out to them and lend a helping hand once you have achieved success?


I would first tell people that the first step is to admit you need help. Not to be confused with someone is going to do it for you or that there is a "majic way" that is easy. But that you need help in ways like support, encouragement, and sometimes an ear to listed but not judge. Because you need to go into this knowing and being able to accept that this is a way of life not another DIET..I would also like to reach out to parents and show them that they need to teach thier kids the right choices from the start.


5. What are you willing to do in order to succeed?


I am willing to try no matter how hard it gets, and not give up. I PROMISE I WILL GIVE MY ALL!!!


6. What are you not willing to do?


I am Not willing to lose who I am inside.


7. How will you celebrate your results?


I will celebrate my results everyday with confidence knowing that I feel and look great; whether I am in jeans and a t-shirt or on the beach in a bikini (Did I just say bikini?)


8. You will experience one or more times during your transformation that you could quit or could continue and press on. How can we be sure that you will be one that will not quit?


I will continue to press on because I have a good support system. I have a wonderful husband that is behind me 110%, And even though he has no weight to loose,I know he will give me the love,encouragement and the support it takes to help keep me on track. And I am not willing to let him or myself down..


9. Is there anything else we should know that will help us determine if you would be a great choice to participate in this transformation contest?


Thank you for taking the time to read this. I think I was in a sort of denial. I would try to make myself believe that I wasn't that overweight or that I wasn't that out of shape. But now I know that it is time to make a change before it gets any harder. IT IS TIME TO GET THAT "SKINNY KID" THAT I ONCE WAS BACK AGAIN!!!!!

Contestant #7

2. How long have you struggled with your weight? Give details such as other programs you have tried, emotional struggles you have had, and social struggles also apply. Use as much detail as possible here.



*I have struggled with my weight for many years. *My first memory of a weight insult is very vivid. I was in 5th grade in gym class playing indoor baseball. I was bent foward and a boy behind me told me I had a big butt! *You name the diet, I have probably tried it. Over the years I have done Weight Watchers, Slim Fast, Herbal Life, Cabbage Soup Diet, Apple Cider Vinager, Colon Cleanse and public place and spot someone I have not seen in a while and I will do what I can to avoid seeing them. I am too ashamed of how I feel. *I am about 100 lbs over weight and a high BMI. (and I am only 39) I am afraid if I don't do something now I may never get out of this fat body. I want to be around for my kids and grandkids... I just found out I am going to be a Grammie! I want to be able to enjoy my grandchildren to run and play, walk and slide, and got to the beaches.... etc etc etc....


3. Why is is so important for you to lose weight? Please add any medical conditions here if applicable.


3 Years ago I quit smoking to better my health, to be a good example for my children, to be around for my grandchildren. Intead I traded one death sentance for another. It seems as if I just changed roads and I'm still on a road of self destruction. I have struggled within myself to start smoking again because of the weight gain. I want the simple things in life to be simple again. I am considered morbidy obese (first time publicly saying that...YUCK) and I need help. I could very well be on the verge of medical illnesses but I DO NOT go to the doctors so I honestly dont know. I don't want to get on the scale and the few times I have been to the doctors office, I have politely declined getting on the scale. I am sure my weight has put me at a HUGE risk for Type II diabetes. My family has a history of high blood pressure and high cholesterol and I don't want to be one of them. I want to live healthy and happy.


4. There are so many people struggling with how they feel about themselves due to their weight. How will you reach out to them and lend a helping hand once you have achieved success?


I will be available to ANYONE who wants to know how I DID IT! (because with you I will) I will encourage and inspire and educate them. Starting with various members of my own family who struggles with weight. I will be able to understand how they feel and hopefully that would allow them to be comfortable with me because I would never judge them.


5. What are you willing to do in order to succeed?


I will do anything I can. I will pay attention, work hard, and get educated. I will lean on my supports when I may need them, and I will work very hard to accomplish my goal.


6. What are you not willing to do?


I will NOT FAIL! And I am NOT willing to let you (or those who vote for me) down.


7. How will you celebrate your results?


*I would take pictures LOTS of pictures with the new me. *I would go for a run with my 15 year old daughter! *Not to mention I would like to take a trip out west and hike the Grand Canyon with my new fit body! * I may even got the the beach.... something I have not done in many years because I am embarrased to get into a bathing suit.


8. You will experience one or more times during your transformation that you could quit or could continue and press on. How can we be sure that you will be one that will not quit?


I am too determined and will not let myself down. Especially when I have been given an oppertunity that only a few are given.


9. Is there anything else we should know that will help us determine if you would be a great choice to participate in this transformation contest?


I have always put everyone before me and I believe it is now time to put myself first. I am asking you Ben to bring out my potential as I know you can. I don't want to 'diet' for the rest of my life. I want a life style change.

Contestant #8


2. How long have you struggled with your weight? Give details such as other programs you have tried, emotional struggles you have had, and social struggles also apply. Use as much detail as possible here.



I have struggled with my weight since college twenty years ago. The last ten years has been by far the worse. I have tried fads and some simple diets that just do not work. I recognize myself as being the fat one that people joke about. I hate it when I go and buy clothing and always have to get a size bigger. Being overweight and fat destroys a person’s self esteem.


3. Why is is so important for you to lose weight? Please add any medical conditions here if applicable.


Currently my weight has brought on complications with high blood pressure, cholesterol , concern for diabetes that runs very strong in my family. I need to lose weight for my family. My wife and four kids need a healthy example to live by. I want to be able to physically participate with them in activities. I also want to get in shape and lose weight so that I will be more reliable in my firefighting family. Currently I struggle as some very basic activities that I should be able to accomplish. I want to be able to do activities without being physically stressed and out of breath.


4. There are so many people struggling with how they feel about themselves due to their weight. How will you reach out to them and lend a helping hand once you have achieved success?


I want to show people what can be accomplished with the right mindset and motivation. I would love to see a more physically in shape fire fighting family through what I learn.


5. What are you willing to do in order to succeed?


I want to lose the weight so badly that I would do anything if someone would just coach me along. Help me keep focused on the goal and the final results.


6. What are you not willing to do?


I am not willing to embarrass my family and friends by letting them down and giving up.


7. How will you celebrate your results?


I would like to celebrate with my family maybe go to a water park and not have to be embarrassed but have fun with my kids.


8. You will experience one or more times during your transformation that you could quit or could continue and press on. How can we be sure that you will be one that will not quit?


I so badly want to be around when my kids have kids. I want to share in their family experiences. I am afraid of how much I have cut my life short for the simple please of eating. I will carry a picture of my family to remind me what all the effort is for.


9. Is there anything else we should know that will help us determine if you would be a great choice to participate in this transformation contest?


My family needs this opportunity. I need the coaching and instruction for a life transformation. My kids need their father around to help them and teach them. My wife needs a husband that is physically able to take care of her and our home. I need to be in shape to support my fire fighting family. Overcome the limitations that I have so I may be stronger physically and mentally. I want to be happy again!

There you have them.  The 8 Semifinalists.  All of their stories are powerful on many ways.  I'm sure you will have just as much of a difficult time narrowing it down from 8 contestants to 4 as I did for 45 to 8.  Happy Voting!