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Personal Training!

Carole Bean worked out with personal trainer John Preston beginning on May 5 after three weeks of working with John she switched and began to work with Mark Norton on May 26 through the end of May and continued to work with Mark into the month of June. During this time Carole was working out three times each week with a personal trainer plus doing an additional six days of cardio each week.

Ernie Hart worked out with personal trainer Mark Norton beginning on May 5 after three weeks of working with Mark he switched and began to work with Frederick Golding on May 26 through the end of May and continued to work with Frederick into the month of June. During this time Ernie was working out four times each week with a personal trainer plus doing an additional three days of cardio each week.

 

Amy Miller worked out with personal trainer Audrey Gygi beginning on May 5 after three weeks of working with Audrey she switched and began to work with John Preston on May 26 through the end of May and continued to work with John into the month of June. During this time Amy was working out three times each week with a personal trainer plus doing an additional three days of cardio each week.

 

Rae Olk worked out with personal trainer Frederick Golding beginning on May 5 after three weeks of working with Frederick she switched and began to work with Audrey Gygi from May 26  through the end of May and continued to work with Audrey into the month of June. During this time Rae was working out three times each week with a personal trainer plus doing an additional three days of cardio each week.

Nutrition

All four of the Sweat Biggest Winner Challenge contestants are following the STAX nutrition program.  This program’s primary focus is on eating natural whole foods.  In addition there is a strong emphasis on eating the proper portions and meal frequency.  They are required to eat six small meals a day with a balance of carbohydrate and protein, and end the day with a sixth meal of protein, fat and veggies. The STAX nutrition program cycles through three phases. Each contestant will start out in phase one and continue to eat this way until they experience a weight loss plateau.  None of the contestant’s experienced a weight loss plateau during the month of May. So each of them continue to remain in phase 1 of the STAX nutrition program

 

Weight Loss Results:

Carole Bean

Date:                                     5/3/08                                   6/5/08                   Change

Weight                                 229.5                                     215                         14.5lbs.

Body Fat %                          39                                           31.6                        7.4%

Inches Lost                                                                                                         10.75”

 

Ernie Hart

Date:                                     5/3/08                                   6/6/08                   Change

Weight                                 440                                         419                         21lbs.

Body Fat %                          40.8                                        36.8                        4.0%

Inches Lost                                                                                                         18.5”

  
Amy Miller

Date:                                     5/3/08                                   5/30/08                Change

Weight                                 169.2                                     159.6                     9.6lbs.

Body Fat %                          31.1                                        31.1                        0.0%

Inches Lost                                                                                                         9.75”

 
Rae Olk

Date:                                     5/3/08                                   6/3/08                   Change

Weight                                 161.8                                     155.6                     6.2lbs.

Body Fat %                          23.4                                        22.4                        1.0%

Inches Lost                                                                                                         5.5”

 

In addition to the exercise and nutrition program the personal trainers at Scottsdale Personal Trainers also visited each challenge participant’s home during the month of May to clear their environments of food that is not in line with the STAX nutrition program.  This took place on Saturday May 10. Also on Saturday May 24 the four participants were invited to go on a grocery store trip with the trainers at Scottsdale Personal Trainers. The purpose of this trip was to help to educate each of them on how to read food labels and how to buy food that is in line with the STAX nutrition program. Below is an account on their experiences.
 
Kitchen Raid
What is fondly being referred to as the kitchen raid was carried out by the trainers visiting each of the contestant’s homes.  No kitchen pantry, refrigerator or freezer was safe from their discerning eyes.  It was an eye-opening and educational experience had by all!  Here is what contestant Rae Olk had to say about that experience.

Rae Olk’s Perspective

Kitchen Raid:  Wow.  I'm still a little raw and humbled.  My plan was to pre-clean my cupboards before the trainers arrived, but working overtime and getting to Tucson to see my Mom for Mother's Day Friday night took precedence, and I barely had time to vacuum the floor, let alone clean out the fridge.  I honestly thought that what I had wouldn't be that bad, and boy, was I wrong.  They left with boxes of stuff.  We gave two huge bags of perishables to my neighbors.  Not only did I have things that I shouldn't have, I had multiples of them!  I don't think I realized that I was such a hoarder.  I used to do a lot of coupon shopping, and I would buy items in multiples if they were on sale and I had coupons.  Looking back I realize that most of those "deals" were for food that was processed and loaded with fat, trans fats, and other things that just weren't healthy.  I was a little surprised that I wasn't allowed to keep any of my Crystal Light, but am understanding more about artificial sweeteners.  The experience was many things at once:  embarrassing, humbling, eye-opening.  It was also, more than anything, cleansing.  I look in my cupboards and fridge now, and feel like there aren't things that can hurt me like before.  John gave me a great goal:  empty out and get rid of the chest freezer I have downstairs.  There is no reason a family of two cannot live with the food that is stored in a regular size freezer and refrigerator. 

 

Amy Miller’s Perspective

Dear residents, today was a very sad and tragic day. Many of our long time beloved residents were forcibly evicted from their homes, seemingly for no apparent reason.  The events are still a little fuzzy, but from eye witness reports the following information has been compiled.  On Saturday May 10th three men not living in the home, invited guests, made their way from the refrigerator and opened our pantry doors, they did things the owner never does..... reading out loud ....our private indescript labels.  As many of you know these are our only cloaking devises. They knew things like sometimes Natural Flavors could really mean that our make up is MSG, or that we could be genetically modified. How did these three men break "the code"? They also had some strange rule the kept saying to our owner "the closer to nature the better".  What do these people have against hydrogenated oil, sucrose, sorbitol, and mono-diglycerides?  We said our hastily goodbyes to Peanut Butter, Extra Mayonnaise, Ketchup, White Rice, and beloved Brownie Mix. I must say that our home owner seemed to put up a fight for Brownie Mix making such claims that only her husband enjoys those.  It was a battle not won.  As a long time resident I can tell all of you that remain that we have seen much improvement to our living conditions.  Space was at a premium, now wide open spaces, and I have noticed a quick shelf life, and newer healthier residents are arriving every day.  The owner seems happier, and is visiting more often, but one strange side effect to note: she seems to be shrinking.  Very truly yours and long time resident- Whole Wheat Pasta

 

Grocery Store Trip:

Each of the contestants was invited to attend a grocery store trip.  It consisted of spending time in each section of the store and a lot of label reading!  Jane had given each of the contestants a small reference book that deciphers ingredients listed on a label.  The entire team recognizes and supports the importance of sharing educational information so each contestant can feel confident that they are indeed making healthier choices. Once again, here is Rae Olk’s take on the trip.
Rae Olk’s Perspective

After the "kitchen raid", I was really looking forward to the shopping excursion.  I felt that I had a lot to learn after seeing so much un-healthy food lugged out of my house.  What I liked best about the grocery store experience was that all four trainers and Jane were there to direct us and answer questions.  So many questions were answered, such as if I had to run out of the house without grabbing anything, what could I stop in and get to sustain me for breakfast, lunch, dinner?  (Juice smoothies without added sugar, just add protein powder.  Lean ready to go chicken strips in the lunch meat area on a bag of salad, plenty of fresh produce, grab a sweet potato and throw it in a microwave, and hooray for Tortilla Factory Whole Wheat Tortillas!!).  Although I had considered myself savvy at reading labels, there was still a lot of information that I was missing or not aware was bad-- no more high fructose corn syrup for me! 
 
The kitchen raid and grocery store have gotten me headed in the right direction.  My co-workers at the fire department dispatch center make fun of my big insulated Stax containers, but when it’s crazy busy at work, I have my food at my fingertips to eat when I need to.  The physical training has been a challenge, but the food has been a bigger challenge.  The trainers fielded many questions from me regarding portion sizes, why regular bread should be avoided in favor of sprouted breads like Ezekiel, and they always take my food journal when I shove it at them begging them to look and tell me if I'm doing it right.  (The usual answers:  You aren't eating enough...more protein at breakfast, less carbs here, and where is your fat for today!!??  Oh, and my favorite from John "that doesn't say 'brownie', does it?"  (It did, but only that one time!).  Jane helps me keep my head clear on a weekly basis, and might even help me get organized one of these days!  Baby steps.   

I'm enjoying the Challenge, every day is different.  Some days are tough, but most are great.  My energy is higher and more consistent.  I love that I'm not craving sweets and baked goods like I used to.  My last "cheat day" only consisted of sharing fried chicken and having more fruit than usual, which was quite the change from the first 3 cheat days that were out of control!  (yes, it is possible for a 5'3" woman to eat an entire large pizza during the course of a cheat day). 
 
Evolution of the Cheat/Free Day:

By now, each of the contestants has had several opportunities to experience the cheat or free eating days.  We were curious to hear about the evolution of their choices on those days as well as what patterns may be showing up.  We asked each of the contestants to weigh in on their experience of their cheat/free days and here is what contestant Rae Olk had to say about hers.
 
Rae Olk’s Perspective


Regarding cheat days...mine have evolved quite a bit.  The first few were not planned out, and I found myself revisiting old habits such as eating something because I wanted to, not because I was hungry or needed the fuel.  This last one was much better.  I planned most of it, and looked forward to it all week:  I wanted fresh fruit to snack on during the day (usually we only eat fruit in the morning or around a workout), so I bought fresh raspberries, blueberries and cherries to take to work.  I wanted a treat at the coffee shop, so I had a mini bite size scone.  At work someone brought chocolate chip cookies, I split one with a coworker.  I bought a bottle of root beer (not sugar free, no high fructose corn syrup) 3 days before my cheat day, put it in the fridge the day before, and split it with a coworker at work during the day.  And to top it off:  A planned dinner with a friend at Lolo's Fried Chicken and Waffles.  We shared a chicken breast, had half a waffle, some sweet tea, a couple of hot wings, and about 3 bites of Red Velvet Cake.  I enjoyed every bite of it, and didn't feel like I went overboard.  And to top it off I worked out that day which made me feel that much better about my choices. 
 
I'm already looking forward to the next cheat day:  it will include a donut and dinner at Pita Jungle and Gelato.  And I will enjoy it and the control I now have over it.
 
Ernie Hart’s Perspective

Well I have found that when I cheat I seem to try to go too far. My body is not able to process the fatty, greasy foods and I either purge or feel like Crap for two days. So I am even starting to modify my cheat days to be closer to the STAX plan than not. But I tell you I still really enjoy myself. My wife who is doing this right along side of me is showing great stride in inches lost which is a blessing for both of us.
 
If you ask me for a quote it would have to be: “That at a very difficult time in my life, this contest came along as a life saver a gift from both Sweat Magazine and Scottsdale Personal Trainers”.
 
Amy Miller’s Perspective

My free day is the one thing that keeps me completely sane during this challenge. Have you ever forgot your watch, and realized how many times you look at your empty wrist that day?  That is about how often my mind seams to drift each day into Fantasy Food Land. I imagine myself eating chocolate dipped ice cream cones, stuffed french toast, grilled cheese, real mashed, potatoes smothered in butter, and great wine. When given THE FREE DAY (a day off the portion/carb combo meal) I surprisingly have not gone buffet bar....all you can eat..... bloat like a tick crazy.  This amazing phenomenon has puzzled me.
The free day is just that, whatever you want, no holds bar.  I am however finding that I only choose
one or two items (not entire meals) that I have been thinking about all week.  I am eating much smaller
portions and even find myself craving fruit. I never thought that would happen! Like a missing watch
I often notice the food I am missing, but so many things keep me going strong.  I feel better, my energy has improved, I am not having sugar highs and lows, and my husband said that I am losing my Buddha belly. All of those real things are better than my fantasy food land.
 
Coaching

Each of the contestants receives weekly coaching as part of the challenge.  The topics of conversation cover the spectrum and can include successes and challenges to life and business building support.  “This is a resourceful and motivated group”, says Jane Johnson, their personal coach.  They are exploring business building ideas and tackling organizational projects all of which are perfectly supported by the transformations each are making.  One of the tasks each contestant completed to kick off the coaching was an online assessment that revealed their top 5 signature themes of talent.  Having this personalized information enables each of them to align conscious choices and decision making with their personal strengths.  It also serves as a foundational tool in taking the coaching forward and in for its application for everyday life choices and decisions.

Audrey Gygi’s Perspective
My experience with the biggest winner has been amazing. It is so fulfilling to be able to help people become healthy, both physically and mentally. It is also nice to know that I can give back to the community and have a huge impact on people's lives. So far I have been able to personally work with Amy and Rae during their journey towards a healthier life. They are both such hard workers and are willing to try anything. We have an open, trusting relationship that also includes a little playful banter from both sides. I hope that this experience will be able to motivate and inspire others to start their journey towards health.

Mark Norton’s Perspective
The biggest winner has been a great first month experience.  It all started with a nutrition seminar and what food to keep in their pantries.  I visited Ernie’s house to make sure he did not have any forbidden items.  I ended up staying and talking to him and getting to know his story, how he had gained his weight and all of his medical issues.  I remember how grateful he was for what we doing.  Then we visited Carole’s and we got her story and then to Amy’s her story and finally Rae’s.  They all had a different yet similar story on how they got to where they are.  They all had a different glow about them and many thanks.  Each day it is more fun to see how all the contestants and trainers are working toward changing these people’s lives. Ultimately, they our changing our lives.  Each contestant has had really good results the first month.  I feel like they understand the changes are going to be slow and there may be hiccups along the way.  They all have had little hurdles to overcome because we are asking them to make sustainable habit changes.  I feel confident that everyone will be very successful because they all have a great mindset. When challenges arise they can always turn to Jane help get them back on track. Plus with the STAX nutrition program is easy to follow.  Having STAX has really helped keep the contestants aware, accountable, and educated about healthy food, correct portions, and proper meal times.  Best of all it is simple to use and makes life easier for us and the contestants.

Frederick Golding’s Perspective
Wow, what a great first month of the Sweat Magazine Biggest Winner Challenge! It is so very rewarding to work with someone who is as motivated and enthusiastic a Ray Olk. Ray had already started to exercise; however, she had no idea about what a good exercise program should consist of or what the proper choices she should be making for her nutritional program. She has been like a sponge absorbing every bit of knowledge we have imparted on her. She has made the proper life style changes necessary to insure her success. Ray has already lost 6.2 pounds and 1% body fat and is becoming more toned and fit each week. I look forward to working with Ray again to continue to help her on her fitness journey and to realize her goals.

John Preston's Perspective
In early May we held in person interviews and  a basic fitness assessment with the 12 semi-finalist. We planned on utilizing these two tools to help us to select the four finalists. Unfortunately we learned that all of the semi-finalist had very compelling reasons to be selected as a finalist. We were looking to select people who were at a point in their lives where they were ready to make permanent wholesale changes.  We utilized Jane Johnson’s expertise to guide us but we also relied on our gut instincts in making the final selections, it was extremely difficult.  And we ended up selecting; Carole Bean, Ernie Hart, Amy Miller and Rae Olk.
We each began to work with one of the four finalists starting the week of May 5^th. The choice of who each contestant would work with originally was primarily based on ease of schedules. We plan on revolving the clients every three weeks so that each trainer will get to work with each client twice during the challenge. As the contestants began to come in for their workouts, we all got to know each other and we all began to bond. Early on I began to watch for behaviors and attitudes that supported our choices.

I began to work with Carole Bean and I have to say that I believe she was a great choice for this challenge. She is very dedicated to the challenge.  Her commitment to it is evident in that she is doing six days of cardio(she is planning to enter triathlons after this challenge so she is swimming, walking/running, and cycling twice a week each). She always makes her personal training appointments and is ready to work hard each and every time. I was a little surprised to learn that she was somewhat limited in her shoulders due to old volleyball injuries. Somehow we didn’t catch that during our evaluations. But, she is responding well to the rehabilitative exercises that I and now Mark have introduced.

 I’m now working with Amy Miller. She has also committed to this program completely. She’s new to resistance training, so I think the experience is eye opening for her. She is learning to feel what it’s like to push herself in the gym. She has a great, positive outlook on life and an interesting sarcastic sense of humor, both of which will serve her well as she continues to excel during this challenge.

 I’ve yet to work with Ernie or Rae, but have had the chance to talk with them regularly. I’ve learned that Ernie’s emotional connection with food is stronger than I originally thought. He is, however, channeling it in a positive way. He is creating and compiling recipes that follow the STAX guidelines. This will serve as a great resource for everyone. Most of us that utilize the STAX program are content with grilled chicken and brown rice. But Ernie is determined to make each healthy meal taste great as well.

 Rae, admitingly came into this challenge needing accurate information from all of us to help her reach her goals. As Frederick said, she has been an information sponge. But what has impressed me the most about Rae, is that she has taken the information that we’ve given her and applied it. She has completely entrusted our advice and has made huge strides to improve her health and her life. If she continues to do this during the duration of this challenge I have now doubts that Rae will see amazing changes.

I am so excited to be part of seeing each of them be so enthusiastic about this program. It has re-energized my passion for what I do, as a Personal Trainer.

 Team Contact information

John Preston: john@adventurebootcampscottsdale.com

Mark Norton: mark@adventurebootcampscottsdale.com

Frederick Golding: pro_fit_systems@yahoo.com

Audrey Gygi: audrey@audreygygi.com

Lifestyle Makeover Specialist/Coach

Jane E Johnson: j2@J2EnterprisesGroup.com

 
Weight Loss Management Specialist

Dr Justin Wright