Biggest Loser competition promotes fitness, healthy living Published May 13, 2010 By Senior Airman Shane Dunaway 36th Wing Public Affairs ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam -- More than 30 two-person teams readied themselves to embark on 12-week journey to shed pounds as part of the Biggest Loser competition hosted by the Coral Reef Fitness Center here May 17. The competition was open for all Active Duty, Department of Defense civilians, spouses and dependants above 16 years old to participate. Participants were required to sign up by May 7 and weigh in by May 14. "We decided to choose this program for two reasons," said Staff Sgt. Xavier Bryant, 36th Force Support Squadron fitness improvement program manager. "The Air Force is transforming into a 'Fit to Fight' military and our Air Force members must be healthy, fit and prepared to complete the mission. Our military member's significant loved ones should be physically fit as well for their health and well-being and in support of those who serve." During the competition, participants are required to perform two 30-minute strength training sessions and two 30-minute cardio training sessions per week, two spin sessions per month, three aerobic sessions per month and one 5K run per month. Each team also must attend one class offered by the Health and Wellness Center as well as a fitness one-on-one class with fitness center staff to learn how to use all gym equipment safely and effectively. "The competition will help our Team Andersen members learn and continue to be fit and healthy," said Airman 1st Class Kathryn Litchfield, 36th FSS fitness apprentice. "Our focus is to make fitness fun so they can make fitness one of their priorities and know how important it is to be healthy overall." Each team earns points based on total body percentage lost, total weight lost and abdominal circumference lost. Points are also awarded during three monthly challenges designed to test each team's progress. "Healthy living habits are one of the most complex decisions we face in fitness," Sergeant Bryant said. "Usually, people would exercise three to five times a week and later eat something unhealthy. We also have people that do the exact opposite - people would eat healthy and become sedentary." Sergeant Bryant insisted healthy eating habits and the proper amount of exercise is of utmost importance when controlling a person's overall fitness level and when undertaking weight loss goals and plans. "Both males and females should exercise for at least an hour three times a week as well as consume 1200-1500 calories per day for females a day and 1500-1800 calories a day for males depending on their weight, height and level of activity," Sergeant Bryant said. Competitors throughout the wing continue to prime themselves for the challenge of becoming Team Andersen's 'Biggest Loser.' "I decided to participate in the competition because I needed something to jump-start my motivation," said Juliette Morgan, a dependant spouse. "I know I need to lose the weight and this competition gives me the incentive. I don't want to let my teammate down, either." The competition ends August 6 with prizes awarded to the male, female and team with the highest percentage of weight loss. The prizes awarded are to be determined at a later date. "Prizes are all good, but when you look at the big picture, lose the weight and put yourself on a path to get healthy, you're already a winner!" Mrs. Morgan said. "I am just hoping to get myself in the right direction to lose weight and live a healthier lifestyle." Editor's note: Senior Airman Shane Dunaway, 36th Wing Public Affairs content editor, will be participating in the 'Biggest Loser' competition. He will be blogging about his experiences and progress throughout the competition. To read about his weight-loss efforts and journey, go to the Pacific Air Forces Pixels blog site at www.pacafpixels.com.