The 2009 getfit@mit Fitness Challenge is presented by MIT Medical
Who's the biggest loser at the Lab?
One challenge over; another begins!
by HungryGirl on May 14, 2009 at 9:04 am | 0 comments
May 14, 2009
Post from “HungryGirl”
In this last blog post, I want to start by thanking all the platoon leaders. They were not only helpful to members of their own groups, but they willingly helped anyone who asked. I also want to congratulate the winners. It was hard work, and they deserve all that they won.
I would also like to share some of my thoughts about the program and look forward to what comes next: We did this program for 12 weeks. Some people were so glad when it was over. I just did not understand that attitude. Yes, it has been hard work, but it is a change of lifestyle, not a 12-week-program. At least, that was my mindset going into it. So as the 12 weeks were drawing to a close, I started to worry that without the weekly weigh-ins and the team spirit and group dynamic, I would go back to my “old” ways.
So I started another “challenge.” (more…)
A first 5K… and a new life ahead
by NewImage on April 21, 2009 at 9:36 am | 2 comments
April 19, 2009
Post from “NewImage”
Many of us have been quiet over these past several weeks, but I think I speak for many of us when I say that it’s not that we have given up– just the opposite, actually. We’ve been busy working out! I think we have just gotten into a routine, and the nutrition and exercise are coming a bit more naturally these days. This journey has been amazing for me. I have a new-found self-confidence that was buried so deep I didn’t think it existed. It’s a great feeling.
I successfully completed my first official “5K” today!!! I know it doesn’t sound like much, but it was a big deal to me! I only started jogging about three weeks ago. A few friends had been offering to take me out running, and I kept saying that I couldn’t do it. When I started the Biggest Loser competition I had many goals. Running was never one of the things on my list. (more…)
Back on track (literally)
by OnAMission on April 16, 2009 at 10:18 am | 1 comment
April 16, 2009
Post from “OnAMission”
OMG!!! I skipped spin class last night to enjoy the beautiful weather. For the last couple of weeks, my running partner has been hinting that is time for me to get back out there. Well, yesterday was the day. The sun was shining, and it was the perfect temperature, but, of course, I was scared. I was afraid of not making it to the end, and I was afraid of the aches and pains and possibly breaking something again.
But then Cyndi said something yesterday that stuck with me–something like, “Say it; believe it; do it.” I probably got that wrong. but it said to me that I had to believe that I could run. (more…)
Strategies for dining out
by HungryGirl on April 10, 2009 at 3:44 pm | 1 comment
April 10, 2009
Post from “HungryGirl”
I have another strategy I wanted share with you before we end our Biggest Loser experience. I have been asked several times over these weeks….
You and your husband like to eat out a great deal. Has this experience changed your routine so that you at stay home more? Do you eat out at all? If you do, how do you handle all the temptations on the menu?
Well, first, we now eat out a lot less. I do not know if it is due to the economy or because of the Biggest Loser event, but we cook at home more these days. It gives me more control over what goes into the pan, and we spend less.
However, when we do go out, I use a few strategies I would like to share:
First, before we head out, I try to make sure we have at least an idea of our destination. This allows me to go online and review the menu. This way, I can figure out what I can and cannot have before I even leave the house. This prevents “impulse ordering.” You know the feeling. You enter a restaurant, and you see the meal on the next table and you start to salivate. (more…)
Strategies for success
by HungryGirl on April 2, 2009 at 12:17 pm | 0 comments
April 2, 2009
Post from “HungryGirl”
As we are getting close to the end of our Biggest Loser experience, I wanted to bring everyone up to date. I have learned many things in these past nine weeks, and I thought I would share some of them each week for the remaining weeks.
I received a question addressed to me in the blog that I want to answer here:
How do you deal with temptation of snacks that are conveniently waiting to be eaten around the house, the lab, the office etc? Do you have any specific strategies to curb your intake in these cases? (more…)
No more “I can’t do it” moments!
by OneOfCyndisLosers on March 9, 2009 at 3:02 pm | 0 comments
March 9, 2009
Post from “OneOfCyndi’sLosers”
I noticed something that I thought I would share. I started out with free-weights five weeks ago struggling to use the five- and eight-pound weights. Now, without hesitation (okay, maybe a little) I grab the 10- and 12.5-pound weights. (more…)
I may have to change my name…
by HungryGirl on March 4, 2009 at 2:49 pm | 3 comments
March 4, 2009
I may have to change my name. When I started this program, “diet” was a four-letter word. I just did not want to give up my favorite foods. I wanted to be like my husband, who can eat anything he wants and never gain a pound. But during the past weeks, I have found that I don’t have to give up on favorites, I just need to adjust my choices.
Let me explain: I love chips and salsa. It is my all-time favorite snack. So now, when I really feel I “need” salsa and chips, I open the bag and take out seven. Not grab the whole bag and sit down with it, but I remove seven chips (one serving), and I place them on a plate with the salsa (salsa is fat free). I then have my “favorite” without eating my weight in chips. (more…)
The scale is only part of the story
by CyndiLou on February 27, 2009 at 10:30 am | 1 comment
February 27, 2009
Post by Cyndi Springford, proud platoon leader of Cyndi Lou’s Losers
We are one-third of the way through The Lab’s Biggest Loser and Cyndi Lou’s Losers show no signs of slowing down. At the conclusion of Week Four, our team has lost a total of 53.6 pounds, and two of them have reached their five percent milestone already. As a team, they have lost 2.77 percent of their total starting body weight. Those are pretty impressive numbers, right?
But that is only part of the story. (more…)
Surviving my second-biggest challenge
by FranN on at 10:21 am | 1 comment
February 27, 2009
Post from “FranN”
We are now starting Week Five of the Lab’s Biggest Loser Program, and over the past five days, I faced my second biggest challenge since the program has started. The first challenge was just getting started. I was sure that I wouldn’t see Week Twelve, because I though I was going to die on Day One. I didn’t (die, that is). Now I find that I actually enjoy working out, and after completing four week, I feel much better, I look better, and my clothes don’t fit–not because they are too tight anymore, but because they are too loose!
However, Challenge Number Two recently reared its ugly head in the form of a five-day business trip. (more…)
The Determinators: An aptly named platoon!
by PaulNitishin on February 26, 2009 at 4:43 pm | 1 comment
February 26, 2009
Post by Paul Nitishin, proud platoon leader for The Determinators!
As platoon leader for The Determinators, I have to say this is an aptly named group. We are now in the middle of the fifth week, and we have two people in this group who have lost five percent of their original starting body weight so far! Do you know how hard you have to work to do that? (more…)
On the wagon, off the wagon, on again…
by HungryGirl on February 25, 2009 at 12:09 pm | 0 comments
February 25, 2009
Post by “HungryGirl”
I had a bad week. I was busy and made excuses. Do you know how many times I have been told that one bad day doesn’t mean you quit? Lots. Do you know how many times I just said oh, well… and fell, or jumped, right off that wagon? Lots more. But this time I thought that maybe I could just get back on that wagon. It was not like I had to start over. Maybe I could just do it. (more…)
New experiences abound
by OnAMission on at 11:40 am | 1 comment
February 25, 2009
Post by “OnAMission”
It has been a month, and I am experiencing new things. That idea crossed my mind today when I grabbed my workout towel to wipe the sweat from my face. I’ve done this many times in the last three weeks. But today I noticed how wet my towel actually was. It caught me off-guard. My towel was wet. It wasn’t there to wipe a dry machine. It wasn’t there because it was required by gym etiquette. It wasn’t there to protect me from someone else’s sweat. It was there to wipe the sweat that was running down my face and down my arms. It was there to protect the rest of the gym-goers from MY sweat. Whoa!!! (more…)
Forming habits for a lifetime
by NewImage on February 24, 2009 at 4:40 pm | 0 comments
February 24, 2009
Post from “NewImage”
Week Five is now here, and it’s hard to believe we’ve been at this for a month. Exercising has become part of my daily routine (nothing gets scheduled in its place). More importantly, most times I look forward to doing it. I have noticed a considerable difference in my strength, and the weight is slowly and steadily coming off.
I find that the exercise helps me to stay focused on eating healthier as well. I have tried so many new activities in just the past several weeks–step class, zumba, spinning, swimming, and snow-shoeing, to name just a few. (more…)
I never thought I could feel this good!
by HappyLoser on at 1:14 pm | 0 comments
February 24, 2009
Post from “HappyLoser”
When I was selected for the Biggest Loser, I was thrilled. I knew it would be hard work, but I was ready for it. The first couple days were tough, but I pushed through it. After the first week, I noticed my back felt better. After 20 years of enduring chronic back pain, headaches, muscle spasms, physical therapy, chiropractors, and trigger-point injections (all compliments of a car accident), I never thought I would feel this good again. I also noticed the more I exercised, the better my back felt.
At first I thought it was a fluke, but I am happy to say, it’s not. The only time I feel bad is (more…)
Eight pounds and counting…
by LoserAgain on February 23, 2009 at 4:45 pm | 0 comments
February 23, 2009
Post by “LoserAgain”
Hello everyone! Well, I’m very happy to report that I’ve topped my personal best of 398 minutes of exercise for the week! I took a couple days off (one due to being sick with the flu–a flu that just keeps hanging in there), but I got right back up on the horse and have been using my treadmill at home religiously. I’ve been averaging between 65 to 75 minutes each night and going at a brisk pace. I’m not running, but I’m not loafing either. I’m able to go longer and without panting like a dog as I did when I started.
I’m very optimistic, and my eating habits have changed immensely thanks to the diet we’ve been placed on. My meals are smaller, but I eat more often to keep my metabolism going. It’s actually the most challenging thing for me as I feel like I’m actually eating MORE on this diet, but the food is of better quality than what I was jamming down my gullet previously. (more…)
Team spirit: The power of the platoon
by HungryGirl on February 20, 2009 at 11:27 am | 0 comments
February 20, 2009
Post by “HungryGirl”
I don’t know about other platoon members, but this week, the advantage of being on a Biggest Loser platoon became apparent to me.
I really did not want to work out this week. I wanted to eat whatever I wanted. I felt I “deserved” to slack off. But knowing I had to weigh in and meet our leader’s eyes when my weight was beaming from the scale, was the determining factor. (more…)
A bump in the road
by BouncingBack on February 19, 2009 at 2:20 pm | 1 comment
February 19, 2009
Post by “BouncingBack”
Last weekend, I encountered a major challenge. Not delicious food or lack of motivation to exercise. I experienced serious anger. I had a situation with my ex-husband that left me extremely angry. What’s that have to do with the Biggest Loser competition? EVERYTHING! One of the biggest reasons I became overweight is emotional eating. There are times when negative emotions are just too hard to handle, and turning to food for comfort is automatic. The problem is that there are a lot of times over the course of a week, a month, a year when negative emotions occur. This weekend, I realized I need to work on some “emotional fitness” along with the physical aspect of this lifestyle change. I can’t change the situations that cause me to be unhappy, but I can change my reaction to them.
On a happier note, I lost 2.2 lbs this week! I’m finding the exercise classes I attend to be less overwhelming. I definitely feel stronger and already have more endurance. (more…)
Staring down the dessert cart… and winning!
by LoserAgain on February 17, 2009 at 5:06 pm | 0 comments
February 17, 2009
Post by “Loseragain”
Hello again, my losing friends. I’m happy to report that after weighing-in last week I discovered that I’ve lost three pounds. Yes, it was a very happy day to get that news. I think I may have lost nearly five pounds this week, but, as always, I’m skeptical of the scale at home. If I’ve only lost one pound, I’d still be just as happy, for I’ve come to think of this whole affair as a process. I’m in this for the long haul and not just for the 12 weeks of the program. I have much to lose, and in order to do it successfully, I must think of this as a lifestyle. Thinking about this deep down and not just on the surface has really hit me in a profound way. I started to realize that even if I didn’t lose weight at all during this, I would still be ahead of the game—because I’m not in this simply to lose pounds, but to be healthy. I’m eating better, I’m exercising, and, most importantly, I’m feeling good. Sure, I miss indulging in food that’s not considered the height of nutrition, but at the same time, I’m enjoying living with the knowledge that I’m putting things in my body that are good for me. My exercise routine has also become fully integrated into my life now. It’s something I look forward to every day. (more…)
We’ve got bigger things to worry about than a platoon name!
by MarkRyder on February 13, 2009 at 12:03 pm | 2 comments
February 13, 2009
Post by Mark Ryder
I am one of the platoon leaders for the Lab’s Biggest Loser. My team consists of four good-looking men and four beautiful women. Unfortunately, we still haven’t chosen a name for our platoon. But I think that’s the last thing on our list of things to do. Platoon members have been so busy trying to keep up with the idea of eating correctly and following the nutritional plan I slapped on them, not to mention all the different exercises and learning how to use the fitness equipment properly and safely.
Turns out there’s a huge learning curve when you first begin a nutritional and exercise program. (more…)
Suddenly energized!
by BouncingBack on February 12, 2009 at 11:37 am | 0 comments
February 12, 2009
Post from “BouncingBack”
By the end of last week, I was so physically exhausted that I contemplated taking Friday off to stay home in bed. But I couldn’t do that, because I had committed to my platoon leader to attend his spin class. I made it through the class (and actually enjoyed it).
The weekend was hard, because I was so tired. I ended up going off my food plan on Saturday and wasn’t happy with myself for it. The scale didn’t show much of a loss on Monday, and I know it had to be due to Saturday’s indiscretions. I have to admit I felt a sense of dread as I got ready to face another week of The Biggest Loser at the Lab. But I got through Monday’s boot camp and felt great afterward. (more…)
Another proud platoon leader!
by CyndiLou on February 11, 2009 at 12:56 pm | 0 comments
February 11, 2009
Post by Cyndi Springford, proud platoon leader of Cyndi Lou’s Losers
I would like to take a moment and share about my platoon: Cyndi Lou’s Losers (their name idea). I’m also sending this post to them by email, so they know I’m doing this. 
When we first met as a group on Wednesday, January 21, I asked each platoon member to divulge a little bit about themselves and their desire to lose fat, gain muscle, and get fit. I was so moved by their stories. Some had health issues in their family that they were hoping to avoid while others had decided to stop putting everything and everyone ahead of themselves and their well-being. We established a good rapport in that first meeting and, I was encouraged that they were going to do great things. I was sooooooooooo right. (more…)
How my weight loss saved a dog
by HalArts on at 12:24 pm | 1 comment
February 11, 2009
Post from “HalArts”
So, I got home the other night after the group workout and a local town meeting around 10:45 p.m. I have been watching a friend’s dog (a mutt, but Australian shepherd would be the closest breed), and I had already given her fresh water and a snack and let her out, but she was panting and running back and forth like Lassie would if Timmy fell in the well. Now, this dog is a bit odd, so this behavior isn’t all that unusual for her. But, I decided to let her out one more time. so I motioned for the door, and she came over to happily for me to put on her collar .
As soon as I opened the door, she bolted down the stairs and out the walkway. (more…)
I’m a proud platoon leader!
by PaulNitishin on at 10:38 am | 0 comments
February 11, 2009
Post by Paul Nitishin, proud platoon leader for The Determinators!
I am a platoon leader for The Lab’s Biggest Loser. I lead a platoon of seven women and one man who have now identified themselves as The Determinators–a good omen, I hope. I have just compiled the results of our first two weeks, and we have an aggregate net loss of 19 pounds to report.
In terms of enthusiasm, we are the champs. In my Monday “Boot Camp class,” I had seven of my eight platoon members, and the eight was downstairs plugging away on the treadmill–100 percent attendance at the gym! (more…)
Total lifestyle change!
by HungryGirl on February 10, 2009 at 10:49 am | 0 comments
Feb. 10, 2009
Post from “HungryGirl”
Well, I weighed in, and I am jazzed. I lost some more, and I FEEL better. The walk to the gym is now easier, and I am not out of breath before I begin my exercise.
My team is really supportive. We have a team name, and one of our members made a logo. We plan to have tee-shirts printed. It is fun to have everyone so determined to make this lifestyle change. We all understand that this is hard, but we work with each other to help keep our spirits up. (more…)
The courage to try something new
by SpinLuva on at 10:47 am | 1 comment
Feb. 10, 2009
Post from “SpinLuva”
Okay, I just got back from the spinning class, and I LOVE IT! I really was afraid of it at first. I would walk by the room, and, I swear I could see all the bikes looking at me funny–with red, beady eyes. I was also afraid of the spinning “pros.” How could I go to a class where everyone knew what they were doing, and I was the fat new girl? 
I’m being honest here (more…)
Should squat-thrusts be outlawed?
by LoserAgain on February 9, 2009 at 1:11 pm | 1 comment
February 9, 2009
Post from “LoserAgain”
Last Monday was a busy day. I actually expected to have lost upwards in the area of three pounds during the first week. Going in to the Fitness Center for my weigh-in, I felt confident as I mounted the scale. Then my feet were kicked out from under me. According to the scale I had GAINED a pound! It just doesn’t jibe with what I’ve been eating (no cheating and I was VERY careful!) or the fact that I’ve been exercising well. My trainer and I assume that I’ve possibly gained muscle, but no matter what, I shouldn’t be discouraged as the body does go through an adjustment period. I must admit that at first I felt like I’d been sucker-punched in the gut upon seeing those numbers on the scale, but I am not a quitter. I’m more resolute than ever to stick with it and to even redouble my efforts. (more…)
Back in the saddle
by BouncingBack on February 4, 2009 at 6:21 pm | 0 comments
February 4, 2009
Post from “BouncingBack”
I was thrilled when I found out I was selected for The Lab’s Biggest Loser competition. Then as the start date approached, I began to get nervous, wondering if I’ll be able to really do this.
The first week was great! I lost 2.8 pounds. I have a really great trainer, and our team is full of spirit and very supportive. The group dynamic is a huge plus in sustaining motivation.
Bring it on!
by NewImage on at 6:13 pm | 1 comment
February 4, 2009
Post from “NewImage”
The first week was a great success for me. I worked extremely hard with both diet and exercise and my efforts were rewarded on the scale. I counted calories and really pushed myself during workouts. It was nice to see what I could accomplish once I set my mind to it.
The first few workouts were really tough, as my body just felt stiff and lazy. I felt like I just couldn’t keep up. I kept telling myself to stop making excuses. I pushed through some of the pain and didn’t allow myself to quit early for the day. Sometimes I just switched machines and concentrated on other muscle groups. You see, I am the queen of workout excuses. In the past, I would justify not working out by telling myself that I have to work late, or have an appointment to make, groceries to do, or don’t like working out in the morning. I’d even give myself permission to skip today and go tomorrow. No more permission slips. I now realize that to be successful, I have to put myself first for once and make this my priority.
Why didn’t I do this before?
by GettingThere on February 3, 2009 at 3:16 pm | 0 comments
February 3, 2009
Post from “GettingThere”
Week one is over, thank goodness. Three pounds, gone! I know it doesn’t sound like much, but I worked really hard, and I am very proud of that loss! Now, I am actually looking forward to going to the gym everyday. During the workouts, I really push myself. If I set the time on a machine, I stick to it (as much as my body wants to stop). My team is really supportive, and my trainer is fantastic! We talk daily through email, sharing tips and websites, and we are starting to form a real camaraderie.
Focus on one thing at a time
by KenEstabrook on at 11:55 am | 1 comment
February 3, 2009
Post by Ken Estabrook
I wanted to participate in The Lab’s Biggest Loser for the same reason as most of the others: Over time, I’ve gained a lot of weight and become quite a bit less active that I used to be. I used to be in pretty good shape (okay, okay…that was 25 years ago when I was in the military), but over the past couple of decades, my weight has crept up, and my level of exercise has gone down. I don’t have the stamina that I used to have, and it’s getting harder and harder to keep up with my two daughters (ages six and four).
And being around for my wife and kids is probably my most important motivator…
Changing habits
by HungryGirl on February 2, 2009 at 3:19 pm | 1 comment
February 2, 2009
Week One (Post from “HungryGirl”)
Well, I have completed my first week as one of the Lab’s Biggest Losers. Our group is very enthusiastic. But I knew this was going to be hard. I have some very bad habits to change, and that’s not going to be easy. I am a fast-food junkie. And before this, the closest I got to the gym was a meeting in the Group 33 offices upstairs.
Take two…
by LoserAgain on at 3:12 pm | 0 comments
February 2, 2009
Week One (Post from “LoserAgain”)
“My first thought was, he lied in every word,
That hoary cripple, with malicious eye
Askance to watch the working of his lie
On mine, and mouth scarce able to afford
Suppression of the glee that pursed and scored
Its edge, at one more victim gained thereby.”
That first verse from “Childe Roland to the Dark Tower Came” by Robert Browning is, strangely, the first thing that came to mind when I decided to get back on the fitness horse. Over the years, I’ve often thought of exercise as an enemy to be scorned, bit, and kicked at. Of course, as so many of us often do, I also happened to forget that after tangling with that particular enemy, you begin to like it and, in time, come to look forward to the fight. So it was with me during my first week.
Why do you want to participate in this program?
by kschive on January 30, 2009 at 4:34 pm | 0 comments
Read more about The Lab’s Biggest Loser…
As part of the application process for this program, each would-be Loser had to write a short essay about why he or she hoped to participate. Here are a few excerpts:
- “I have a one-year-old at home, and I want to be around for his wedding some day. My body aches, and I know it’s from my weight. I wish to fit into smaller clothes, especially pants. I feel like a clown sometimes.”
- “I have Type II diabetes in my family and have seen the problems it causes. I feel I’m heading in that direction, and it scares me to death. I am exhausted all the time and have no energy. I joined a gym in the past, but no one ever helped me find which machines or exercises were good for me. I just don’t know where to start!”
- “When I turned 38, I quit smoking and immediately gained almost 30 pounds. I work in a very hectic office, and some days I find it difficult to get to the ladies’ room, let alone take time out of my day for exercising. At night I’m usually sidetracked with my kids’ activities. I need to start making myself a priority. I have a family history of obesity and heart disease, and I fear that if I don’t do something immediately, I may suffer the same fate. I do not think there is any substitution for diet and exercise. When this program is complete, I hope to be well on my way to a permanent lifestyle change.”
- “I am currently very overweight. I am very out of shape and find that exercise is something I tend to avoid. With help and encouragement, I know I can change bad habits to good ones and keep them long after the 12 weeks are over. I am also looking forward to having a group to work with and encourage each other along the way. It is hard to face the gym when everyone there is trying to lose five pounds and you need to lose 150 pounds.”
- “I have spent the past 15 years yo-yo dieting. I lose weight with each attempt, only to gain it back and then some! I have consistently applied an inconsistent and short-term approach to weight loss—restricting food/increasing activity for a short duration, only to return to old, bad habits. It’s in my power to change my behavior. If not now, when?
- “I really need to lose weight. It has pretty much become a matter of life and death at this point, and I want to be around for my children.”
Applicants to the program were required to have a body mass index (BMI) of 27 or higher (what’s my BMI?) and a healthy blood pressure. The 12 men and 20 women who were selected to be part of this year’s program have BMIs ranging from 29 to 54, with an average of approximately 37.
The program is off to a good start, says Lincoln Laboratory’s Health Fitness Coordinator Deb Craig. “Everyone has had their first official weigh-in,” she reports. “Participants have done both cardio and weight training and are learning how to use the equipment in the fitness center. Everyone seems to be very motivated and enthusiastic.”
Stay tuned for updates!
About The Lab’s Biggest Loser…
by kschive on at 4:30 pm | 0 comments
The Lincoln Laboratory Fitness Center is running a special weight-loss and nutrition-education program in conjunction with this year’s getfit@mit challenge. Thirty-two people have been selected to participate in The Lab’s Biggest Loser and have been assigned to one of four “platoons” (each participant is also a member of a separate getfit@mit team). Platoon leaders (personal trainers at the fitness center) are guiding participants toward their weight-loss goals through diet and exercise programs tailored to each individual’s needs. At the end of the program, prizes will be awarded to the platoon and individual with the highest percentage of weight loss.
Throughout this year’s getfit@mit challenge, we’ll be following the progress of the Lab’s Biggest Losers on this blog. We’ll be reporting on their activities and progress, and we’re hoping individual participants will share their stories as well. Use the comment feature available on each post to ask your own questions about nutrition, exercise, and weight loss, or just to talk about your own experiences. Though only 32 people at Lincoln Laboratory can participate in the program this year, we hope this program can prove both inspirational and educational to all the other people in our community who are also trying to lose weight and eat better.
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