Clayton Benedict
Student Marketing Assistant, CRC

Although the Campus Recreation Center’s (CRC) Biggest Loser Competition has just come to an end, it is a new beginning for 26 people. This is the CRC’s second year of the competition, and, while the program is still in the early stages, the results have been outstanding. This year’s winner, Mike Williams is a Georgia Tech student who lost more than 25% body fat during the spring semester. However, this competition celebrates everyone’s accomplishments. By the end of the competition all 26 participants had lost an average of 10.38% body fat, and collectively shed an amazing 394 pounds. “It is truly awesome working in a program like this, that allows you to help people change their lives for the better,” stated Greg Lennartz, one of the certified personal trainers leading the program.

The Biggest Loser Program was implemented at Georgia Tech last year. The goal of the program is to provide members of the Georgia Tech community with a chance to improve general health and allow for students, faculty, and staff to relate in a social setting. Georgia Tech’s Biggest Loser consists of four teams - each led by one of the CRC’s certified personal trainers - who are led through group workouts, competitions, and weekly weigh-ins. Participants may also meet with a trainer individually to create a workout suited for the individual’s level of fitness and personal goals. But participants learn more than just how to exercise. Each team member is given the opportunity to meet with an accredited dietitian to learn about healthy eating. Participants also have access to G.I.T. FIT’s drop-in group fitness classes at no extra cost.

The Biggest Loser’s amazing results are gaining attention - the number of participants doubled from last year! Morgann Wagner, head trainer and fitness graduate assistant, considers the program to be one of the best experiences available at the CRC for participants and trainers alike, “Seeing how all the participants changed throughout the program made all the hard work worth it, and I cannot wait to do it again.”

Here is the perspective from Mike Williams, the 2009 Biggest Loser’s Winner:

“I am more than satisfied with the Biggest Loser program. During the program I lost 25% of my body weight, that’s 44 pounds! Being in the Biggest Loser gave me the structure that I needed as well as the motivation I desired. I quickly realized how competitive I was. It was about the third week or so before I took the lead in weight loss, and I worked as hard as possible to keep that position.

Working with Greg was perfect; he is by far the best trainer at the CRC in my opinion! His laid back style fit perfectly with my personality, but he would get on you if he thought you were slacking. He kept on our team even after suffering a torn ACL. Even from a wheelchair, he would push us to reach our goals - you really don’t have any excuses.

I don't think I can describe the way I feel now. It's beyond words. This program has helped me to improve almost every aspect of my life. None of my clothes fit me now. I look like a kid who has to wear his older brother’s hand-me-downs! There isn't a day that goes by now that someone doesn't comment on my weight loss. The best part is that I know I still have about 10 more pounds to lose, but I know I can do it. I owe the confidence I have to succeed to the Biggest Loser.”

For more information on how fitness can help improve personal health and outlook, visit the G.I.T. F.I.T. Web site.