One area church has decided to step up to the challenge of offering reasonable and healthy goals to locals, in hopes of ending that which for many is a life-long battle. In June, a member of Pump Springs Baptist Church suggested that a program be developed based on the hit NBC show “The Biggest Loser.” Bonnie Partin contacted a volunteer staff member of the church, Edwin Robertson, and asked if such a program could be added to the church’s list of ministries. Now, after only three meetings over 340 people have joined and the list continues to grow.
Participants form teams of 4 to 6 people and compete against other teams (currently 65 teams are competing) to lose the highest percentage of body weight. Members are offered tips on exercise and healthy eating as well as free exercise programs. There are six personal trainers that volunteer to help people reach their goals. The routines vary from walking and biking to water aerobics, ideal for those who suffer joint pain or other physical challenges.
According to Partin, making weight loss a team effort provides not only support, but additional motivation.
“If you have a bad week, you’re whole team has a bad week. You’re accountable to them,” she explained.
Other incentives include prizes donated from area businesses and cash to both individuals and teams. On a weekly basis, both a winning individual and wining team are given cash prizes of $20 and $40 respectively. At the end of the program in November the individual who has lost the highest body-weight percentage wins $1000, second place wins $500, and third place wins $250. The team in first place will receive $1500, second place gets $800, and third place takes home $400. Members are also issued ID cards that get them discounts at some local business, like Curves women's fitness centers, and some local Subway restaurants.
Guest speakers are invited each week to share useful information and their own inspirational stories. This week Middlesboro Daily News contributor and registered nurse Howard Baker discussed the effects of sleep deprivation on weight loss. Speaker Terri Stewart inspired participants with the story of her weight loss triumph. Stewart lost 200 pounds when she decided that she was ready to do whatever it took to lose the weight. With the help of a friend and fitness expert she learned to eat healthier and adjust to a more active lifestyle. She advised listeners to find activities they enjoy, change habits one at a time, and be honest with themselves about their eating habits.
The program is a Christian-based ministry, but you needn’t be a member of the church to join. Interested parties can still sign up to join the program, though winning the grand prize is only possible for members who have missed three meetings or less. Thursday’s meeting was the third for the program. Still, anyone who would like to take advantage of this opportunity for group support, free exercise programs, and a abundance of health tips in a Christian setting may find this a valuable opportunity.
A new session of the Biggest Loser program will also begin in January. To get more information about the program visit Pump Springs Baptist Church’s website at www.pumpsprings.org and click on events.
Lorie Settles is a correspondent for The Daily News. She can be reached by e-mail at editor@middlesborodailynews.com
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