Back in early December a weight loss challenge started circulating around between mostly real estate people. The idea was to see who could have the biggest percentage weight loss between Dec 5 and Feb 1, 2009. Everyone participating has to pay $50 to the winners choice of charity.
Playing for the American Cancer Society, I weighed in on December 5th at a svelte 240 pounds.
Since then I’ve significantly changed what and how I eat, and I {gasp!} work out. No more daily Starbucks fat (and flavor) filled eggnog lattes. With rare exception, no more eating past the point of pain. I’m down to 2 – 3 Cokes a day (from 6 – 8 daily).
Oh, I’ve slipped up on more than one occasion. I’ve had three eggnog lattes (hey, that’s better than the twenty-three I would have normally had in this time span — that’s a “savings” of 13,600 calories, and $97). And I did sneak in some of Francy’s holiday baking though at nothing close to the rate I enjoyed in previous years.
I’m quite pleased to say that yesterday when I weighed in, the scales showed 231.5 – a loss of 8.5 pounds.
Last week, I took some of my winnings from my (ahem) championship in a Fantasy Football league and joined a fitness center.
THAT move may have been one of the best things I’ve done in a long time. I say this despite the fact that at this moment in time, I can’t feel my legs or move my arms above shoulder level.
I found what is (to me) the perfect fitness center. I joined Snap Fitness and work out daily in the Gilbert location at Higley and Ray.
What do I like about Snap Fitness?
Lots. It’s convenient. They have everything I need. They DON’T have things I don’t need (but would have to pay for somewhere else). I have 24 x 7 access via a key card so I can literally work out at 3:00am or on Christmas Day (which I did). There was no sign-up fee, and it’s month-to-month (though you can get a free month by paying for six).
And the folks that run it are friendly and genuinely interested in helping you achieve your goals. It’s almost like a neighborhood place. There’s no ‘meat market’ feel to it, and I’m not embarrassed to put my blubbery ass on the machines (though watching the lady in her 50s do 45 minutes on the elliptical set at level 14 was a wee bit humiliating).
Here are some pictures I took on Christmas Day. Apparently I was the only one dedicated / stupid enough to work out that day.
Main room. It’s about 3,500 square feet with cardio, resistance and free weights. There is also a circuit training room that I have named “Purgatory”
This is some sort of Medieval torture device
Granted it’s only been a week since I joined Snap, but I’m actually enjoying working out. Maybe it’s just in my head, but it sure seems like it’s already making a difference. I feel a lot more energetic, and while I’m still pitifully weak and have little endurance, that seems to get better every day.
We’ve “officially” got 49 people signed up on the wiki for the Real Estate Biggest Loser contest. There’s a lot of support there, and a little smack talk. The pounds are melting away, probably not as fast as we’d like, but it’s all good. Those participating are getting healthier, and some deserving charity is going to get a nice donation.
As for me, I’m not stopping on Feb 1. This is a lifestyle change that I plan to keep.
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I am afraid to step on the scale after 4 days of eating and being Merry in Virginia- but tomorrow starts a new week and its back to the gym. Glad to hear your progress- but I shall take the prize
for my hounds!!
Thanks for the update Jay. Glad to hear about the gym you joined – sounds like the ticket. I slipped for 2 days during Christmas, but am back on my game now. Like you, I plan to carry these changes in lifestyle beyond the end of #REBiggestLoser
Jay, the last sentence of your post is “the reason” I actually wanted to join the challenge in the first place – to change my lifestyle and, hopefully, get workouts and healthy eating habits into my daily routine.
Since the beginning of the challenge my weight dropped from 184lb to 174 – it floats now from 173 to 175 and I fill like I hit a dead end… it just doesn’t go any further. But I think I need to change my workout program now and bring in some weight lifting. I know it will probably add some muscle weight to my total, but it’s all for a good cause
Hey, my wife complained yesterday that I start look wimpy – too skinny 
haha
**Max´s last blog post..Tempe Celebrates First Arizona Light Rail Opening
“Oh, I’ve slipped up on more than one occasion. I’ve had three eggnog lattes …”
Ah, one of the big benefits to adding the work out to your weight loss program. My 115 pound wife eats chocolate like it’s going out of style. She makes up for it with 90 minute work outs five days a week. Her heart is probably about to explode but she looks great.
“The pounds are melting away, probably not as fast as we’d like…”
8.5 pounds is remarkably good for just over 3 weeks. Any more and you’re probably entering dangerously rapid weight loss territory.
Congrats on this terrific accomplishment Jay! Wishing you and Francy the very best in 2009.
**Norm Fisher´s last blog post..Saskatoon Real Estate: Week in Review (December 22-26, 2008)
Nice job on the gym membership. I have to say that I’m a bit concerned about the return to the scale. We are on our annual ski trip and my habits aren’t ideal here. I just hope the skiing burns some of the extra calories.
I signed up to do that challenge but never joined. I’m proud that you have stuck with it and wish I could get myself motivated! Keep it up!
**monika´s last blog post..Hampstead NH Ice Storm Videos
Jay – Losing the Pepsi is the ticket. I had a six can a day habit two years ago, and it was only the diet variety. I replaced the Pepsi with water and eliminated potatoes (except for one chili cheese fry binge a month), and voila! I lost 15 pounds without breaking a sweat. And, on my frame, that’s a bunch. The key for me was not killing myself. I always allow myself a big, fat (pardon the pun) cheat night each week. And they will have to pry the chardonnay from my big, chubby fingers. Some things are just off limits.
I am proud of you. Hope I recognize you in NY.
**Kris Berg´s last blog post..Special Year-End Report: The Top 10 Reasons The Real Estate Market In ‘09 Will Be Better Than ‘08
I am so afraid to get on the scale after all the eating I have done since Thanksgiving.
I will start running when it gets warmer here in Colorado, but tomorrow I will go for a 4 mile walk.
That is awesome Jay!! It is very important to live a healthy lifestyle. It is hard sometimes, especially when you get caught up in work. I have put on ten pounds and this post has inspired me to get back on track and get control of my habits again. I think there will be more than one winner in your contest.
Christmas is a tough time to do things like this, good for you. Hope you can keep up with it, it’s sounds like a very healthy shift in lifestyle.
Sharon Hollas – Langley Real Estate
The average person gains 7 lbs from Thanksgiving thru New Years so you are way ahead Jay, keep up the good work.
**Missy Caulk´s last blog post..Top 10 Events Impacting Real Estate in 2008
My wife lost 20 pounds over the last couple of months and I am looking over her shoulder at the weight watchers point counter. Working out is one of the missing pieces. Thanks for the nudge in that department.
**Andy´s last blog post..Downtown Ann Arbor Hands On Museum offers Great Fun
Jay, I appreicate your doation to the American Cancer Society. I am a 61 year old Realtor from Oklahoma who just finished cancer treatment at MD Anderson in Houston. I was in top shape and it blind sided me. However when I went to MD Anderson, they gave me a diet that theri research shows helps against getting cancer and it is 70% vegatables, no smoked meats among other things. I want to send it to you. Keep up the good work and as a cancer survivor thank you and keep the donations coming. http://www.joepryor.com/blog
**Joe Pryor´s last blog post..An Oklahoma City Realtor looks back on 2008
That is an all around great way to have a competition. You are doing something great for yourself and also helping others. I think that is awesome and will have to remember it next time we do something at the office.
Like a couple of the other commentors mentioned, this time of year can be hard to loose weight, with many people gaining a little. Really, that makes your competition even better.
You’re doing really great and are an inspiration to those of us sitting on the sidelines, thinking about getting a workout regime going. I will have to look into one of those fitness places this week. Thanks for the reminder!
**Debra Drummond´s last blog post..Icy Danger Lurking Overhead
I want in on the next one of these.
Good for you! Congrats on the wonderful life change you are committing to. That is a problem many people face with working out-it isn’t just a temporary diet; to make it work, it must be a life change.
**Leon Belenky-One Bal Harbour´s last blog post..Terra Beachside Villas – A Break from Tradition
Congrats on taking the plunge. I took the plunge yet again. This time I have set a goal, am visualizing it, and posted daily reminder in outlook. So far so good, down 4lbs in 5 days, and been to the gym 4 of those days as well. Eating has changed some for me as well. Lots of whole grains, and Greek yogurt.
Jay, That is great you joined a gym. The cardio is the only thing that kept me in this over the holidays. And I hear you on the no stopping on Feb. 1 – this is the new way for me too.
**Steve Scheer´s last blog post..A Year of Denver Area Photos
I can’t put the fork down! HELP! lol
**Chris´s last blog post..Happy New Year 2009 – Bonita Springs, Florida
Awesome! I am proud of you for exercising. Remember to vision in your mind what your going to look like a few months down the road. This is the critical piece to visual the outcome. I started exercising 3 weeks ago and I visualize myself going to the store and purchasing a 2 piece bikini and looking GREAT in it! Keep up the Great Work.
**Cashflow Cindy´s last blog post..Real Estate Investing – Goal Setting Critical for Success 2009
**Cashflow Cindy´s last blog post..Real Estate Investing – Goal Setting Critical for Success 2009
Funny thread…I am wondering who won this contest as we’re way past 2/1/09. I hope you all are maintaining good form thru the Spring selling season. That actually tends to help take off a few pounds for me between running around and just plain new time to eat.