Local gym holds "Fittest Loser" contest to help people lose weight

Stayin Fit and Lovin’ It in Boulder is just one of the gyms across the state finding similar ways to attract people to compete to lose weight. Stayin Fit and Lovin’ it has a 12-week program called “The Fittest Loser.” The program includes meal plans, daily workouts with a trainer and weekly weigh-ins.

The contest is open to all levels of fitness, but is best for those wanting to lose 50 or more pounds. Linda Potter, a trainer at Stayin Fit said, “Incorporating competition into weight loss actually just gives more accountability, a little bit more challenge. By nature, we all love to compete and have that little extra incentive. Also it created some great teamwork.”

For some people, living in Boulder may be an incentive to lose weight. The city has been ranked one of the fittest in America according to Health Magazine. Just last year, the magazine placed Boulder, as the second healthiest city in the country.

For others, the journey is a little different. Kathryn Bohler, a Fittest Loser participant said, “I’m doing this to leave a legacy. You can either leave a good legacy or a bad legacy, and I want to leave a good legacy for my kids on nutrition, and staying fit.”

America has the highest obesity rate in the world, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. With reality shows focusing in on this problem, reality shows, like The Biggest Loser have become extremely popular.

Obesity in our country costs an extra $8,365, a person each year for EMERGENCY room bills, sick days. So in these tough economic times, it would be a good idea to stay in shape.