Winners in the “JSU Biggest Loser Weight Loss Challenge” were recently announced at an awards ceremony hosted by the JSU Welcome Center and Recreation Complex staff.
Amy Riggins, assistant director of fitness and wellness, and Cindy Crocker, personal trainer from the Rec Complex, conducted the final weigh-in for 15 of the 64 contestants who entered the contest on Jan. 26.
Prizes were awarded to the following: Ayanna Evans in Facilities Management, first place [23.6 pounds] and winner of a $300 travel voucher via Avanti Travel; Nicole Gholar-Harris in Title III, second place [11.4 pounds] and winner of gas cards totaling $125; Kelli Olive in the School of Lifelong Learning, third place [10.4 pounds] and winner of a JSU-themed gift basket from the JSU Bookstore; and Shirley Burnett in Undergraduate Studies and CyberLearning, honorable mention [8.4 pounds] and winner of a $50 gift card for dinner for two at The Penguin Restaurant.
Overall, a total of 91.8 pounds was lost among the 15 contestants who represented 23 percent of the total group that entered the competition in January.
Evans was thrilled to be the first-place winner. When asked how she lost the weight, she said, “I used the T25 video Monday-Friday for 25 minutes, drank eight glasses of water per day, reduced my sugars and carb intake and treated myself on the weekends. I love that the contest was spread over a few months, which helped me change my habits and will go on long after this is over.”
Olive was also happy to win a prize. “I really enjoyed the weight-loss challenge,” she said. “It truly helped me to kick off healthy living. Thanks for the tips. That encouraged me daily.”
According to Riggins from the JSU Rec Complex, “We celebrate with all the participants in the challenge and hope future programs can encourage many more to begin a personal journey toward healthy living.”
Contestants are committed to a healthy lifestyle and say they look forward to next year’s challenge.