Fitness First fights obesity with the lose big programme

CEBU, Philippines - You have witnessed how the hit reality TV show, The Biggest Loser Asia improved the lives of its contestants through weight loss. Fitness First, the anchor sponsor of The Biggest Loser Asia, brought the same promise of life-changing weight loss success to the Philippines with the launch of its very own Lose Big Programme last March. This 13-week structured weight-loss program is specially designed by Dave Nuku, Blue Team Trainer for The Biggest Loser Asia and Fitness First's Regional Fitness Manager.

With the success of the pilot program boasting of significant weight loss from its participants, Fitness First again offered the Lose Big Programme Season 2 in all of its 18 clubs nationwide last September 20.

The Lose Big Programme takes on two teams of eight for a total of 16 participants with a qualified trainer leading each group. The intensive program allows participants to achieve their weight loss objectives together with people who have similar needs and motivations. In order for participants to join the program, they must have a minimum BMI of 25 and above or a body fat of 3 percent.

"The program is designed to cater to a certain weight class and the lifestyle they are accustomed to. In creating this program, several factors have to be considered to achieve the desired weight loss per participant such as programs appropriate to how their body responds to physical exercise and nutritional diets." said Dave Nuku.

Rolled out in four phases, the Lose Big Programme tests one's courage, determination, maintenance of momentum, and finally, total control of one's body. Each phase accomplished is a feat that propels participants to go further and push themselves beyond their limitations. At the end of the 13-week program, participants would have significantly lost the unwanted weight and use the knowledge that they have acquired to be able to keep and manage their improved bodies.

"Fitness First has always promised real results for its members through our specialized programs and fitness regimens. As a testament of this, we are proud of the fact that the people who have joined our Lose Big Programme have achieved their fitness goals. Their stories serve as an inspiration to others to live a healthy lifestyle, in line with our mission to make the world a fitter place," said Mark Ellis, Country Manager, Fitness First Philippines.

Lose big, win more in life

Jana Santiago, a participant of the first Lose Big Programme, shared that she was able to lose 38 lbs. in 13 weeks through the program with the motivation of her Blue Team group mates and Trainer Joey Lemoren, "I've always been on the heavy side. I've tried to lose weight but was never successful until I discovered The Lose Big Programme. The program kick-started my lifestyle change with the group format. My group mates played a vital role in my success since they made the program fun and my Personal Trainer made sure I was right on track with my weight loss goal. Since I signed up for Lose Big, I have been able to join 5km runs and was able to finish my best run in 57 minutes!"

Another successful participant from the Lose Big Programme is Laizza Pinagayao who lost 24 lbs. in 13 weeks with the communal support of her Red Team group mates and help of Trainer Zara Dela Virgo. "The program surpassed everything that I have expected. Not only did I lose weight, I gained a new life experience. It also changed my whole outlook in life, I learned to value myself in more ways that I can imagine and I've made new friends along the way" said Pinagayao. (THE FREEMAN)