First goal met, second one established

  • Published
  • By Valerie Mullett
  • 341st Space Wing Public Affairs Office
(Editor's Note: This is part two in a three-part series on the Largest Loser program at Malmstrom. Part three will recap the entire third season.)

Jerry Kain signed up to participate in the Largest Loser program for personal reasons as well as for the challenge and with only two weeks left in the competition, he is a front-runner for taking home the grand prize. To date, he has lost 27 pounds, three-and-a-half inches off his waist measurement, three percent of his body fat and he has received his first rebate check from the insurance company - his number two reason for joining the program. 

"Mentally and physically I feel great," Mr. Kain said. "I am very happy because I was able to achieve my goal and it happened two weeks ago." 

Even though he met his personal goal early, he is still going strong with the program and has even set a new goal to loose eight more pounds for a total loss of 35 pounds. 

"Now, it's a numbers game," he said. "I hope to be able to achieve this prior to the end of the competition, but I don't plan to stop what I have started when the Largest Loser contest is over." 

Those sentiments are what the staff at the Health and Wellness Center, who sponsor the program, love to hear. 

"In the end, the ultimate prize is their health and when we are able to help participants achieve that, we have done our jobs and done them well," said Kirk Clark, exercise physiologist at the HAWC. "Our goal is to equip them with the tools they need to succeed." 

Thirteen months after he enrolled in the program, season two winner Pete Woelkers is still applying the HAWC's tools for success to his wellness program and ultimate goal to shed 110 pounds. 

"I've lost 86 pounds so far and I continue in my effort," Mr. Woelkers said. "I hit a plateau for a bit but am now losing again. I continue to get in better condition and am looking forward to taking advantage of the summer outdoor activities." 

Both Mr. Kain and Mr. Woelkers have become avid fans of the 6 a.m. spinning classes.
"I really enjoy the workout early in the morning and the comraderie of the participants dedicated to being there," Mr. Kain said. 

"I see him at the [6 a.m.] classes a lot and he works very hard. He is clearly focused and energized and has the right attitude to carry him through [to the end of the Largest Loser program]," Mr. Woelkers said. "His dedication and persistence is inspiring." 

Besides participating in spinning, Mr. Kain also plays racquetball several times a week as part of his regular exercise routine. 

"Two areas where he has been extremely successful are maintaining a regimented exercise routine and becoming disciplined with his dietary intake," Mr. Clark said. "He's smart about portion sizes and the calorie content of the foods he eats." 

Mr. Kain admits his food choices weren't always the best and says that his most significant change is the absence of sugar in his diet now. 

"I have not eaten any sweets since the start of the program [Jan. 14] and I know now that I have to eat them in moderation in the future," he said. 

Just as Mr. Woelkers continues in his quest to attain his ultimate weight loss goal, Mr. Kain plans to continue his newly developed habits as well. 

"I look at things more realistically now. My weight loss is smaller, but I am eating smarter and I have presence of mind to be more conscious of my choices," Mr. Kain said. 

The final assessments take place March 31 to April 2 with the announcement of the winner and closing ceremony planned April 4.