Another season of success

  • Published
  • By Valerie Mullett
  • 341st Space Wing Public Affairs Office
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. --  (Editor's Note: This is the third part of a three-part series on Malmstrom's Largest Loser program.)

Seventy-five eager participants signed up for the program in January. They received their initial assessments, set their goals and started the Largest Loser program. Through the course of 11 weeks, 23 successful Team Malmstrom members finished the program slimmer, stronger and healthier. 

In all, they lost a total of 231.20 pounds, 46 inches from their waists and had a combined 76.5 percent body fat reduction. 

"These are good numbers," said Kelley Suggs, health education and program director at the Health and Wellness Center. "They are comparable to the other season's final numbers and, while I would have liked to see everyone who started the program complete it, I am pleased with the end results." 

Jerry Kain, who has been featured in the first two parts of this series, ended up losing the most total weight, 31.50 pounds, and taking home the recumbent bicycle, which, he said, "provides a good work out at home on the weekends." 

Mr. Kain said he was initially inspired by his son, Kelly, to join the program. 

"My son has been a college football player and bulked up for his sport," Mr. Kain said. "Since football has been over, he decided to shed that extra weight and I was inspired by him. In fact, the whole family was." 

Even though Mr. Kain was the only one registered in the Largest Loser program, his family supported him and in doing so, the four of them lost more than 100 pounds combined. Son Kelly lost 45 pounds, daughter Katie lost 18 pounds and wife Patty lost 12 pounds. 

The other two prize winners this season also made it a family affair. 

Pam Barnes won the yoga package for losing the greatest percentage of body fat, 7.6 percent, and her husband, Roger, won the personal training package for losing the most abdominal circumference, five inches. 

"I was surprised to get Roger to come along, thinking he might be intimidated," said Mrs. Barnes. "But it didn't bother him to be the only guy in our step [aerobics] class. It was good to be on the same page with our food plan and exercise and working towards a common goal." 

Seeing the results together is what kept Mr. Barnes inspired. 

"It made it a lot easier to stick with the program when we could see each of us was losing weight and toning up," he said. "All of the support from the team at the HAWC and the group of people at the Fitness Center made the whole experience a lot of fun." 

Where do they go from here? 

Mr. Kain said he plans to continue playing racquetball four times a week, which he does for the fun of it and the camaraderie it lends. 

He also plans to continue attending spinning classes three to four times a week.
"I really do enjoy it," he said. "It is a hard work out and is very challenging." 

The Barnes' have similar plans for the future. 

"We plan to continue on our eating plan and continue to do step classes three times a week," Mrs. Barnes said. "We will add in some running, walking and biking. Our goal is to stay active." 

For the others in the program who may not have attained their goals by the end of the season, Ms. Suggs has some final words of advice for them. 

"Revisit the materials that resonate with you," she said. "Stick with what has been working and gradually add the other materials back in." 

All along, the underlying message to the participants was to achieve healthier habits. 

"Even though we only have three prizes to give away today, I just want you to know you are all winners with me," said Maj. Rosalyn Walker, 341st Services Squadron commander at the April 4 awards ceremony for the Largest Loser. "I commend you for your achievements - your ultimate prize will be your health." 

The Health and Wellness Center staff, along with the Fitness Center staff, plan to offer the Largest Loser program again in the January 2009 timeframe.