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Paper, gym, city officials in fitness challenge |
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Sunday, 20 January 2008 |
’ the unlimited weight loss challenge participants gather for a group “before” photo at the start of the contest, which began this week with an official weigh-in on Tuesday at Fitness Unlimited.
The challenge is a partnership between Fitness Unlimited and the Courier. Those in competition include Courier employees, city and school officials and even one of Fitness Unlimited’s own.
“I’ve been athletic most of my life, but you can let it get away and look up and you weigh 272 pounds,” said Shane Pigue, whose family owns the fitness establishment. “What I hope everyone will realize when they watch this process is that it does not take a long time for a difference to happen. In these eight weeks, you will be seeing some people lose 20 pounds, and that can be a huge amount.”
Benton Mayor Rick Holland has personal and professional motives to take part in the challenge. While he said that he is looking forward to getting back into shape for his own well- being, he is hoping this will promote Benton as a healthier city.
“The publicity of this might bring to the forefront of many people’s minds the importance of good health and exercise,” Holland said. “This being a new year a lot of people make New Year’s resolutions to that effect. It is another way to promote a healthier living.”
But Holland also knows what the eight weeks of exercise can for his personal well-being.
“When I came into office, I bought five suits for this job,” he said. “I have noticed that they have gotten tighter and tighter. It has gotten to the point that I can no longer claim that my wife is shrinking my clothes. That excuse just doesn’t work anymore. So my goal is to fit in my clothes that I did five years ago.”
Along with Holland, Benton Aldermen Greg White and Brad Moore are participating, as is Scott Neathery, who is the athletic director of Benton Schools. The Courier has eight employees taking part including Richard Duke and Bruce Guthrie of the sports department, Classifieds Director Mary Bloomquist, Circulation Director Gerald Reed, reporter Matt Burks, graphic designer Jennifer Lloyd, Composing Director Patricia Stuckey and advertising representative Sara Elmore. Local physician Dr. John Gillespie and Sam Stueart, owner of Courier TV95, also are taking part, as well as Stuckey’s husband, Chuck.
All will have eight weeks of access to Fitness Unlimited, including time with a personal trainer. They also will be eligible to participate in group activities and exercise classes. The program began on Jan. 15 and will conclude March 11. Most of those involved are participating because of a lack of activity at work.
“Before I became mayor I was a very physically active person and in fairly good physical shape,” Holland said. “But the demands of this job require that I sit most of the time behind this desk doing paperwork, answering phone calls and things like that. I have noticed through the years that I have really gained weight and gotten out of shape. Shane suggested this, and I accepted it because it just seemed like a great opportunity to motivate me to get back into watching my health.”
Pigue agreed.
“There is not much more important than your health,” he said. “We are hoping that through the eight weeks, these people and myself can reach something that is very achievable.” |
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