Are you 'The Biggest Loser?'

RAF MILDENHALL, England -- Capt. Tyler Berge, 100th Operations Support Squadron Wing Scheduling chief of current operations, warms up before a High Intensity Interval training class here Jan. 13, 2011. Captain Berge is participating in the Biggest Loser competition. His goals are to lose 25 pounds and to make better than a 95 percent pass rate on his next physical training test. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Tabitha M. Lee)

Are you 'The Biggest Loser?'

RAF MILDENHALL, England -- Tech. Sergeant Penny Humphrey, 100th Force Support Squadron manpower and organization NCO in charge, warms up before a High Intensity Interval training class here Jan. 13, 2011. Sergeant Humphrey is participating in the Biggest Loser competition. Her goals are to lose at least 30 pounds and to become fitter. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Tabitha M. Lee)

Are you 'The Biggest Loser?'

Published Jan. 13, 2011
By Senior Airman Tabitha M. Lee
100th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

RAF MILDENHALL, England -- Sometimes to win, you have to lose.

"The Biggest Loser competition is designed to open the RAF Mildenhall community's eyes and minds to a healthier living style," said Staff Sgt. Zachary Rule, 100th Force Support Squadron, fitness specialist.

"The fitness centers have fitness classes and certified personal trainers on staff. Also, the Health and Wellness Center offers classes on nutrition and overall health."

To sign up, individuals should go by the North Side Fitness Center for an initial weigh-in. During the process, participants will have their height, weight, abdominal circumference, body mass index and bioelectrical impedance analysis taken. A health questionnaire form must be completed, stating they are physically able to compete in the competition.

"We record the information and save it for the mid and final weigh-ins," said Sergeant Rule.

Between weigh-ins, participants can attend various exercise classes, or exercise at home to achieve their goals. The program is self-motivated, so the individuals are responsible for creating and executing an exercise routine and diet plan on their own.

"The program runs for three months with the final weigh-ins April 4 and 5," said Sergeant Rule.

After that, the "Biggest Loser" will be determined by calculating body fat mass and abdominal circumference to determine overall weight loss. In the event of a tie, the total weight in pounds will be factored in.

Prizes will be awarded to the first, second, and third place winners in both male and female categorizes.

"First-place winners will receive a digital heart rate monitor," said Sergeant Rule. "Second and third place will get t-shirts and prize bags."

This competition is open to ID card holders 16 years of age and older, and the dead line to sign-up is Jan. 14.

For more information, contact the North Side Fitness Center at 238-2349.