More than 70 take on Schell Brothers’ Biggest Loser challenge

On Feb. 20, the annual Schell Brothers Biggest Loser contest began, and participants started eating healthier and working out with the goal of getting in better shape and losing weight. This contest started a decade ago and has grown dramatically. The first year I did it with the company, we had about eight participants. This year, we have more than 70, and 28 have elected to get guidance by completing my 12-week body transformation. 

The overall contest is based on two categories, and employees have the option of entering one or both, as long as they follow the rules and comply with the guidelines. The first category is the before-and-after division, and to enter, employees must be willing to take a picture at the beginning and end of the contest to document their results achieved during the contest. Judges will then determine three winners based on the most dramatic transformations. Prizes will be awarded in the sum of $3,500 for first place, $2,500 for second and $1,500 for third place.

In the second category, the winners are determined by overall body fat lost. This category requires participants to test in the Bod Pod at the beginning and end of the contest. The two people who lose the most overall body fat will be the winners. In order to take home the prize money, they must prove that they have maintained their results by Bod Pod testing monthly following the competition and staying within 2 percent of their final lowest body fat. This category is my favorite because there is always a chance to win. If the winner slips and does not test within the 2 percent allowance, the next person in line will get a chance to test and take the prize money. This recently happened when last year’s winners could not maintain their body fat loss, and a contestant from the middle of the pack won the prize money. This serves as motivation to maintain results and stay in shape all year long. Prizes for this division are $500 per month for first place and $250 for second. And it could last up to a year if the winner can stay within the guidelines.

This year’s contest will end May 26, the start of Memorial Day weekend, and contestants who work hard and achieve great results will roll into the summer looking and feeling great. There are many other hidden positive results that I have seen over the years. Many employees with medical conditions, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol and even diabetes, have seen their conditions dramatically improve or disappear altogether. The camaraderie is also an amazing thing to see. Most people can’t wait to leave work when the day is over, but many of the employees at Schell Brothers choose to go downstairs and work out together, and I think that’s something special. Stay tuned for this year’s results. I will be reporting on the progress of the contestants over the next three months. It’s sure to be a great motivator for anyone trying to get in shape and improve their health.