Biggest loser: Finish first by losing

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Lane T. Plummer
  • 86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany --  As people are looking for ways to start the New Year off healthy and fit, Ramstein's Southside Fitness Center is hosting its sixth annual 'Biggest Loser' event from Jan. 12 to April 5, 2016, to help people start the year off right.

The event provides an element of competition to motivate people to exercise more. Participants volunteer as either individuals or teams of two, and the individual or team who has the highest percentage of weight loss after the final weigh-in wins.

The competition begins with an initial weigh-in. From there, the race to become the biggest loser begins.

Competitors can take classes from the Aquatics Center, Health Promotion Center, Ramstein Outdoor Recreation Center and all Kaiserslautern Military Community fitness centers. Attending these courses awards competitor's points through a system that allows participants to compete for first place in more ways than just losing weight.

Yoga, swimming and several cardio exercise classes are some examples of the many classes available.

According to Alysha Brandy, Ramstein SSFC fitness program manager, what makes this event so much different than others is the competitive nature of it. She said this is one of a few aspects that makes the event so successful and rewarding.

"People definitely try harder when they sign up for the challenge versus just trying to stay on track with their New Year resolution alone," said Brandy. "The challenge offers small goals along the way with the bigger end goal."

Pallette Poynter, Ramstein SSFC class instructor, has been inspiring hundreds of her class participants for the 11 years she's been an instructor, and believes this new system will help people continue losing long past the final weigh-ins.

"From my experience, I've seen many people continue with their fitness goals with programs such as this," said Poynter. "Sometimes all it takes is that first time. When people see results, it's encouraging and helps them to continue long term."

If you want your chance at becoming the biggest loser, contact Brandy before Jan. 8, 2016, at the Ramstein SSFC at DSN 480-0295 or commercially at 06371-47-0295.