16th Services kicks off weight-loss competition Published June 12, 2006 By Staff Sgt. Kelly Ogden 16th SOW Public Affairs HURLBURT FIELD, Fla -- Registration has began June 1 for 16th Services squadron “Weight Warrior’s” competition, a plan designed to attract active-duty servicemembers who have a few extra pounds to lose into a health-based weight loss competition. First place is $150, second place is $100 and third place is $50. “We had requests to start an event to motivate, promote fitness and facilitate a lifestyle change,” said Staff Sgt. Sarah Lloyd, 16th SVS fitness specialist and program coordinator. Sergeant Lloyd knows a thing or two about losing weight. She recently lost more than 100 pounds after gaining weight during a pregnancy. “My significant weight loss was all due to self-motivation through diet and exercise.” Now she plans to share that motivation with fellow airmen. Participants will engage in standardized physical training consisting of body composition measurements, one-minute timed crunches, one-minute timed push-ups and a 1.5 mile run. Sergeant Lloyd worked with an exercise physiologist and dietician to develop the program. She will document participants’ progress by conducting assessments every Friday measuring blood pressure, weight and pounds lost. Three full-body assessments are scheduled for June 10, Aug. 28 and Oct. 16. The Health and Wellness Center will be providing a series of classes to program participants throughout the 15-week program. Brent Cowen, the HAWC’s exercise physiologist, will be providing an initial circuit training clinic and a shoe clinic. Sandra Demezzo, the HAWC’s dietician, will be give a cooking demonstration, which includes “how to’s” on reading food labels and making permanent changes in eating habits. The Nautilus Fit Adviser, a computer-based program used by the Riptide and Commando fitness centers, will be used as the participants “personal trainer” in this self-motivated program. Participants can work their routines around their own schedule and they do not become dependent upon other people to exercise. However, the road to success depends solely on each individuals desire to make a change. “I hope that at the end of the program people will have developed the self-confidence to become role models and they are able to take charge of their own health,” said Sergeant Lloyd. "This program is a great way to get a jump start on your weight loss goal,” said Lt. Col. Lisa Hansen, 16th Services commander. “You'll have the support staff and the motivation for you to reach your goals, in a fun and competitive way." Registration runs through June 23 and is limited to 20 people. The cost is $25 per person and includes a T-shirt. The competition ends on Oct. 16. For more information contact Staff Sgt. Lloyd at 884-4412 or 884-6884.