NORWICH – Last night, in the trainer’s room off the main floor at AIM Fitness, a group of blue-shirted men and women clustered around two similarly clad men – one standing on a scale and the other manipulating the scale’s sliding weight.
“That’s another five pounds,” announced AIM Fitness owner Eric Montalvo, prompting a chorus of congratulations from those in the room.
As evidenced by their attire, they were all members of the Blue Team – also known as Blue Attitude or The Dream Team – one of three teams competing in AIM Fitness’ inaugural Biggest Loser competition.
According to Montalvo, the three-month weight loss competition combines fitness and nutrition so that not only do participants see results, but also learn how to be healthy and to work out efficiently and effectively.
“This is a big commitment,” Montalvo said, as each participant must take part in 60 workouts – 5 per week – throughout the course of the program. Two of those weekly workouts are with their trainer and team, the other three are chosen from 25 weekly group fitness classes.
There is also a financial commitment of $199 over and above their gym membership to participate.
Attendance counts, as teams are penalized if individual team members miss workouts.
This hasn’t been a problem, according to the gym owner.
“If anything, attendance has surprised me,” he said, adding that he has also been impressed by the efforts put in by members of all three teams.
Those efforts have translated into results, according to Montalvo. As of the second weigh-in, four weeks into the program, the 31 participants had lost a collective 269 1/4 pounds and 150 inches. This week marks another weigh-in, and he is anxious to see how those numbers have continued to climb.
While Montalvo is invested in the success of each of the program’s participants, one look at his wardrobe makes it clear where his allegiance lies. And rightfully so, as he serves as the Blue Team’s trainer.
Each member of the team has his or her own nickname. Montalvo, for example, is known as “The Ambassador of Pain.” The man on the scale is “Slim Jim” Baker, whose personal success in the program so far earned him the spot of individual winner at the first weigh in.
“He’s already transformed,” said Montalvo.
Baker, who weighed in at 220 pounds six weeks ago, said there were several factors which led him to sign on to the Biggest Loser program.
“I knew that I was heading in the wrong direction with respect to my diet, weight, fitness and health,” he explained. “I’ve been avoiding a much needed intervention for several years now.”
He first learned of the program, he said, through a co-worker who had recently joined AIM.
“The team setting, group training, camaraderie, structure, and a little competition are what sold me on the program,” he reported.
Baker set a goal for himself at the beginning: to lose 30 pounds over the course of the 12-week program. Now, just past the program’s half way mark, he’s almost there – according to last night’s weigh-in, he has already lost 28 pounds.
“I’m still focused on the original goal,” he said. “When I hit it, I’ll set another.”
While Baker measures his success in weight loss, he said he is already seeing other results of his new diet and exercise regime as well.
“I’m down to the last notch on my belt and back into some of my old jeans. I feel stronger and have more stamina,” he reported. “Every week I slip a little more weight on the barbell. I can shovel more snow, faster. And, I can’t wait until the next time I see my doctor.”
How has he gotten so far in such a short period of time?
“Frankly, I owe it all, 100 percent, to the team, Eric Montalvo, and the other trainers at AIM,” he said. “I’m not saying I couldn’t have done it without them, but I can say, I wouldn’t have done it without them.”
It’s that interaction and camaraderie, he said, that has made all of the difference so far, and continues to motivate him to go to the gym every day.
The self-proclaimed “computer nerd” has also diligently tracked his diet, weight and calories burned throughout the process.
“[C]harts, graphs, the whole nine yards,” he said, explaining that he has read that people who track their progress lose more weight than those who don’t.
While Baker and the program’s other participants have a head start on their New Year’s resolutions, he has a few words of advice for others who looking to lose weight or get in shape in the new year.
“Don’t do it alone,” he recommended. “Find a friend committed to the same goal and come to the gym. Get help from a trainer. ... Set some goals for yourself, and tell people what your goals are. Then rely on your friend and the trainer to help keep you on track.”
The Biggest Loser is a great way to reach those goals, he said.
According to Montalvo, a second round of the competition will be starting up in February. Those interested in learning more about the program, and AIM Fitness’ other offerings, can do so by attending an open house from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. this Saturday at the gym.
A complete schedule of events is available at www.aimfitness.biz or by calling 336-9011.