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Universal's "Be A Loser" Program

 
BOB CHECCHIA
 
Bob Checchia had considered himself active, but years of poor eating habits and inconsistent exercise resulted in a "bulging waistline". He could no longer repeatedly run the length of a basketball court after years of actively coaching the sport.

"I was a fan of 'The Biggest Loser' TV show and thought the transformations were inspiring," Checchia said. "But it wasn't until my sister told me about the 'Be a Loser' program at Universal Athletic Club that something clicked. I knew I was ready to do it."

Through Universal’s "Be a Loser" program, a nutritionist taught Checchia an eating plan, how to manage calories, carbohydrates and portions. In addition to working with a personal trainer one day a week, he spent about 90 minutes a day performing a cardiovascular workout on a treadmill, elliptical and stationary bike. The pounds slowly started to melt away.

"The key thing for me was to write everything down that I ate," Checchia said. "I also kept to one helping. So instead of sitting at the table picking, I'd get up and wash the dishes."

After the 10-week 'Be a Loser' ended, Checchia became a member of Universal and increased his workouts. Two years later, Checchia has lost a total of 73 pounds. He still performs daily cardiovascular workouts and supplements them with weight training sessions twice a week.

Although Checchia admits he still loves to eat, managing portions, calories and daily visits to Universal has become a way of life. "Now I just eat smarter. I still enjoy the pasta and bread but I pick and choose when to eat them." Checchia said.
 
For more information on Universal's "Be a Loser" program, click here.
 
 
Be a Loser program sponsored by:
 
 

 Face2Face Improving Lives!

 
 
JACK FOSTER
 
Jack Foster lost 24 pounds and six inches off his waist He lowered his cholesterol and no longer requires medication for high blood pressure.

All it took for the 58 year-old to be able to wear the size clothes he did in the 1980s was enrolling in Face2Face.

Universal Fitness Coach Alica Stansbury gave Jack an eating and exercise plan, then kept him motivated and inspired throughout the five-week program.

"If you would've said to me in June that I would be 25 pounds lighter, off blood pressure medicine and wearing pants sizes I'd hadn't fit into for 25 years, I would've said you were crazy," Jack said. "Now exercise is a regular part of my life."

Foster exercises at Universal five days a weeks. He lifts weights, uses the cardio machines and participates in group fitness classes. Jack also consults regularly with nutritionist Jenn Reed.

"I eat more fruit and salad and drink lots of water," Foster said. "Universal has helped me create a quality of life that I didn't know was attainable at my age."
 

LORI HAGGERTY
 
Lori Haggerty struggled with high cholesterol, triglycerides and blood sugar levels. She wanted to lose weight, increase strength and have more energy to keep up with her five-year-old child.

Lori enrolled in Face2Face in October and has lost about 30 pounds, including nine pounds in the first five weeks.

Trainer Alica Stansbury and nutritionist Jenn Reed created an exercise and fitness plan for Haggerty.

"I was ready to listen and make changes," Lori said. "I haven't felt so confident in a very long time. I can't thank the people at Universal enough."

Lori spends about two hours a day at Universal. She takes her child in to Universal's Kidz Club and participates in group fitness classes, weight training sessions and cardio workouts.

"Because Universal has a child care facility, there is never an excuse for me not to go and workout," Lori said. "They make it easy for you to workout."
 
    
BILL RUNNER 

It was Father's Day 2007 when Bill Runner realized he needed to change his lifestyle. He was playing with his two young daughters but didn't have the energy levels to keep up for long.

Bill had gained a lot of weight and could no longer wear most of the clothes in closest. He also had high cholesterol.

"I basically hadn't exercised since high school," Runner said. "I wanted to be around to share many more years of Father's Day with my daughters, so some major changes needed to take place."

Bill enrolled in Face2Face in June. He set a series of goals followed the plan created by a trainer and nutritionist, while exercising six days a week at Universal.

"I kept a journal of my exercise regime and it helped me track my progress," Bill said. Runner lost 58 pounds in the first four months and weighs about 180 pounds. He dropped six inches off his waist and can again wear the pants and shirts that fit before the years of poor diet and little exercise added up.