ASHLAND —
A local fitness and wellness center is providing area residents the chance to be the “Biggest Loser.”
American Health Centers at 1301 Winchester Ave. is offering an eight-week program that follows a nutritional meal plan and provides three days a week of personal training to the participants who are chosen for the program.
Here’s the best part: It comes at no cost and is open to the public, including non-members of the fitness center.
Scott Landers, the CEO of the AHC, said it’s all part of the plan to get the Tri-State fit again. The “Biggest Loser” program is the same one AHC offers members for $349 (with groups of four). He said the fitness center will be “trying to find our Jared,” referring to the Subway spokesman who lost weight eating that product.
“We recognize our problem (in the Tri-State),” Landers said. “We’re one of the most unhealthy places in the United States. We’re trying to help in that transition to health and wellness.”
Jimmy Billheimer, who is the AHC fitness director, is a walking example of what the eight-week program can do. He shed 51 pounds and 12 inches from his waist by working through it.
Michael Strother, the personal trainer, said he’s had one customer who dropped 54 pounds and 42 total body inches.
“That’s the best I’ve had,” he said. “But this program works. It’s a proven way to get into shape.”
Strother said he’s not an “in-your-face kind of trainer, unless that’s what you want,” but will be pushing participants to their limits. He said the group typically supports each other as well.
However, it isn’t easy and the competitors better be committed, Billheimer said.
“Commitment is the most important thing we’re looking for (from candidates),” he said. “We want people who are committed to doing this for eight weeks.”
You can be young or old, male or female, he said. Four will be selected for the group with two alternates. There are no fees for the candidates, who are also given a club membership while they are involved with the program. They will have to allow their image to be used in promotional advertising, Landers said. “That might be the only catch,” he said.
However, the winner of the “Biggest Loser” competition will receive a lifetime AHC membership.
“We want people to get healthy, get motivated, and what's better encouragement than knowing if you follow our program, then you will be guaranteed results?” said Billheimer.
The AHC offers a money-back guarantee on its eight-week group program.
Interviews for “Biggest Loser” candidates take place on Thursday from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the AHC center on Winchester Avenue. Anyone can stop by between now and then to register.
The interviews will consist of weigh-ins, height measurement and blood pressure checks.
The Ashland location will be the first of the five, 24-hour locations to begin their “Biggest Loser” campaign. The size of the campaign group will depend on how many show for the interview process.
MARK MAYNARD can be reached at mmaynard@dailyindependent.com or (606) 326-2648.
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