Biggest Loser Contest

When we joined the biggest loser contest, we weren’t sure how it was going to go. Jim was going to be the only man in the contest out of 42 people. The first time to class was a bit uncomfortable, more the anxiety of how it was going to go. But, the instructors were so easy going about it, as were the the participants. It wasn't long into the first workout before everyone forgot there was a man in the room. It was just people, trying to get fit, lose weight, and feel better. Everyone was so supportive of each other and the staff at Xtreme was awesome. They would push us, but yet, encourage us to listen to our own bodies and gauge our workouts on ourselves, and whether we needed to push more or back off. The workouts were fun, and intense. These were not just a bunch of girls, stretching and dancing. This was a total body workout, pushing us beyond what we thought we were capable. Both of us. It is just as intense for men as for women. For me, Ann, it was awesome to be able to do this with my husband. We encouraged each other, pushed each other, meal planned together. It made it much easier for me to stick with it when I was able to do it with my husband. Plus, having a husband who likes to cook was a huge perk, as he prepared most of the meals, figuring out the calorie content for me. As for me, Jim, it was awesome to do this with my wife. She helped by encouraging me and helping me to feel more at ease in the classes with all women. (The rest of the women were great also.) She had done the classes before, so she could help me with moves, correct body position, etc. She knew how to calculate the calories burned and would handle that part. When I didn’t feel like going to work out, she would get me to go, and when she wasn't in the mood, I would get her to go. We both would feel so much better afterwards when we went. Although injuries, (non workout related) and illnesses plagued us for the last several weeks of the contest, we are both extremely happy we did this, TOGETHER, and plan on continuing with Kris and Xtreme as we forge on in our effort to get healthier. We would recommend to anyone who was thinking about doing it as a couple to go for it. You won’t regret it! • Ann & Jim Trihey

For one the biggest loser contest was to keep me going after the 8 week program. I really liked the lectures and the group workouts. I think I was running out of gas towards the end. I didn’t lose as much as I wanted so I was getting discouraged. Kris is the major reason I kept going. She is such a kind, caring and energetic person. I did not want to disappoint her. She is the main reason I kept going. Thank you Kris for proving to me that I could do it. • Denise Nerenhausen

The Biggest Loser Challenge has honestly changed my life! The last past 8 weeks I have not only lost 20.5 lbs (which is amazing in itself!) but I feel like I have grown a lot as a person. Before BLC I would have never dreamed of committing to something just for myself that was this time consuming. It has shown me that even with a busy life including a family & two jobs, I really can find time for me. Working out started out just burning calories, but ended up being something that I was proud of myself for each & every time I finished a class. It also gave me time to focus on how important me being more active is a vital part of living a healthy life. Learning how to eat healthier and make better choices, although still challenging many times, has become part of my daily routine as well.
I feel that all of the skills I have learned have also had a positive impact on my family & those around me. I am able to help them make better decisions & stay more active & believe that these will be things they can take with them throughout their lives too.
I have also enjoyed making many new friends! I feel like everyone in the competition was sort of like one big family and its been great to feed off each other with encouragement & advice. All of the instructors at Xtreme have been amazing to work with and I can’t thank them enough for being so patient & supportive!
Lastly, I would like to give a big shout out to Kris, our coach, mentor, sometimes torturer ;o) but most of all friend by our side throughout the whole process. Somehow she has the ability to bring out of each of us what no one else can and most definetly push you to reach down inside of yourself to do things you thought you never could and most likely never would have done on your own. Her forever positive attitude, heartwarming smile & ongoing encouragement is what truly made the BLC a success!
Thank-you so much for this AMAZING experience! • Jill Bigelow-Shea

To Kris and the Xtreme staff, Xtreme has helped me put fitness and taking care of myself back on the front burner. It is all too easy to push working out and eating correctly aside. I think many of us know what we should be doing, but without Xtreme it is difficult to do. I am thankful to Kris and all the staff at Xtreme for all that they provide in the way of classes, programs, support, and education. I like that we are on our fitness journeys together. I like knowing that once a person makes the decision to be healthier, Xtreme has the resources to reach that goal. Thanks to Kris and all the people involved with Xtreme for working so hard to help us all be healthier! Thanks for helping us rediscover the part of us that wants (and needs!) to be strong and healthy! I know in the future Kris will continue to provide programs and classes to keep us headed toward our fitness goals! Thank you Kris and everybody at Xtreme! • Lisa Carlsen

Last May I overheard a locker room conversation about how great this fitness place in Kasson was and how this woman had lost so much weight by going there. I asked her about it and she was so positive I would like it. So I asked another person I knew who lived in Kasson about Xtreme. She too had been there and loved it. Since it was a 25 minute drive from my home I decided to go twice a week and just see how I liked it. I have exercised all my life and have spent the last years, running, swimming and biking. I had not lost 1 pound or a single inch in over 5 years. After about 3 weeks at Xtreme I noticed my clothes were fitting better and I had lost about 3 pounds. Not to mention I felt great during and about the classes twice a week. I set a goal to lose 40 pounds by May 2011. I attend all the different classes 2-4 times a week. The more I came to class the better my clothes fit, the more weight I lost. As I saw how this was going to work I was inspired to eat better. The instructors and fellow Xtreme class mates began to know me and it felt great to be part of something so postive and effective! I have lost 24 pounds and several inches. I know I will make my goal and always be an Xtremie. Thanks Kris and your entire team. • Lori Brundige

Extreme is AMAZING! After years of trying to loss weight and get fit I have finally found a place where I love to go. Not only am I achieving my goals but I have meet so many wonderful ladies I now call my friends. Thank you Kris and the team at Extreme. • Melanie Mays

I knew I was making unhealthy decisions in my life and it was time to make a change, the Biggest Loser Competetion at Xtreme Fitness came along at just the right time. After my first meeting with Kris, in which she greeted me with such a warm welcome, I knew I had finally made a good, smart decision for myself. I have always been intimidated by group classes, I was so nervous I couldn’t keep up or I would be the slowest, weakest person in the class. I can honestly say I never had those thoughts once while working out at Xtreme. When you walk into a class, everyone is so welcoming, calling you by your name and make you feel like you belong in that room and you are part of their team. The instructors at Xtreme are awesome; they are always so positive and make you believe you can do anything if you put your mind to it, no matter what your fitness level may be. That is exactly what I needed, someone to give me the motivation to work harder and dig a little deeper, especially at 5am (thanks April!) I know I have more work to do, but I am excited to continue my journey with the Xtreme team! • Sara Walerak