Getting motivated to lose the weight

Nicole Therrien
and Pat Stoyka
Contributors

People from Rainy River and Bergland met again for their third week of the Biggest Loser Contest last Tuesday & Wednesday. There again the rooms were full of activity as everyone waited to be weighed and to find out who the Biggest Loser would be.

In Rainy River this week we had the opportunity to listen to Hal Wilhite discuss motivation. In Hal’s presentation “Unlocking Personal Motivation” he identified the need to remember that knowledge or fear is not enough to stay motivated. Twenty-five to fifty percent of those starting an exercise program drop out due to the lack of motivation. Often people lose their motivation to events surrounding their lives such as chronic illness, negative self talk, addictions, unhealthy relationships or impatience. Hal identified strategies to improve motivation. He encouraged people to take the time to weigh the pros and cons, set clear realistic goals, schedule time for yourself, monitor your progress and keep your program interesting and enjoyable. He also discussed the need to reward yourself, not overreact to setbacks, regularly review and modify actions and in the end use what works for you. He also discussed a ‘coping map instruction’ which allowed you to learn about your past experiences and feelings as well as to understand and accept that you have done the best you could at the time. There is no shame in getting assistance at any time.
There were 41 registered participants in Rainy River who came to weigh in with a total weight loss of 75.5 lbs. Some gained a total of 9 lbs., giving us a net loss of 64.5 lbs. We also registered three new members bringing the Rainy River total to 57 members.
In Bergland 18 registered participants showed up for a total loss of 46.2 lbs. There was a gain of 4 lbs giving us a net loss of 42.2 lbs.
People registered in this program are reminded to take advantage of all the programs offered in the area: the Rainy River Hospital exercise room, the Baudette High School gym and swimming pool as well as the gym at the hospital in Baudette. We also would like to begin a walking group which will start at the Seniors’ Depot in Rainy River and walk around the town as long as weather permits. Nicole needs volunteers to identify themselves as leaders for this event. We also have copies of the pool schedule at the Baudette High School so be sure to obtain one next time you see us.
The Biggest Loser in Rainy River was tied among three participants. Sandra Campbell, Kimberly Halverson and Rhonda McComb all had a 6 lb. loss this week. They all received a fruit basket. Great job to you ladies! In Bergland the Biggest Loser of the week was Pat Stoyka with a loss of 5.4 lbs. She received a fruit basket.
In Rainy River the door prize was won by Sheila McIntosh. She chose a gift provided by CIBC (Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce) and the Bergland winner was Colleen Fadden who chose a gift certificate from Wal-Mart. Thanks again to CIBC and Wal-Mart for their generous contributions in helping to make this event a fun and gratifying experience.
We eagerly look forward to seeing what we will achieve both individually and collectively by the time we complete this 12 week program.
For those who are thinking of joining, from both sides of the Border, please do so. We will accept new memberships at any time during this program. Come and learn how to get a balance in your eating and exercise habits to improve your health.