Most people make a New Year Resolution to lose weight. For the month of January, 26 Lipscomb students and faculty members have been a part of a group participating in Lipscomb’s version of the hit television show “The Biggest Loser.”
The ‘Biggest Loser’ participants have gone to the Student Activity Center not only to lose weight and learn how to diet, but also to discover the real meaning of getting healthy.
Matthew Abplanalp, the assistant director for the SAC, and Nicholas Mortensen, the head trainer/wellness grad assistant, talked about how this program works.
“There are a total of three teams, one being a faculty/staff team, and the other two teams made up of students. We split the teams up based on who they requested to be with,” Abplanalp said.
The schedule is very simple with Monday and Wednesday as the boot camp style, Tuesday as the challenge day, Thursday as group’s chapel day and Friday as the fun night. Mortenson is charge of the boot camp days, and Abplanalp is doing the fun Fridays.
Mark McGee is the Media Relations Director for athletics and a teacher at Lipscomb. As a participant in “The Biggest Loser”, he jokingly said, “I’m still waiting on those so called “fun” days. It’s funny how I will be walking into my office, and people notice that I’m limping a little because I’m so sore.”
He then continued to tell about some of the activities they participate in.
“One of Tuesday challenge days was to run, jog, or walk starting from the SAC desk to Trader Joes (which is in Green Hills) and back.”
Mortensen spoke about the level of mental toughness that accompanies the activities.
“Your mind wants to give up before your body does. You can always go further. If you just give your best effort at everything, you will achieve your goals,” Mortensen said.
It’s Mortensen job to push the participants, and McGee says that has helped a lot.
“It’s physically tougher than I thought it would be,” McGee said, “When someone is pushing you, you do so much more than you would make yourself do on your own.”
Abplanalp explained how it’s not just about physical exercises.
“This program is also about your diet, knowing the calories, and getting healthy tips on Facebook,” he said. “Our job is to set everyone up for success after this month is over.”
Thursday’s chapel is a way to check in and to get a spiritual outlook.
“One of the most important things that Emily Harris has taught us is how your body is a temple,” McGee said, “God gave you it, and you should be aware of how to take care of it. Whether it’s dieting or exercising, we should be making our bodies the best that they can be so we can serve God and others better.”
McGee said he was pleased with the experience.
“I feel great. I’m very happy I did this,” McGee said, “I know one month won’t do much, but this has given me a jump start to do it on my own.”