John Schuh wins fitness challenge

“Sixty pounds and still counting, I want to keep going,” said Schuh, who has lost an additional seven pounds since the program officially ended.

Michele Jacobson took second place, losing 32 pounds and 12.5% of her body weight.

Other contestants, losing from 9 to 22 pounds, were Tabitha Avery, Rochelle Frank, Bobbie Hall and Margaret Rainer.

During the program, the  contestants learned about healthy eating and proper ways to exercise, and many plan to continue to utilize what they learned.

The YMCA offered program participants a discounted membership in its Fit For Life exercise class which is open to the public on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 5:30 p.m.

Those participating in the program had three weekly obligations, a nutrition class and two exercise sessions.

The nutrition class was held each Wednesday, and exercise classes were held on Tuesdays and Thursdays with lead trainer Kevin Schweer and certified trainers Matt Huebner and Julia John, who was also the program director and Fit For Life coordinator.

“The group was great to work with,” said Schweer. “Everyone worked hard and showed that, even those with any kind of disability, things can be overcome with exercise.”

Most of the participants worked out every day, either at the gym or at home. Some would begin workouts prior to their scheduled exercise time.

Schuh estimates that he worked off 1,000 calories in his sessions during the last week.

“They’ve come a long way, but I want to emphasize how far they all came mentally,” said John. “My speech at the final banquet was about jumping hurdles, mentally getting over life’s challenges, and they have done all that.”

“First, by entering the competition; secondly, by pushing themselves through those workouts; and thirdly, by completing the competition successfully,” John continued. “The only thing they have left to do is to do this for life.”