Registration Underway for Lose to Win Challenge at Riverchase of Fenton

is seeking teams and individuals to compete in its version of the popular television reality show “The Biggest Loser.”

The 7th annual Lose to Win Challenge is an eight-week fitness program in which contestants compete against each other to lose the highest percentage of body weight. The registration deadline for the team challenge, which is for two members of the same household is Feb. 1. The contest begins Feb. 7. Participants competing in the individual challenge, which begins Feb. 14, must register by Feb. 7.

Contestants have full use of the recreation center for the duration of the contest and receive a discounted rate on personal training. Unlike “The Biggest Loser” where contestants are put through grueling workout routines, it is up to each individual to decide how often he/she works out and what types of exercise to participate in.

“Most people who win are up here almost everyday,” said Andy Reichert, a recreation supervisor at Riverchase. “You pretty much have to work out five to six days a week with both weight training and cardio and watch what you eat.”

Reichert said this year’s challenge would be the first in which winners will be chosen based on losing the highest percentage of body weight. He said that in the past, those losing the highest percentage of body fat won.

“We changed the rules this year because it’s harder for women to lose weight and body fat than men,” he said. “Women have slower metabolisms and their monthly cycles cause weight fluctuations.”

Reichert said to determine the percentage of weight lost, one would divide the total amount of weight lost by the participant’s beginning weight. For example, if a contestant lost 10 pounds and weighed 160 pounds at the beginning of the challenge, the weight loss would be 6.25 percent. 

Contestants are weighed and measured the first and last Mondays of the challenge to determine the final results. Participants also are weighed each week to track progress and their last names and percentages of weight lost are posted at the recreation center. In the event of a tie, the team/individual who loses the highest percentage of body fat would win.

Participants do not have to reside in Fenton to compete. The cost of the team challenge is $120, and the winner will receive a one-year household membership valued up to $555. Individuals may register for the contest for $60 and are eligible to win an individual membership valued up to $334. Current members of Riverchase who compete in the contest can win a 14-month membership.

For more information call 636-343-0067 or visit Riverchase's website.