Sayville Fitness: The Contest Continues

For 16 weeks this past fall, Sayville Fitness held its . More than 100 members signed up to undertake an exercise and nutrition program, which was definitely a challenge. A few weeks ago, the gym started another contest — the Winter Weight Loss Contest — which runs through to Memorial Day.

Patch caught up with the winner of the Fall Contest, Lori Moyer, who lost 41 pounds during the 16 week program. Aside from looking and feeling great, the winner also receives a free year's membership to the gym. “My initial goal was to lose 40 pounds throughout the course of the contest and feel better about myself,” she said. “But it was challenging to always eat the right things. And I made a commitment to get to the gym five days a week.”

In her eyes, the program was definitely a success. “I found a love for spinning,” Moyer said. “I still follow the eating guidelines to keep me in check and I work out regularly.” To help stay motivated, Moyer said she kept thinking about going shopping for new clothes after all the hard work. “It was hard and I’m still working on losing weight but now I’m on the healthy track. I’ve found a new love for exercising,” she said.

Tina Elderbaum also participated in the fall contest. Her initial goal was to lose the weight she gained during pregnancy as well as gain confidence and energy. One of the biggest challenges, she said, was making the time to come to the gym and preparing food daily. “Being part of a gym that felt like a supportive community was the key ingredient that had been missing before,” Elderbaum said. “Throughout the holidays, it was easy to stay motivated because by then we had made it so far that it was easier to resist temptation because all of the hard work we were doing.”

Former weight loss contest winner Leslie Butler was back on board for the fall and winter contests. For her, the biggest challenges were making different meals for the family, not snacking and being conscious of everything she ate. “It was definitely motivating because I have a competitive nature,” Butler said. “I had a whole different mindset during the holiday season. I had portion control and always remembered the big picture. Knowing I had to get on the scale in front of Josephine was definitely motivating.”

The nutrition portion of the program is relatively simple. owner Josephine Fitzpatrick is at the helm, steering contestants down the right path. She personally e-mails all the participants the menu. Food choices vary but there is something for everyone, whether you hate to cook, love to be creative in the kitchen or prefer to dine out.

Aside from the nutrition and exercise, there is a certain accountability that comes along as well. Fitzpatrick personally meets with each contestant one on one for the initial weigh in, which includes weight, body fat, measurements and a goal weight loss number. She continues to meet personally with members every other week throughout the contest for weigh ins, consultations and support. She is available on her cell or e-mail any time of day.

"Weight loss is a subject that scares many people," Fitzpatrick said. "They want to do it and their intentions are there. But it also is a second job to many. It takes work and commitment. While I hold your hand through the entire program, it has to be a 100 percent commitment on both sides to work. That's where sometimes members fall short. They are afraid to actually start because they are afraid to fail. When that happens, it usually means they are just not ready."