The 3rd Challenge Completes Transformation.

The end of Challenge #3 was celebrated on April 26th at Mary's Pizza Shack in Dixon with the program ending award ceremony.

Challenge participants, winners, and family members shared stories of their success and appreciation for changes that the Challenge helped bring about.

For some, this was the very first time they'd actually been involved in a comprehensive fitness program; and for others the Challenge rekindled desires of some years past when they'd been active, fit, and feeling good.

For all, it was a huge learning experience, and through its completion will have faced and overcame many past obstacles that had previously deterred them from getting or remaining healthy.

"Once again we started this Challenge with classroom time where we gave Challenge participants a foundation from which to build upon", said Jim Hall, Green Team Coach and Anytime Fitness co-owner.

"From there participants embarked on creating a workout plan with the help of their coach and / or personal trainer, then spent the next few weeks optimizing their plan."

Fat measurements were taken every two weeks to gauge participants' progress. "Mini-challenges" within the program were implemented as learning tools to help the teams work together and to give them more of a practical understanding of strength training, cardio conditioning, and nutrition. Combined, the cumulative fat-loss amounts for each team-member was added to their respective team's score for all the mini-challenges in order to produce an overall best team winner.

The Green Team prevailed and took home the overall best team award with a score of 219.62.

For individual awards, participants were judged on the physical change captured by "before" and "after" photos, combined with how well they were able to convey their experience through a written questionnaire. Among the individual awards were top performers from each of the three teams, and the grand champion award given to the best performer of the Challenge.

Top individual awards went to Julie Chatfield / Green Team, Carrie Senecal / Orange Team, and Wayne Harvey / Purple Team.

The Grand Champion was awarded to Mary Prichard. Ironically, Mary's husband Doug was the Transformation Challenge #2 Grand Champion, during which Mary and the Prichard family followed along with husband Doug's program. Mary entered the Challenge with a strong desire to do all she could, as was determined to give it her all. Mary met every new opportunity within the Challenge head-on, and along the way during the Challenge, Mary emerged as an emotional leader for her team and for others. Mary's before and after photos documented a huge physical change, reflective of her commitment to the Transformation Challenge program.

Congratulations to all finishers and winners! Your success will encourage others to be their best and be an inspiration to countless others.