Age 25
occupation UVU student and legal assistant at
Bartholomew Silva & Associates
current Weight 214 (down from 265)
Height 5 feet 11 inches

This summer has been wonderful. My summer goal was to get outside more, and I have accomplished that by going twice a week on the Provo River trail. Micah and I went camping in Idaho and had an amazing time. It was difficult with all of the yummy food our friends brought, but when I wanted to eat something off my meal plan I kept my end goal in mind. My workout and menu plans are both going well. I have enjoyed the variations in food and workouts. Loriol has been wonderful to work with. She is doing a great job keeping me motivated. I never regret it when I make it to the gym, but I always regret it when I don’t. I have also found if I do my workout in the morning I get it off my to-do list for the day. Then at 6 p.m. I don’t have to question whether I should go to the gym or rest after a long day. I am amazed at how well we are all doing in our respective programs thanks to all of our trainers!

Alan Houtz
lost 47 pounds

Age 46
occupation Production manager at Barlow’s Wood Classics
Height 5 feet 11 inches
current Weight 182 pounds (down from 229)
Inches Waist 36.5 inches (down from 45)
Body Fat 21.5 percent (down from 41.5) as of last issue

The past two months were a reality check due to unforeseen life challenges. The high stress levels I was dealing with really challenged my discipline in regards to my diet and impacted my motivation and energy. However, I still managed to improve my results and move closer to my ultimate goals, which I am recommitted to achieving in the last two months of the challenge. The peak of the past two months was hiking Timp and being able to keep up with my teenage daughter, Cydnee, and her friends who are in excellent shape. I also noticed my improved fitness and enjoyed myself more on a Zion canyoneering trip. In spite of the stress I experienced the past two months, I’m glad that I stuck with the diet and exercise, which helped me get through it all as the workouts were great stress relief. So I’m committed to sticking with it and making my last two months of this challenge my best yet.

Kim Haynes
lost 7 pounds
Age 34
occupation Stay-at-home-mom
Height 5 feet 4 1/2 inches
current Weight 176 pounds

Hello, Utah Valley! I hope everyone had a fabulous summer. I know I did. In the past few months, I have been to Colorado and Oregon for vacations and I participated in the Stansbury Triathlon, which went well. I took 13 minutes off my time from last year, and I’m going to do the Yuba Triathlon in September. Last year after I finished my first triathlon I set a goal to add one triathlon each year, so this year I’ll be doing two! I know all of my working out is paying off. I am so much stronger and have way more endurance when I compare this year’s triathlon to last year’s. I have also added spin classes three days a week to my workout routine, which has helped, too. I’m excited to report on my next triathlon in the next issue. Until then, have a great fall!

Angie and Frank Daybell

Angie
lost 64.6 pounds
Age 37
occupation Cosmetologist and mom
current Weight 148.6
(down from 213.2)
body fat 24.5
(down from 33.9)
total inches 174.25 (down from 213.5)

Frank
lost 100.2 pounds
Age 37
occupation Principal for Taylor Elementary in Payson
current Weight 239.6 (down from 339.8)
body fat 56.9
(down from 32.8)
total inches 216 (down from 260.75)

Because of our lifestyle change, we have enjoyed this summer more than most. The option has been great to exercise outside rather than being limited to the gym. Despite our struggles of hitting plateaus, both physically and mentally, we have surpassed the things we thought we could achieve during our time with Dan. Angie is looking forward to starting a maintenance program, and Frank is striving for another 20-pound loss and an increase in lean body mass. There is not a day that goes by that we don’t hear a kind word of encouragement from friends and even those we don’t know who have followed our progress through the magazine. Thank you for the support!

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE MAGAZINE ONLINE

I am doing well with my food and exercise program. My weight is down as well as my measurements. I am wearing a smaller size now — actually much smaller than when I started.
I am much more active overall than I was six months ago. My boy loves to workout with me as well as participate in other fun outdoor activities we now do together. That makes this whole experience worth it to me. I hope that all of you out there are working on your goals whatever they might be. Invite your kids and friends to do them with you. It makes attaining your goals that much sweeter.
My meals are delicious and are changed every week thanks to Dan. I really appreciate the time and energy those around me have taken to help me succeed in this challenge.

Alan Houtz
Family Married, 4 children • City Mapleton
lost 48 pounds
Age 46
occupation Production manager at Barlow’s Wood Classics
Height 5 feet 11 inches
current Weight 181 pounds (down from 229)
Inches Waist 37 inches (down from 45)
current body fat 21.5 percent (down from 41.5)

The past two months have been both exciting and challenging. I’ve seen my strength, endurance, definition, and overall health and fitness improve even more. I also experienced some frustration as my weight loss slowed down compared to past months. Zac coached me through this by explaining that I was losing less because I have less to lose as I approach my goal weight. I was encouraged after a canyoneering trip to southern Utah where I was able to lead the group rather than trailing behind gasping for air. This really helped me realize how far I’ve come. Also after a recent doctor visit, I was told that my blood pressure was at a normal level (it was high last year before starting this challenge). I’m looking forward to the next two months of working hard in the gym and being active outdoors!

Kim Haynes
Family Married, 3 children • City Provo
lost 3.5 pounds
Age 34
occupation Stay-at-home-mom
Height 5 feet 4 1/2 inches
current Weight 171.75 pounds (down from 175.25)
Inches Waist 38.8 inches (down from 41.25)
Hips 42.4 inches (down from 43)
Body Fat 31.7 percent (down from 33.9 percent)
Fat mass 56.1 pounds (down from 59.4 pounds)
Lean body mass 115.7 pounds (down from 115.9)

It has been a long eight weeks since the last update, and my numbers haven’t changed much. Dr. Purser diagnosed me with out-of-whack hormones. I have low testosterone, low DHEA, low HGH and borderline low thyroid — everything that helps you lose weight and gain muscles is low. I have added one of those geriatric pill sorters to my bathroom countertop, and it’s filled with supplements to kick things into gear. To be quite honest I wasn’t going to weigh in this time because I knew it wouldn’t be good. But then I took the weekend to think about it. I work my butt off five days a week, and I’m going to own it! My weight is just a number, and I’m not going to let that define who Kim Haynes is, no more than my age, my address or my phone number. So I gave my scale to my 15-year-old daughter and told her to hide it. I decided to focus on what is happening and what I can change, and not what I can’t change!

Angie and Frank Daybell
Family 5 children • City Springville
Angie
lost 58.2 pounds
Age 37
occupation Cosmetologist and mom
current Weight 155
(down from 213.2)
body fat 29.4
(down from 44.1)
total inches 179 (down from 213.5) Waist, 31 (down from 40) Hips, 40 (down from 48)
Frank
lost 86.6 pounds
Age 37
occupation Principal for Taylor Elementary in Payson
current Weight 253.2 (down from 339.8)
body fat 37.4
(down from 56.9)
total inches 222.75 (down from 260.75) Waist, 48 (down from 57) Hips, 45 (down from 54)

We have made it halfway through our journey. This has turned out to be more of a lifestyle change than a challenge. We have spent a lot of time out of town lately and have learned to incorporate routine workouts and healthy eating habits into challenging time restraints.
Frank recently had a physical, and the results where astonishing. Last June his blood pressure was 190/95, and now it’s 116/66 with a resting heart rate of 46. His cholesterol dropped from 182 to 126, and triglycerides 186 to 82. He is still training for the “Top of Utah” marathon, and Angie ran her first 5K and was glad to finish.
The past few months we have experienced a few bumps in the road. We have had to find mental strength, we but realize the health benefits are worth the fight. Thanks again to Dan for his patience and positive coaching!

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE MAGAZINE ONLINE

Kim Haynes
Family Married, 3 children • City Provo
Lost 3.5 pounds
Age 34
Occupation Stay-at-home-mom
Height 5 feet 4 1/2 inches
Current Weight 171.75 pounds (down from 175.25)
Inches Waist 38.8 inches (down from 41.25) Hips 42.4 inches (down from 43)
Body Fat 32.7 percent (down from 33.9 percent)
Fat mass 56.1 pounds (down from 59.4 pounds)
Lean body mass 115.7 pounds (down from 115.9)
Here I am again giving you an update on my progress in the Utah Valley Fitness Challenge. I’m sure you are like most readers and have already scanned the numbers before you even started to read what I have to say (that’s what I do). So by the numbers, you know that things are not going as planned. Loosing a few pounds in four months was not my goal — I wanted to multiply that by five! I go to the gym five days a week, and for the first three months I followed the eating plan to a tee. But when I saw minimal results I asked myself, “What does it matter if I eat these Girl Scout cookies or Easter candy? I’m not losing weight anyway.” But I had a week off to refresh, and Matt the Trainer and I are looking into some other culprits that are wreaking havoc on this experience.

TRAINER Mat Gover
(801) 836-7185 · matgover@mac.com

I’d love to say we’ve made breakthroughs with Kim. But we haven’t. She is extremely compliant. She rocks the boot camp workouts (one of the hardest working campers I have). She is also diligent with her nutrition. But she has not seen any progress. We are both frustrated. She is scheduled to meet with an endocrinologist. I’m pretty sure her hormones are not in sync. This is a situation a lot of Utah Valley Magazine readers can probably relate with. Sometimes you work your heart out exercising and eating well with little results. This leads to frustration and eventually to failure. This doesn’t prove that exercise and nutrition don’t work, but rather emphasizes how critical health is. The human body will only burn body fat when it is healthy at a cellular level as well as a systemic level. If hormones are out of flux, the body can easily hold onto body fat and not change at all. It may take some time, but working with the endocrinologist to balance Kim’s hormones and get her endocrine system in line will eventually lead to some solid fat loss results. With Kim’s go-getter attitude and discipline she’s destined for amazing results.

Angie and Frank Daybell
Family 5 children • City Springville

Angie
Lost 44.4 pounds
Age 37
Occupation Cosmetologist and mom
Current Weight 168.8
(down from 213.2)
Body fat 32.8
(down from 44.1)
Total inches 188 (down from 213.5) Waist 34.25 (down from 40) Hips 42 (down from 48)

Frank
Lost 68.8 pounds
Age 37
Occupation Principal for Taylor Elementary in Payson
Current Weight 271
(down from 339.8)
Body fat 42.9
(down from 56.9)
Total inches 229 (down from 260.75) Waist 50 (down from 57) Hips 46.75 (down from 54)

  We are finding success in the gym. Our strength and endurance have increased, and because of this Frank is training for his first marathon. Our children have been a tremendous part of our journey. They are our food police and love that we are more active with them.
  We want to thank again Utah Valley Magazine for this opportunity. We feel we could not have been matched with a more perfect trainer to achieve our success. We have been through so many different programs, but Dan puts it in very simple terms of what we need to do to lose weight and become more physically fit. He tells us what to eat and when to eat it and what exercises and how to do them. He has simply taken the guess work out of it.
  Tuesday night is our date night, and one of our challenges for the past two months has been trying to find an outing that wasn’t centered around dinner. With the winter months, we have had to incorporate different activities into the equation such as movies, sporting events, and sometimes just visiting friends and relatives. A bonus to this is we have saved hundreds of dollars from not eating out. We are excited for warm weather so can enjoy outdoor activities. We love four-wheeling, camping and fishing.

TRAINER Dan Wilcox
(801) 762-6207 · dan.wilcox@thfonline.com · www.thfonline.com
The Daybells’ dedication and commitment are unmatched. Each week is like their first week. They follow our weekly game plan with exactness. They follow their menus perfectly and get in all their work-outs. They are perfect clients. Great work, Angie and Frank. Keep at it.

Tayva Lynn Bushey
Family 5-year-old son • City Orem
Lost 34 pounds

Age 24
Occupation UVU student and Paralegal at Bartholomew Silva & Associates
Current Weight 231 (down from 265)
Height 5 feet 11 inches
Inches Hips 46 inches (down from 50), Waist 37 inches (down from 41), Bicep 13 inches (down from 14.75), Thigh 27 inches (down from 29)

  I have enjoyed changing my old lifestyle to a healthier lifestyle. The workouts have been great. I have enjoyed the delicious and nutritious meals. I am seeing my son, Micah, make healthier choices with his meals as well. I have also enjoyed teaching my son about nutrition and getting him outside by having him play soccer and riding his scooter more. This lifestyle change is definitely something I can carry on in the long term. I am looking forward to seeing the changes the upcoming months and hard work will bring.

Trainer Loriol Anderson
(801) 706-8286 · loriolanderson@yahoo.com · www.luxfitness.com
Tayva had two great months! Her hectic schedule is challenging,
but she manages to fit in increasingly intense
exercise. She is doing run/walk intervals, with a goal of a half marathon in August! Tayva does pilates and resistance training, and her core is seeing great results. I stress adequate sleep with my clients in order for the body to function properly, especially with weight loss. Tayva is on target for her goal of dropping 80 pounds.

Alan Houtz
Family Married, 4 children • City Mapleton
Lost 41 pounds

Age 46
Occupation Production manager at Barlow’s Wood Classics
Height 5 feet 11 inches
Current Weight 188 pounds (down from 229)
Inches Waist 38.5 inches (down from 45)
Current body fat 23.5 percent (down from 41.5)

  I’ve seen better results than I expected! I’m losing weight and feeling better than I have in 20 plus years. I believe my success has come from making my diet and exercise first priority in my daily life. As a result, I’ve been able to be more consistent than in past attempts. My back has been a challenge and I had to stop running, which initially worried me, but I’m happy to report that I’ve been equally successful walking and hiking for my cardio. I know that improving my diet has been the major factor in my weight loss. It’s been a fun challenge to discover ways to eat delicious and nutritious meals. I’m looking forward to the next phase of the program where I’m going to focus more on muscle building as I approach my goal weight.

TRAINER Zac Price
(801) 602-7057 · energyexplosion@gmail.com · www.energyexplosion.biz
Alan is the man! He’s been so committed and has worked so hard. As a result, he has seen amazing results so far. Alan has truly made the lifestyle changes necessary for a total-body-transformation — and he’s achieved it. It’s been awesome to see the physical changes, but even more rewarding is seeing the inner transformation that Alan has achieved. He’s happier, more motivated and has more confidence. Keep it up Alan and all of the fitness challenge participants! You’re inspiring!

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE MAGAZINE ONLINE

My program is going well.
Making time to go to the gym is the biggest challenge. I am in school full time and working part time, so I make a very specific effort to schedule the time to get to the gym or a Pilates class with Loriol.
I am enjoying Pilates. I have never done any type of Pilates so being able to work with Loriol has been great.
Also, the other people in the Pilates session have been very supportive and friendly.
In the beginning we had a small hiccup in regard to nutritional counseling, but now that I’ve added a nutritional trainer (Dan Wilcox at Total Health and Fitness), I believe I will be able to meet my goals by the end of the year.

Alan Houtz
Family Married, 4 children • City Mapleton
LOST 17 POUNDS

Age 46
Occupation Production manager at Barlow’s Wood Classics
Height 5 feet 11 inches
Current Weight 202 pounds (down from 229)
Inches Waist 40.5 inches (down from 45)
Current body fat 30.3 percent (down from 41.5)

Wow! I can’t believe it’s been two months. I feel so much better already. It’s really been amazing. My back is feeling better. I can feel the strength that I’ve gained when doing heavy lifting at work. I’m really excited about the results I’ve seen so far. I’m enjoying the workouts with Zac, running at home, and it’s been easier than I thought it would be to eat better. I’m actually enjoying working on my diet.
In the past, I’ve always hit a plateau at about 200 pounds. I’m motivated to break through it this time and look forward to the feeling of being lighter than I have been in 20 plus years!

Kim Haynes
Family Married, 3 children • City Provo
LOST 3.5 POUNDS
Age 34
Occupation Stay-at-home-mom
Height 5 feet 4 1/2 inches
Current Weight 171.75 pounds (down from 175.25)
Inches Waist 38.8 inches (down from 41.25)
Hips 42.4 inches (down from 43)
Body Fat 32.7 percent (down from 33.9 percent)
Fat mass 56.1 pounds (down from 59.4 pounds)
Lean body mass 115.7 pounds (down from 115.9)

Being chosen for the 2010 Fitness Challenge has led to an exciting first two months — and some major changes. Prior to becoming a “Fitness Challenger,” I was never a morning person. I would sleep in until 8 a.m., if not later. Now I wake up at 6 a.m. to be at EXL Fitness by 6:30 a.m. or 7 a.m. I really don’t miss sleeping in because I love going and working out! Matt is the most supportive and awesome trainer. The standards and atmosphere he has set at his gym are like no other I have seen before. Everyone is so happy to be there and so supportive of everyone’s goals. I’m not just talking about the trainers, I’m talking about the clients, too! There is no competition or showboating. Everyone is there for different reasons, and everyone wants to see you meet your goals. I love that after every boot camp workout Matt “brings it in,” and we do a team cheer. Thanks, Utah Valley Magazine, for giving me this opportunity!

Angie and Frank Daybell
Family 5 children • City Springville

Angie
LOST 20.4 POUNDS
Age 37
Occupation Cosmetologist and mom
Current Weight 192.8
(down from 213.2)
Body fat 38.8
(down from 44.1)
Total inches 200 (down from 213.5) Waist, 37 (down from 40) Hips, 45 (down from 48)

Frank
LOST 40.3 POUNDS
Age 37
Occupation Principal for Taylor Elementary in Payson
Current Weight 299.5
(down from 339.8)
body fat 48.7
(down from 56.9)
Total inches 238.5 (down from 260.75) Waist, 53 (down from 57) Hips, 48 (down from 54)

Wow! What an experience this has been so far. For the past 10 years we have had a joke in our family that this is going to be the “Year of the Body.” Finally we have help making it happen. We’d like to thank Utah Valley Magazine and especially Dan Wilcox from Total Health and Fitness for making this dream become a reality. Dan has made himself available 24 hours a day 7 days a week by phone, text or email to answer any questions we have had. We have never met a more fun, energetic motivator.
Dan has taught us so much about nutrition and exercise and what it takes to find success. He has mixed up our menus and exercises each week so we are never bored. It’s exciting to find out what we are going to do from week to week.
We also want to say thank you for the letters, visits and phone calls from former students, clients, friends and family. We appreciate all of your encouragement. We look forward to meeting our goals.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE MAGAZINE ONLINE

History of weight struggles
Starting in second grade, I became aware that my weight was different than my classmates’ weight. When I was 15, one of my “friends” told me to my face that if she was fat like me she would kill herself. That night I made a goal to lose weight. Over the next six months I lost 75 pounds using the Atkins system. Unfortunately, I have learned that system is not a long-term weight loss solution. Now as a single mom, I find it hard to get to the gym.

Biggest OBSTACLES
I eat when I’m bored, and I have difficulty controlling portions. When I was pregnant in 2004, I gained more than 60 pounds. In October 2009, I gave birth to a baby girl who was the genetic child of a friend of mine who has cancer. I gained weight during this gestational surrogacy as well.

My goals
I want to look at myself as a healthy, muscular and fit woman. I need to be trim and fit in order to lead a healthy life. I graduate from UVU in April with a bachelor’s in paralegal studies, and I want to face my future with confidence. I have followed the fitness challenge in Utah Valley Magazine for the past two years, and I have admired how the participants have learned how to be healthy.

Trainer
Loriol Anderson operates Lux Fitness, an in-home personal training business. She is a certified Yogafit instructor and has a bachelor’s in fitness and wellness management from BYU. She teaches group exercise at 24-Hour Fitness, including Pilates, yoga and spin. Loriol is an exercise physiologist in a rehab setting.

Alan Houtz
Age 46
Occupation Production manager at Barlow’s Wood Classics (has worked at the cabinet shop for 27 years)
City Mapleton
Height 5 feet 11 inches
Weight 229 pounds
Inches 45 inches (waist)
Family Married, four children

Weight history
My health and fitness challenges began when I hit age 30 — I went up to 250 pounds pretty fast when I hit my 30s. The pounds just started coming on. One year, I got myself under 200 pounds by doing the Atkins Diet, but I wouldn’t recommend it. I need a long-term solution.

Biggest obstacle
Life is busy.

Why I’m doing this
When I’m doing yard work, I’m huffing and puffing and gasping. I used to do those things so easily. I want to hike and keep up with my kids. I don’t want to be left behind. It’s frustrating when you are the last one up the hill. Also, I like to ride motorcycles, and lately I can’t go as far because my back starts hurting. I want to be able to do all of the things I enjoy.

My goal
I’d like to be 175 pounds.

TRAINER
Zac Price’s passion is fueled by an inner drive to assist people in improving their lives. Fitness is the approach he chooses to use. As a professional fitness trainer and the author of “Get Real Get Fit; A Real-Life, No-Hype Jumpstart Guide to Losing Weight and Getting Fit,” Zac personally motivates and challenges hundreds of clients from his private studio in Springville — Energy Explosion — which he and his wife, Kami, started and run together. Zac’s approach to fitness is powerful yet practical. It’s about you, your life, and you living it … better. To Zac, fitness isn’t just about a pushup or a sit up, it’s about pushing yourself to be your best and standing up for your best life.

Kim Haynes
Age 34
Occupation Stay-at-home mom
City Provo
Height 5 feet 4 1/2 inches
Weight 175.25 pounds
Inches 41.25 inches (waist) 13.5 inches (neck) 44.4 inches (shoulders) 43 inches (hips) 23.25 inches (thigh) 15.6 inches (calf)12.6 inches (arm)
Body Fat 33.9 percent
Fat mass 59.4 pounds
Lean body mass 115.9 pounds
Family Married, three children

Health history
I swam competitively from ages 6 to 17. This past summer, I did a triathlon and really liked it. I thought I would lose weight while training for that, but instead I gained 10 pounds. I look like I’m pregnant but I’m not.

What I’ve tried
I’ve read all the books, but nothing seems to be working.

Biggest obstacle
I’m a foodie. I love watching the Food Channel. I love baking. And I’m picky — I’m not going to go eat cheesecake balls at Sonic Drive-In. If I’m going to get dessert, I want it to be good.

My goals
I want to look like I did in high school (I weighed 130 and wore size 8). I want to make exercise a habit. Instead of just training for one race, I want to stay in shape every day. I don’t want to end up here again. I’ve had a hard time balancing the exercise and diet. In the past, I can’t stick to a diet if I’m exercising. And if I’m dieting, I don’t have energy to exercise. I want to incorporate both.

TRAINER
Mat Gover BS, CSCS owns and operates EXL Fitness and Performance in Orem, a personal and group training studio and originator of the EXL Fitness Boot Camp. Training since 1995, Mat uses boot camp style workouts for body transformations, sports conditioning and superior overall fitness. His workouts and nutrition programs have helped hundreds of people lower blood pressure and cholesterol, decrease diabetes, lose weight, eliminate aches and pains, be stronger, more fit, and regain good health. If Mat’s not in the gym he’s most likely out in the mountains climbing, biking, trail running or skiing. His motto: “Habitual exercise and proper nutrition open opportunities to enjoy life at its fullest.”

Angie and Frank Daybell
Family 5 children • City Springville

Angie
Age 37
Weight 213.2
body fat 44.1
total inches 169
(Waist, 40; Hips, 48)
Occupation Cosmetologist

Frank
Age 37
Weight 339.8
body fat 56.9
total inches 260.75 (Waist, 57; Hips, 54)
Occupation Principal for Taylor Elementary in Payson

Why are you doing this fitness challenge?
Frank was walking down the hall at his school and a kindergartner said, “Hi, Mr. Fatty!” This was a moment of awakening. Our weight issues are a monkey on our backs. We have been best friends since the eighth grade and have been through thick and thin together. Our motto is “I can do hard things.” Frank has earned two master’s degrees and has started his first year as a principal at Taylor Elementary in Payson.

Weight challenges
We’ve finally reached a point in our lives that we feel is true happiness, but we are baffled as to why we can conquer mountains together but we fail so miserably with a healthy lifestyle. We are experiencing health issues and have tried almost everything but surgery to lose weight.

TRAINER
Dan Wilcox is devoted to understanding the science of the human body and the psychology of success. By successfully and consistently applying scientifically proven principles in nutrition and daily workout routines, Dan has motivated countless people to improve their personal performance. A natural athlete, Dan spent several years as a head coach and PGA teaching professional.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE MAGAZINE ONLINE

Katie Kitchen · SPRINGVILLE
Lost 34 pounds, 7 waistline inches Age 16

Biggest challenge Keeping focused on my eating habits. It is easy to slip back to what I was doing before.
Biggest success My family hikes Mt. Timpanogos each year, and I’ve always hated it. My mom kept saying I would notice a difference this year because I was lighter and stronger. She was right! Not only did we make it to the summit in Kitchen family record time — I carried my pack the entire way! My dad kept offering to carry it at the hard parts near the end, but I was determined to carry myself and my pack to the summit — and I did!
Habits I’ve changed I pay closer attention to portion size, and I don’t eat all day long. I also make a conscious effort to drink lots of water every day — at least 64 ounces. I do some form of exercise every day but Sunday.
Goals I want to lose another 20 to 25 pounds before the end of the challenge, which would be at least one or two pant sizes. But my biggest goal goes past the end of the fitness challenge. My brother comes home from a mission next June and I want to have lost a total of 80 pounds.
Advice to others Keep a positive attitude! You didn’t put the weight on overnight, and no matter how badly you want it, it’s not going to come off overnight. Have a good support system around you, and make sure you are doing some form of exercise every day.

Mike West · Lehi
Lost 37 pounds, 14.2% body fat
Starting weight 230 pounds Current weight 193 pounds

Biggest Challenge Between work, family, personal things, etc., making time for an hour or more to work out is tough. The answer is to make it a priority and get my tail out of bed!
Biggest Success I really feel like I have made a major turn and will never go back to how I was. I love how I feel and the energy I have. I have done things differently this time and feel that it’s sustainable for the long term.
Habits I’ve changed My eating and exercise habits have done a complete 180. I went from being completely sedentary to fully active on a daily basis. I went from filling my body with high-calorie fatty garbage to eating good, solid, healthy foods. I don’t crave the “junk” anymore and when I do step off the edge, my body lets me know.
Advice to others First, make the sacrifice and do it — you will never regret it! Second, don’t starve yourself. Eat the right foods and eat them often.
Goals I want to get down to 175 pounds while at the same time strengthening my cardiovascular endurance. It’s not going to be easy, but I think I can hit it.

Amy Weiland · Cedar hills
Lost 34 pounds, 15.75 inches overall
Starting weight 217 pounds Current weight 183 pounds

Biggest challenge Finding balance. I’ve tried to be everything to everyone, every day — wife, mom, sister, daughter, friend, worker, philanthropist, athlete. It’s just not possible. Life is about choices and making the best ones each day.
Biggest success Finding out I am stronger than I thought I was. Physically, I can run now for miles and miles and love it. Emotionally, I can take life, which is messy, and put things in the proper perspective without diving to the bottom of Ben & Jerry’s “American Dream.”
Goals I ran the Top of Utah Half Marathon at the end of August, and I am continually working to increase my speed and run a relay race in Las Vegas in October. Of course, to be smokin’ hot is still on the list!
Advice to others There is nothing I can say to someone who is not willing to put in the work. And it is work. Not just the physical aspect, but the emotional conversations you have to have with yourself when you finally tell the truth. When that happens, find a support system and run with it!

Roylence Croft · lindon
Lost 20 pounds, 7.5 waistline inches
Starting Weight 245
Current Weight 225

Kevin Croft · Lindon
Lost 10 pounds, 6.75 waistline inches
Starting Weight 208
Current Weight 198

Biggest challenge The exercise is great. John has been with us every step of the way. Our challenge lies in consistency with eating right. If I (Roylence) stick to our nutrition plan for four or five days I can lose weight. But if I go off of eating correctly for six or seven days, I have to lose the same weight I just lost, plus more. It’s a vicious cycle. That has been the most discouraging thing.
Habits we’ve changed For the past few years, Kevin and I have been walkers, but now that we’re working with John, he is constantly mixing things up every few weeks — from treadmills and elliptical machines to weight training and bands, he keeps our workouts fun. Our eating habits have completely changed! We mainly eat protein, fruits and veggies. We only have carbohydrates up to two hours after we work out, so only at breakfast. Eating very few carbs is by far the biggest change for us. Our No. 1 food is spinach protein drinks and fruit in the blender. I know it doesn’t sound very good and it looks even worse, but it is delicious. That’s a big change for us!

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE MAGAZINE ONLINE

Katie Kitchen · SPRINGVILLE
Lost 33 pounds, 7 waistline inches Age 16

I can’t believe we’re at the halfway point already! I am excited to report on my progress.

Late April and early May were rough for me. I lost and gained the same five to seven pounds for almost a whole month. It was frustrating to be working hard and see little results on the scale and sometimes even a weight gain. I knew I was continuing to get stronger, but the scales were frustrating.

Kami has been so great! We have developed a great friendship, and she continues to motivate me and keep me focused.

Since the end of school, I have started to see a steady loss — back to the usual one-and-a-half to two pounds a week.

My mom and I run a lot together, and she challenged me to see how far I could run without stopping. (Our usual four-mile route is a run/walk combination.) At the beginning of the year, I couldn’t run a block, but the other day I ran a whole mile without stopping! Now I push a little further each time.

Each summer, our family hikes Mount Timpanogos. It is an all day adventure climbing to the 12,000-foot summit and back. It has always been difficult for me, but this year I will be much stronger. I am dedicated to working hard this summer and will go back to my senior year in high school as a lean, mean fighting machine!

Mike West · LEHI
Lost 31 pounds, 11.5% body fat
Starting Weight 230 pounds
Current Weight 199 pounds

These past few months have been phenomenal. For the first time in more than nine years, I am below 200 pounds! Because of the weight loss, I have been able to reengage in former hobbies that I have been unmotivated to do because of the extra 30 plus pounds I was carrying around. Mountain biking, hiking, running and going to the gym have all been enjoyable again and my body has literally been craving the activity. I even joined an indoor soccer team.

I attribute this round of weight loss to two things: strict, smart dieting and regular activity at the gym or elsewhere. The activity has been easy because I am just doing the things that I love to do.

The biggest shift with diet from past weight loss failures is that I am actually eating a ton of food and not starving myself. I am just eating the right foods on a more frequent basis. It’s manageable, sustainable and has made a world of difference.

Thank you to all those who have been helping and supporting me with this endeavor. I hope you all know how much I appreciate it. Next stop: 190 and below!

Amy Weiland · CEDAR HILLS
Lost 31 pounds, 7.7% body fat
Starting Weight 217 pounds
Current Weight 186 pounds

Many fairy tales have large stone walls protecting a fair princess.

“You work hard, my dear,” the wall says to the fair maiden. “You deserve to sleep in this morning and not go to the gym.”

She replies with a thoughtful “Yes, wall — I do work very hard. What a good idea … Zzzzzz … ”

I’ve loved the wall for letting me sleep in and for giving me the excuse to eat comfort food if I’ve had a long day. I’ve also hated the wall, in the past, for making me gain back all the weight I’ve lost (and then some.)

Losing the first 30 pounds through a lifestyle change of correct eating and exercise, I was able to maintain my weight during my latest “dance” with the wall. But 30 pounds is not my goal, so I’ve had to recommit myself and tell the wall to take a hike!

That’s what this princess will be doing this summer!

Roylence Croft · LINDON
Lost 21 pounds, 7 waistline inches
Starting Weight 245
Current Weight 224

Kevin Croft · LINDON
Lost 10 pounds, 6.25 waistline inches
Starting Weight 208
Current Weight 198

Summertime brings vacations and swimming suits. (We will get to those later.) We are so happy to be able to share these fun times with our family.

Kevin has been able to maintain his weight very well. His workouts are always 110 percent. He is getting very strong, and he watches what he eats but can still afford to treat himself once in awhile.

As far as I (Roy) go, I thought I was doing really well. My clothing size is very much on its way down. People have been very complimenting, and life is good! Well, summer hit and it was time to take my daughter Kylee and her friends to Seven Peaks. The swimming suit came on and reality hit — I still have a long way to go!

John is so wonderful to us and helps us every day. Here are two of his nutrition tips that have helped us:
• Even if you know what’s good for you, if you aren’t prepared when it’s time to eat, you’re doomed.
• View each meal or snack as an opportunity to improve your body. Make sure each meal has a good protein source, a good fat source, and a good amount of fruits and veggies.

It’s easy to talk the nutrition talk, the million dollar question is, do you walk the nutrition walk?

We know for a fact that John walks the nutrition walk — and he’s helping us get there, too. Thank you, John!

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE MAGAZINE ONLINE

Annie Kitchen · SPRINGVILLE
Lost 10 pounds, 1 waistline inch
Starting Weight 215
Current Weight 205

Between changing salons, moving to a new apartment and working two jobs, I have struggled to maintain my workout schedule and nutrition plan.
I work at a high-end, fast-paced salon and I am constantly on the go. Going from one appointment to the next, I am constantly looking for a quick fix and grab whatever is nearby. I am getting to the point where my body is shutting down. I am realizing how important it is to take care of my body physically and mentally. I have started packing lunches, and I am trying to get to bed earlier. Since I have started doing that, I have noticed a big increase in my energy levels. I plan to keep making progress and become my best self!

Katie Kitchen · Springville
Lost 22 pounds, 5 waistline inches
Age 16

I’m having great success! I am right on schedule, losing 1.5 pounds per week. I have lost 22 pounds and almost two pant sizes. I can really feel a difference in the way my clothes fit!
My workouts include twice a week with Kami at 5 a.m. The workouts are great, but the 5 a.m. start is a killer! In addition to that, I do a daily 45- to 60-minute cardio workout, which is usually a run/walk combination.
As for my diet, I’ve cut out mayo, butter, candy (for the most part) and sodas. My new favorite treat is sliced strawberries, bananas and apples with fat-free peach yogurt. For me, the hardest part of this challenge is trying to balance my schedule. But since I am seeing results, I am motivated to keep at it!

Mike West · Lehi
Lost 13 pounds, 3 waistline inches
Starting weight  230 pounds
Current weight  217 pounds

The last couple of months have not been without personal challenges. My wife has been hospitalized several times due to a chronic illness, and she’s been sick on and off in between. Consistently hitting the gym and staying focused has been extremely difficult. But this same issue has been my excuse for the past eight years.
I have realized a couple of key things. First, I need to focus on what I can. I haven’t been able to get to the gym consistently to lift weights, but I have been able to focus on my diet and cardio. It’s working well, and I’m happy with the results.
Second, I am going to act upon the things that are important to me. There are always going to be obstacles. If I keep my health and fitness where they are on the priority list right now, nothing will ever change.
I am stoked about the months to come. I feel good and I have a great plan and a phenomenal support system in place. Not only that, but the 36s are starting to fit again. Good stuff!

Amy Weiland · Cedar hills
Lost 29 pounds, 6% body fat
Starting weight  217 pounds
Current weight  188 pounds

I love taking my little guy to the “jumping places” around town. He burns off some energy and I add more points to the “Best Mom Ever” column.
Being young at heart, I have often wanted to frolic in the inflatable jungle with my son, but was always stopped in my tracks by the big octagonal sign posting the dreaded weight limits — dun, dun, dun. To my usual dismay, I was told in inch-high black and white that the world would end (or at least the structure of the dino slide would end) if I were to join in on the fun. So instead, I would take the time to catch up on some reading, politely declining my son’s invitations to “Come jump with me, mom!”
No more! It dawned on me this last go-round that I was indeed under the recommended weight limit and was therefore free to entangle myself in the bouncy neverland that was once out of my chubby-fisted reach.

Roylence Croft · lindon
Lost 23 pounds, 6.5 waistline inches
Starting Weight 245
Current Weight 222

Kevin Croft · Lindon
Lost 9 pounds, 4 waistline inches
Starting Weight 208
Current Weight 199

Spring has sprung, and so has the baseball season. Our two sons are baseball players — Colby plays for Pleasant Grove High, and Gentry plays for the College of Southern Nevada. We have had to make a few eating adjustments as we go to the boys’ games. Instead of hamburgers or hot dogs, you’ll see us with fruit or veggies on double-header days.
John has really worked with us on our goals. Kevin’s goal was to break 200 pounds, and he did! John reminds us that our behavior must match our goals. If I (Roylence) want to lose 75 pounds, then I have to work out five days a week as well as follow the nutrition program John has given us. Another “Johnism” is: “You can’t read or talk your way into a better body. You have to work your way into it.”
Thank you, John, for helping us get closer to our goals. We’ll be hitting home runs in no time.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE MAGAZINE ONLINE

Annie Kitchen · PROVO
Lost 4 pounds, 1 waistline inch
Starting Weight 215
Current Weight 211

This has been a challenging two months for me. I started out in January being motivated and determined. The workouts Kami had me do were awesome. Kami and I sat down and set realistic goals and talked about nutrition, and everything was going well until reality set in.

I loved the exercise and it helped me cure the winter blues, but my diet started to go south. I have no excuses — I just made poor choices. I’m now back on track with my diet. I’ve noticed a big increase in my energy level and my body is starting to become firmer. Two months down, 10 to go!

Katie Kitchen · Springville
Lost 10 pounds, 2 waistline inches, Age 16

Success! I’ve lost 10 pounds since we started, and I’m learning a lot from Kami about muscles, calorie intake and general nutrition. I’m getting stronger — I can feel it!

I’ve been able to increase my cardio workouts and I’m making a better effort to watch what I put in my mouth. I wear a bodybug, which keeps track of the calories I burn, even when I’m asleep.

My goal is to lose 1.5 pounds per week, and so far I’m right on schedule. I have a chart where I log my progress, and it’s fun to see that line keep going down. I can do this and I will!

Kami Price · Energy Explosion · 801.602.7057· energyexplosion@gmail.com · www.energyexplosion.biz

KAMI’S FITNESS TIP
Despite what the media would like you to think, weight loss doesn’t just magically happen. You have to work for it.  No quick fixes. It takes time and consistency. It’s 80 percent diet and 20 percent activity. If you justify having dessert because you worked out that day, the harsh reality is that you can’t. Once you have reached your goal and you’re just maintaining, then you can have the dessert. Not before. Otherwise, you will just keep repeating the same vicious cycle of gaining and losing weight.

Mike West · Lehi
Lost 4 pounds, 1 waistline inch
Starting weight  230 pounds      Current weight  226 pounds

The goal over these past couple of months has been to build — so the lifting has been intense! Having been away from the gym for so long, sore muscles and Jell-O legs have definitely been more of the norm than the exception. In spite of it all, it’s been fun getting back on the horse.

I am nowhere near where I want to be . . . yet. One of the challenges I have faced is changing my mindset about getting into shape. I am accustomed to killing myself right out of the gates in both diet and exercise. While I would experience quick dramatic results, I would lose my intensity and fall back into old habits. While working with Luanne, I’ve realized that this is a process, not a singular event. The past two months have been full of hard work, but I have appreciated the stepped approach we have been taking, and feel that it’s the key to staying engaged and making long term changes.

Overall, it’s been a great experience so far and I am looking forward to the next phases. I feel stronger than I have in a long time and it’s allowed me to more fully enjoy what Utah winters have to offer — great snow and great skiing!

LuAnn Van Akin · corefit Personal training and nutrition · 801.792.3184

LUANN’S FITNESS TIP
To curb your cravings, add fiber-rich foods to your diet such as broccoli, almonds, apples and spinach.

Amy Weiland · Cedar hills
Lost 16 pounds, 1.25 inches off waistline
Starting weight  217 pounds      Current weight  201 pounds

I feel like the wicked witch of the west — I’m melting! At first I was really shocked at my progress. In the past, I would work really hard for a few weeks and maybe drop a few pounds, but I’d be right back to where I started in no time. Here’s the difference — this isn’t a diet. This is a lifestyle change.

I eat eight times a day. I exercise four to six times a week. I’m never hungry and I’m never tired. And I found something out about myself — I love to exercise!  I used to think feeling good meant sitting on the couch, exerting only enough energy to dip Oreos in milk. But I’ve realized that the real secret to feeling good is to treat my body to regular exercise and healthy foods.

My first few times at the gym, I had to suck up my intimidation and lift my five pounders with confidence. Now I’m totally secure in what I’m doing and completely comfortable next to a burley guy benching more than I weigh, and I’m amazed at how strong I’m getting.

The biggest challenge for me has been giving up my role as treat maker after every meal and chocolate supplier to friends in need.  But I’m really enjoying being the friend and mom who can go to the mall and be excited about clothes shopping. Here I come, skinny jeans!

DAN WILCOX · total health and fitness · 801.762.6207 · www.thfonline.com · dan.wilcox@thfonline.com

DAN’S FITNESS TIP
A common mistake people make is working out “on the fly” — heading into a workout without a plan of attack or desired outcome. These five tips will help you get more organized and reach your fitness goals.  1. Assess where you are right now. 2. Set smart goals. 3. Develop a plan of attack. 4. Follow your plan to the letter. 5. Measure your results weekly. 6. Make adjustments based on your weekly results.

Roylence Croft · lindon
Lost 13 pounds, 3.5% body fat
Starting Weight 245
Current Weight 232

Kevin Croft · Lindon
Lost 4 pounds, 2 waistline inches
Starting Weight 208
Current Weight 204

The first three weeks, I (Roylence) was doing great with the weight loss. Kevin and I were trying new recipes, new foods and new drinks, but we soon realized that eating healthy on a long term basis was tough, and nothing tasted very good. Rather than eat something I didn’t like, I just stopped eating, and the weight loss came to a screeching halt. I gained three pounds in a couple of days even though I was eating less than 1,000 calories a day. After consulting with John, we learned that we must maintain the right amount of calories in order to effectively lose weight. So our goal for the next few months is to get creative and eat the proper amount of calories.

Everyone has been so supportive. We are very comfortable working out at Gold’s Gym, and John is the greatest trainer ever. I am doing a lot more than I could in January, and Kevin is a working machine. We have never been bored or tired of our workouts — John always has new and exciting things for us to do. We can do this!

JOHN GIBSON · gold’s gym · 801-636-4277 · www.goldsgym.com
FITNESS TIP
A mistake people make is eating too few calories or poor quality calories. To ensure proper nourishment for your weight loss, have a handful of vegetables and a protein with every meal, and fruit with most meals. To learn more about the eating habits I teach my clientele, go to www.doperformance.com.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE MAGAZINE ONLINE