Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
SALT LAKE CITY — The 100-day community heart challenge at Utah Valley Regional Medical Center has officially ended with an impressive combined 300 pound weight, four and a half feet of waistline, and 54 percent body fat loss. Since February, KSL-TV has brought you some of the stories of the 20 Utahns participating in this Biggest Loser-like competition.
100 days of learning, straining and training were dedicated toward better heart health.
"My kids are why i need to feel better and get the weight off," said Lisa Christen, 100-Day Heart Challenge participant.
We first met Lisa Christen during week one, now at this final awards event, her progress is measurable.
I was afraid that we would when we signed up for this that it would be like oh, we're totally starting this new diet, and it's not about a diet, it's about eating healthy.
–Brittany Hardy
"She lost seven inches around her waist during that time. So she's tightened everything up," said Traci Heiner, a cardiac rehab specialist from Utah Valley Regional Medical Center.
Ten motivated twosomes— siblings, friends, and couples like Tyson and Brittany Hardy— received intensive exercise and nutrition education.
"I was afraid that we would when we signed up for this that it would be like oh, we're totally starting this new diet, and it's not about a diet, it's about eating healthy," Brittany Hardy said.
Tyson Hardy displayed his 31 pounds of lost weight at one of the heart challenge's final events.
"We have a Race for Red, it's a 5k race," Heiner said. "When they cross the finish line the excitement that they have and thrill of accomplishing what they thought they never could... They realize they can do hard things.">
Beth Reilly's day and night workout regimen definitely worked wonders.
"Beth lost 6.9 percent body fat during this competition," Heiner said.
We needed this. I needed this. And I'm amazed at what a difference it made.
–Kathleen Richards
In fact, for this challenge, the oldest were also the most accomplished. Participant Nancy Ivie lost 31 pounds.
Top honors went to the sister team of Ivie and Kathleen Richards. Heiner says Kathleen changed her blood pressure from 147 over 81 to 112 over 71.
"You know you get to the point where you know you have to change your life, but you don't know quite how to do it," Ivie said.
Richards says she's glad she did it.
"We needed this. I needed this. And I'm amazed at what a difference it made," Richards said.
The program's ten teams are selected from approximately 100 applicants. Applications for the 2014 competition will be taken in January. For more information on how to enter, visit the UVRMC website.
