Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort & Spa associates successfully completed a friendly weight loss competition and battled the bulge in a fun and healthy way! During the 12-week "Battle of the Bulge" program, 55 participating associates lost a total combined weight of 516.7 lbs.! Here is first place winner Glenn Mitsuda from the Bell Department who lost 24.1% body fat, second place winner Darlene Keeno in Accounting who lost 15.12% body fat, and third place winner Ofelia Astrero from Housekeeping who lost 14.96% body fat!
In addition to working out and managing their diets on their own, associates were challenged with fun group wellness activities including a Diamond Head hike, Zumba, deep-sea fishing, turbo kickboxing, golf, tennis and bowling. Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort & Spa also created a "Take Care Wellness Newsletter" series for all its associates which featured healthy recipes, health tips and more!
Here are two inspiring testimonials from Glenn and Darlene.
"I first started the Battle of the Bulge program just for fun. I thought I was in pretty good shape physically. I worked out four to five times a week at the gym, usually lifting weights and running on the treadmill. However, I wasn't as disciplined in my diet. Because I worked out so much, I thought I could eat whatever I wanted. Consequently, I never really reached my goal in being as lean as possible.
Through the experience of the Battle of the Bulge program I learned to motivate myself. I started to seriously count calories, watching my food intake, eating as much as six times per day. I also did cardio once or twice a day. I worked out more than I ever had in my life.
One of the things that motivated me was the possibility of inspiring others to lose weight and be healthy. I felt that if I could go through this program and be successful, I could teach others what I learned and then pass it on. This is definitely one thing that keeps me going. Quitting was not an option for me.
I feel that a HEALTHY lifestyle is a lifestyle that everyone should adopt. Knowing that obesity is a huge problem in America, I hope through this Battle of the Bulge program, I have helped my fellow Marriott associates to be as healthy as possible."
- Glenn
"Back in May 2010 my doctor warned me that my blood pressure, fasting blood sugar and triglyceride levels were borderline/high... and if I didn't improve them it would be necessary to go on a drug regimen. The news kind of scared me, BUT it wasn't until the Battle of the Bulge challenge that started in August that I actually made a serious effort to change. I thought to myself, okay this is my opportunity to turn this thing around.
I started out slowly... kept myself on track by keeping a food journal and exercising consistently and at a pace that was right for me. It was a real plus that Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort & Spa allowed us to use the on-site fitness center and offered some healthy options in the dining room. I commend and thank them for investing in their associates. Also, the other contestants were very encouraging and helpful. We supported each other.
Well, I'm happy to report that my doctor's follow-up in October showed an improvement in all areas! Although my weight is not yet ideal, my blood pressure, sugar, cholesterol and triglyceride levels are all in the healthy range.
I encourage anyone who is contemplating a healthier and more active lifestyle - GO FOR IT! If I can do it, so can you! For me, winning second place was the 'icing on the cake'... regaining control of my health... PRICELESS!"
-Darlene
Congratulations to all associates who participated in the Battle of the Bulge program!
