‘Biggest Winner’ weight loss contest to begin at Veterans Park District

Those with New Year's resolutions to get fit and lose weight might find what they're looking for in a group challenge.

Veterans Park District will be hosting a Biggest Winner Weight Lost Challenge from Jan. 14 through March 24. It will be held at Cimbalo Fitness Center, located at 1203 N. 24th Avenue in Melrose Park.

To participate, the cost will be $99 for residents and $129 for nonresidents. The fee includes a 10-week membership to Cimbalo Fitness Center. Current Cimbalo members get $10 off.

The first prize winner, based on the highest percentage of weight lost, will win a one-year individual membership to Cimbalo Fitness Center.

"This isn't the first time we've had a Biggest Winner challenge," Cimbalo Fitness Center Director Veronica DeBellis Lopez explained. "We've brought it back."

Director of Recreation Carlene Buvak Greitfelt said the community has requested the challenge.

"People who participated in the past asked us to bring it back because they thought it was really fun," she said. "A lot of the same ladies are coming back. The last time, we had 10 women who signed up, and many reached their goal."

The Biggest Winner Contest will consist of working with a certified trainer every Tuesday evening from 7 to 8 p.m.

"Tuesday evenings will be formal meetings to talk with the trainer regarding goals, weigh-ins, fitness and nutritional tips," Lopez said.

Talia Tinucci uses battle ropes in Veterans Park District's Cross-Functional training room. The park district is offering the Biggest Winner weight loss challenge, with a welcome session Saturday, Jan. 11, 2020. - Original Credit: (HANDOUT)

Lopez explained that the trainer will be guiding participants with weekly challenges to keep them motivated.

"Participants are really competing against themselves," Lopez said. "We want them to meet their goals."

Lopez explained the personal trainer who will be helping the participants is a certified trainer with an exercise science degree. He will be monitoring for any physical limitations, and will be checking blood pressure and BMI.

"All shapes and sizes and ages can participate," Lopez said. "We have a diverse membership here, with a decent amount of senior members as well as younger families."

Greitfelt said a lot of families have been joining the fitness center and working out, consisting of spouses as well as their young children.

"It's really refreshing," she noted. "Families want to get healthy together."

Greitfelt added that the fitness center is newly remodeled and painted. The center has new TVs and exercise equipment.

"The Biggest Winner contest is really about getting healthy for your life," she said.

Right before the Biggest Winner Weight Loss Challenge, Cimbalo Fitness Center will host an open house on Jan. 11 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The free event will offer raffles and prizes.

For more information, please call 708-343-5151.

Luis Lomeli is boxing in Veterans Park District's Cross-Functional training room. The district is offering the Biggest Winner Weight Loss Challenge, which is geared to all ages and sizes and will include fitness. - Original Credit: (HANDOUT)