Reported by: Shelli Briery
Wednesday, May 13, 2009 @08:21am CST
Wednesday, May 13, 2009 @08:21am CST
"COULDN'T COPY VIDEO"
The desire to make healthy lifestyle changes is rubbing off here locally. A Shreveport church is having its own edition of the biggest loser. At Philadelphia Seventh Day Adventist, these members are sharing brotherly love in a new way. The gift comes in the form of sweat, exercise and a new look on health and fitness. "We want them to develop a healthier living, way of life the next two months." Wanda Burton is instructing the 20+ member group. Each has committed to two months of exercise and diet, which includes food journaling. And 30 minutes of cardio and exercise a day. "We have to keep up with everything we put in our mouth and keeping track of everything, you realize that I am eating things that I don't need to be eating," said Contestant, Sherry Youngblood. Each Sunday, they meet for an hour to workout as a group. Being fit is important for Youngblood as she ages. "And I turn 60, so when I am 80 I will be in good health." Organizers say after realizing a need to help members make lifestyle changes. They decided on the "Biggest Loser" in hopes that all will benefit. "We want to try to bypass or manage diabetes and high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart failure," said Rikki Murff. The contestants say exercises are trying. "We have been doing the stretches, walking in place, some of the exercises I haven't been accustomed to." But the outcome is rewarding. Everyone's a winner, when healthy lifestyle changes are made. "I think it is setting a good example, fitness is something that you can't go wrong with," said Co-pastor, Miller Murff. The Biggest Loser will receive a 200 dollar grand prize.