Looking to lose a few pounds and get in shape foe summer? A Chicago-wide weight loss challenge called the Chicago Matchup and sponsored by HealthyWage kicks off at the end of this month and pits dieters against each other to win cash prices totaling $18,000.
Check out a story we did on HealthyWage last May -- all of the information, except for dates, is still relevant for this year's competition, which starts January 27, 2012 and ends (verified weigh-outs must be completed by) April 20, 2012. Maximum weight loss per person in the contest = 16.7% (1.5% per week, compounded downward).
If you are interested in doing the competition, Chicagoan Sonja is looking for people to join her team. According to Sonja: "First and foremost, I am looking for team members who know how to laugh and have fun. In order to succeed, team members should be highly dependable, extremely competitive and committed to winning! It would be a plus if all members had enough flexibility to get together once a week in (or near) downtown Chicago for a group motivational activity i.e. group weigh-in, a long walk outdoors together, etc."
Most of the time I feel happy and content with my life. However, lately I've been feeling like I'm selling myself short. While I have many blessings to count, I feel things could be better. There are so many more things that I could be doing to make my life richer and more fulfilling. I wish I had more energy to be able to do all the things that I want to do. I want to climb mountains with my best friends, play my musical instruments more often and go on more dates. I want to be at the top of my game as my body starts its mid-life change. I want to feel better. What it comes down to is that I want to lose weight! And, yes, I want more energy! I want to feel vibrant and healthy. Like everybody else, I also want to lose weight so that I will look great in a swimming suit and be a good role model to young people. However, in order to do this, I need the right motivation. If I was sufficiently motivated already, I wouldn't have a weight problem. So, for me this contest is all about its motivation factors.
To learn more about joining Sonja's HealthyWage team, you can contact Sonja at ajnos59@yahoo.com or e-mail Lisa Davis at Chicago.Guide@about.com, editor of Chicago.About.com, who would be glad to pass along your information to Sonja.
Looking for more ways to lose weight this year? Check out Whole Foods Market Lincoln Park's new Wellness Club that includes nutriton, fitness, yoga and cooking classes. You can also read Equinox Fitness instructor Tonya Dugger's top exercise tips for 2012.
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