The Government of the Virgin Islands has challenged its employees to a 12-week weight loss competition, which ends Aug. 29.
“GVI’s Biggest Loser” competition began June 9 in both the St. Croix and St. Thomas/St. John Districts. Teams of five members – at least three of whom had to start 60 or more pounds overweight – have been weighing in each month throughout the competition.
Initially, team members were also required to do a fitness test. The teams now have only three more weeks before their final weigh-ins and fitness tests to determine which team will earn the $10,000 prize.
The St. Croix employees formed 18 teams, coached by Gus Kalathakis of 340 Crossfit, and the St. Thomas/St. John District formed 33 teams, coached by personal trainer Will Roberts. The 255 total competitors meet twice a week on both islands for workouts and bootcamps. The coaches also supervise nutritional and modified exercise plans for the teams.
The competition is not just for show – Joycelyn Hodge on St. Thomas has already lost 56 pounds since June. Hodge has taken the challenge to heart, working with Coach Will to change her diet, formulate an exercise program, and create accountability.
Even as Hodge said she wants to lose 60 more pounds, Roberts interrupted her, “70 more” he said with a wink. Hodge smiled in response and shrugged. “I feel younger” she said, before turning to join the other bootcampers in squats and lunges.
Assistant Director of Personnel Kendra Roach-Gumbs said the competition is meant to inspire all government employees to live healthier lifestyles. Even weight loss of five to 10 percent of a person’s total weight is beneficial, she said. But Roach-Gumbs also went on to say, “The 60-plus-pounds overweight requirement was simply to target those employees who truly desire to lose any extra weight that would make them more likely to have high blood pressure and high cholesterol."
Roach-Gumbs was not just giving lip service, as she is on one of the teams and sweats with the best of them at Coach Will Roberts’ weekly bootcamps.
GVI’s Biggest Loser is part of the 2014 GVI HEALTH. (Helping Employees Achieve Long Term Health) and Wellness Program, and is sponsored by the Government of the Virgin Islands GESC Health Insurance Board, in partnership with the Department of Personnel.
More information about the Program and a 2014 Wellness Event schedule can be found at http://www.dopusvi.org/gvihealth.