Weight Loss Sprinters Lose 300 pounds

By Matt Pegouskie

Earlier this year eighty-four Stockbridge area residents combined to lose more than 300 pounds as they participated in the second Bridge to Wellness Challenge.  The challenge, led by Stockbridge Area Wellness Coalition (SAWC) board member Harvey Morrell, was composed of three single month Sprint Challenges.  The participants were challenged to be active and keep track of everything they ate.  The sprinters weighed in at Stockbridge Wellness Center to be entered for a variety of prizes.  

Twenty-six people completed all three of the challenges, losing a collective 240 pounds – about 9.2 pounds per person. Almost half of the 84 participants lost at least 2% of their body weight during a 1-month challenge.  Of those individuals, 20 lost between 2-2.99%, eight lost between 3-3.99%, six lost between 4-4.99%, five lost greater than 5% and one even lost 7.5%!   

Participants earned awards by reaching milestones and goals.  Eight-nine individuals earned prizes.  Stacy Hastings (1-year membership), Cynthia Eibler and Bev Smith (3-month memberships) were the Grand Prize winners.

“It was important to award for individual successes.  This created an environment where it was not a group competition, but each person challenging themselves,” said Morrell.  “This gave everyone the ability to earn recognition based on their achievement.  It was very rewarding to see everyone step up to the plate.” 

Bridge to Wellness will return in March 2020, with registrations opening about four-six weeks prior.  You can follow the updates by liking Stockbridge Bridge to Wellness and Stockbridge Wellness Coalition on facebook.  We welcome everyone to stay tuned and participate in the next Bridge to Wellness Challenge!  Who knows, the next success could be YOU!