Two local residents are the biggest winners in a local gym’s “Biggest Loser” contest.
The competition, patterned after the television show, at Powerhouse Gym in Hillsborough was won by Nicole Goldstein of Hillsborough and Fred Norway of Manville.
The program began more than a year ago at Powerhouse Gym. Workouts were combined with nutritional guidance to help 25 participants lose the greatest percentage of weight.
The circuit-style workout consisted of body weight exercises, free weights and circuit machines designed to keep the heart rate up and maximize the amount of calories burned in a workout.The three-day-a-week workout of body weight exercises, free weights and circuit machines was combined with cardiovascular exercise.
Initial meetings measured weight, body fat and circumference. Everyone weighed in weekly. The last meeting had circumference measurements.
Tony Genovese, the fitness manager and exercise specialist, gave everyone a choice of a beginner or an advanced workout. Anabela Bacchione, the gym’s holistic nutritionist, offered nutritional advice each week. Since everyone is biochemically unique, Ms. Bacchione treated each member individually and incorporated blood typing in her advice for food selections.
Ms. Goldstein, who lost 25 pounds and 10 inches in the 8-week contest, found nutrition to be the biggest discovery in her success.
”Eating to live and not living to eat” was the knowledge to change her lifestyle, she said.
Ms. Goldstein says easy-to-follow advice and demonstrations from Mr. Genovese also helped her learn what to do for successful workouts.
She said she feels fantastic and has more energy. She praised the Powerhouse staff of trainers and instructors for providing “a warm and welcoming atmosphere.”Mr. Norway lost 35.2 pounds and 18 inches, accounting for 14 percent of his body weight.
Mr. Norway said integrating Mr. Genovese’s workout plan made the difference of several pant sizes.
Trying both Atkins diet and Weight Watchers, Mr. Norway strived for something different.
”I had the appetite of a great white shark,” he said. “The nutrition program changed my life. I don’t have junk food anymore. I learned what foods will speed up my metabolism and what foods will help me lead a healthier life.”
Switching from regular salt to unrefined sea salt was just one of the small changes that Mr. Norway learned about from the program. The support of his wife in buying the right things at the store was also a large part of his success, he said.
Mr. Norway says he hadn’t felt as good in a long time and had more flexibility, strength and energy.
The 15,000-square-foot facility at 129 Stryker Lane has an assortment of cardio, strength training and circuit equipment, including the new PXL-19. Zumba, kickboxing, Classes in Pilates, yoga, step, cardio boot camp, hip hop and spinning are available.
Certified personal trainers, a holistic nutritionist, wellness discounts along with free child care, saunas, locker rooms and showers are available. Hours are Monday through Thursday from 4:30 a.m. to 11 p.m., Friday 4:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., Saturday 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.Powerhouse Gym Hillsborough is running a contest for a six-month free membership. Tell them in 250 words or less why you would like to win a free membership at the gym. E-mail it to [email protected] or stop in.

