Kirtland’s Biggest Loser competition announces winners

  • Published
  • By Sheila Rupp
  • Nucleus Journalist
Hard work and dedication usually makes you a winner, but in this case, it makes you a loser and a winner.

Individuals and teams from across Team Kirtland competed to lose weight and win big in the Health and Wellness Center's The Biggest Loser competition, which ended March 29.

Contestants took part in the events that encompassed many of the offerings of the 377th Services Squadron from bowling to fitness center classes. Beginning in January, participants logged hours at the fitness centers, took classes at the HAWC, swam and danced their way into better shape with the hopes of being named Kirtland's Biggest Loser.

The fitness centers, Health and Wellness Center, indoor pool, Kirtland Lanes Bowling Center, outdoor recreation, youth center, Tijeras Arroyo Golf Course and the Mountain View Club all hosted events in the competition.

Senior Airman Celia Morse of services said that approximately 70 contestants and 11 teams began the program, but in the end only five individuals and three teams were in the running to be named The Biggest Loser.

The contest ended March 29 at the Mountain View Club with a recipe competition. 2nd Lt. Laurie Knorr of the Air Force Research Laboratory won the individual recipe division with her grilled chicken with spinach and pasta salad and team Bring It On won the team competition with spinach and feta- stuffed chicken. Their recipes will be featured on the Mountain View Club menu through June.

Lieutenant Knorr and team Bring It On were also the overall winners of The Biggest Loser in the individual and team categories, respectively. Bring It On was made up of active duty Airman 1st Class Brittnie Brazile and Air National Guard members Capt. Virginia Garcia, Tech. Sgt. Lisandra, Staff Sgt. Jenny Pearson and Senior Master Sgt. Tonya Pinkerten.

Each winner received a $250 gift certificate to a local resort and casino.

"Everyone worked really hard and they should all be very proud of themselves and what they've accomplished," Airman Morse said.

Lieutenant Knorr said that participating in The Biggest Loser was an opportunity to get in shape and try new things in health and fitness.

Although the competition has ended, it is not too late to get fit and change eating habits. Schedules for fitness center classes offered at the fitness center are available at the front desk or in the racks between the doors at the East Fitness Center. For more information about a healthier lifestyle, call the HAWC at 846-1186.