Mountain schools Wellness Challenge wins by losing

By Stephen Clearheart Johnson
North Forty News

Four women walked away with top honors from a recent month-long wellness challenge hosted by the mountain schools. The challenge drew 80 participants from Red Feather Lakes, Stove Prairie, Livermore and Glacier View.

Prizes were handed out in the lunchroom of Red Feather Lakes Elementary School to the applause of the entire student body, many of whom were children of the winners.

Nancy West, physical education director for the mountain schools, organized the competition to supplement the school's annual February health program. The participants were grouped in teams of three, winning points for daily activities such as exercise, healthy eating, proper sleep and weight loss.

"We got a lot of people reading food labels," said West. "People were amazed at how many products contain sugar."

West said that the team support was "a huge motivator."

Winner Robin Fetterman agreed, saying, "My teammates kept me going."

Another winner, Kyla Allen, explained that many people living in the mountains don't get the peer pressure from neighbors or coworkers. "Most of us are stay-at-home moms. A program like this gets us started," she noted.

Many of the participants continued with the program after the official end. West is proud the program resulted in walking groups being formed in Glacier View, and an aerobics group formed at the Livermore school.

Contestants were challenged to lose 3 percent of body weight (4 to 5 pounds), and 30 percent of them met that goal. Brandie Stewart came out the biggest loser by shedding 12 pounds, winning the prize in the special weight-loss category. She had never jogged before this contest, but arrived at the awards ceremony having just completed a 5-mile run. She still tracks herself daily in all the challenge categories.

Stewart did not know her teammates but found that her husband was her "greatest motivator and supporter." She noted that the most rewarding part of the program was "being able to fit in my clothes."

Fetterman also enjoyed the weight-loss challenge, saying, "Seeing the pounds coming off was exciting."

Winner Cindy Engels of Glacier View is no stranger to exercise and healthy eating. She praised the challenge designed by West, saying, "It was a nice balance as a program; easy to follow."

West said she will repeat the month-long program next year. This month the fitness buffs will participate in the school district's "Fit for Life Week." This is a week-long challenge for students, parents and staff.