CHARLESTON, SC -
The locals competitors in the Lowcountry's largest loser contest have one goal in mind. They want to lose weight in a big way.
But losing weight means doing what is usually uncomfortable for Justin Seagal and Brandy Gibson. They didn't like the way their bodies looked and so they avoided exercising.
"You are busy you work a lot of hours you go home you got homework and supper by the time you finish all of that it is 9 o'clock and your just tired." says
38- year old Brandy Gibson about being a mom who also works outside of the home. She says she is often too tired to work out.
The Lowcountry Largest Loser challenge is giving her a boost of energy and confidence.
"I'm tired of being tired and I want to be healthy and I want to be able to shop with my teenage daughter and I want to feel better" Brandy says.
Her competitor is 26 year old Justin Seagal. He teaches second grade and says he learned the hard way that longer you go without fitness training, the more difficult it becomes to do it .
"So when you think of going to the gym you really don't see that many fat people going to the gym you see a lot of fit people in the gym" Segal says.
He also says that watching others who were fit exercise, made him less likely to move his own body. He says his self esteem plummeted. while his weight shot up.
"Its kind of intimidating to when you are a bigger person and you are walking on the treadmill and 2 people who look like marathon runners are on either side of you."
Jana Chantanbane, Assistant Manager at Pivotal admits she has heard the excuses-
"There are excuses for everything .. life work kids" Jane says, and there is a simple solution , get moving everyday.
"I think when we are talking about people who are overweight and inactive that anything they are doing is going to help. Any extra step they are taking any weight they are lifting any walk on the treadmill anything they do is going to help at this point"
The benefits are already proven...
Brandy and Justin have both dropped excess weight and picked up lots of energy. They both have their eyes on the prize, but they know they will both win with their improved health.
12 Local residents who are struggling with weight are slimming down to become the Lowcountry's Largest Loser contest.
All 12 are receiving support from trident health system.
The contestant who loses the least percentage of body weight will be eliminated from winning the grand prize.
but everyone will continue to receive weight-loss support until the contest ends May 20.
At that point, the winner will receive a $1500 dollar Carnival Cruise gift card.
