There are currently 22 people who are getting fit by participating in Kosciusko Community YMCA's Largest Loser competition.
Kosciusko Community YMCA's Largest Loser competition runs Jan. 6 to March 24.
This is the second year for the program.
Nancy Brown, 53, Warsaw, is participating in the competition for the second time. She previously participated in the competition in the fall."I am still working on goals I've set and have a little way to go to to have a healthy lifestyle and body," Brown said.
The weight management program is designed to help people take the first step toward losing weight and leading a healthier lifestyle.
Brown said after completing the competition in the fall, she looks and feels better and can do more.
Reny Missos, 47, Winona Lake, found out about the competition when she came to the YMCA to lift weights with a friend and saw the brochure.
"We are still at the beginning painful stages and I am so proud because I have learned I can get up at 5 a.m. to be at the Y for a 5:30 a.m. class and it's not going to kill me," Missos said. "The competition is exposing us to all of the classes the Y offers such as zumba, step aerobics and cardio training."
Lori Davila, 40, Warsaw, said she has gained strength from the competition and friends.
"I have five kids and two grandsons and I am on the go constantly and my goal is to get healthy," Davila said.
Dean Smeltzer, 46, Warsaw, recently started working out and found out about the class.
"I decided a little healthy competition would help me," Smeltzer said.
The contest runs three months and is designed for those who need to lose weight and would like some education and competition to take charge of their health, according to Stacy Thomas, YMCA wellness director.
An awards ceremony will be March 29 at 6:30 p.m. at the YMCA, 1401 E. Smith St.
Being part of the challenge includes fitness classes instructed by personal trainers, nutrition and exercise seminars, body composition tests, weekly weigh-ins, free use of the YMCA for non-members and prizes for the winner.
Prizes include a six-month membership to the YMCA. The weight loss winner is determined by the highest percentage of body weight lost during the competition.
There also will be a Largest Loser Dedication Award to the participant who attends the most exercise and nutrition classes.
