JOEL’S LOG 12/11/07
As we head into the holidays, we turn another corner on the “9 Kids Challenge.” Our team of young champions has just completed the second twelve-week cycle of thrice-weekly workouts, and we are making plans for the next twelve weeks.
Here’s what we have accomplished during Phase 2:
- The kids are making real progress since they started working out in late June. In Phase 2, the group lost a total of 48 pounds and 34 inches around their chest, waist, and hips. In addition, the overall group diminished their BMI scores by 7.
- BMI is Body Mass Index… an indicator of nutritional status that is derived from height and weight measurements.
| BMI Score | Consideration |
| 18.5 - 24.9 | Normal Weight |
| 25 – 29.9 | Overweight |
| 30+ | Obese |
- The team is much more focused, and more interested in living healthier lifestyles. Some of the kids got involved because they were told to… now they are doing it for themselves.
- They have made great improvements in what they eat. They are much more in touch with healthy food choices, thanks to dietician Mary Henson of SUNY Upstate Medical University. Mary has met with the group as a whole and with the kids and their families individually throughout Phase 2. Her nutrition counseling and encouragement has made a big difference.
Here’s what we’re planning for the next few weeks:
- We will increase the intensity of the workouts.
- We will continue to evolve the nutrition part of the program, with more specific meal plans aimed at helping the kids lose weight safely.
- My boss, Ron Patulski, will be getting more involved. Ron is the owner of Training Champions Institute, and works with people all over the country as a motivational speaker and life coach. He’s spoken with the kids and their parents in the past about the need to involve the whole family in the effort to build a healthier lifestyle. He’s been inspired by the kids, and really wants to help bring the program to a new level… and help the kids build self-esteem and self-image.
We say goodbye to one of our Champions. Maddie and her family have moved back to the Pacific Northwest. Maddie has worked hard from the start, and been a great friend to our whole team. She’s also gotten her whole school thinking more about healthy lifestyles, as we’ve seen on “The Family Healthcast.” We’ll miss her, but she’s promised to stay in touch, and to stay in shape!
Right after the holidays, Carrie Lazarus will be working on our second half-hour special on the “9 Kids Challenge.” Watch for it in January on NewsChannel 9 WSYR!
And now… BACK TO WORK!
- Joel Brown, Performance Specialist, Training Champions Institute
