"Biggest Loser" participants rise to challenge; Part 2 of a series

Published Jan. 30, 2009
By Airman 1st Class Abigail Klein
28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs

ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. -- After an extensive spinal fusion surgery in June 2007, Staff Sgt. Kevin Pike, 28th Bomb Wing chaplain assistant, was forced to refrain from intense physical activity for most of 2008; limiting his ability to stay-in-shape and unintentionally causing him to gain 20 pounds.

His decision to participate in the Bellamy Fitness Center's "Biggest Loser" competition provided him with not only a means to lose weight, but also the motivation to get back-in-shape with a support system to help keep him on track.

Since the initial weigh-in for the competition Jan. 13, Sergeant Pike has lost seven pounds in just two weeks. His progress was tallied along with 70 other participants at the competition's first weigh-in Jan.26.

"I felt pretty good about the results, but I didn't want to get too excited," Sergeant Pike said. "I still have a long way to go; eating less and exercising more is easy for a short time, but it's the long-term I am concerned about."

To get back-in-shape, Sergeant Pike has been utilizing programs offered at the fitness center and has begun running more frequently, incorporating fitness into his everyday routines.

"Since I started running more, I've noticed each time it takes longer for me to get winded," Sergeant Pike said. "I have also been looking for random opportunities to exercise. With the frequent snowfall here, I always volunteer to shovel the sidewalks."

Along with working out more often, Sergeant Pike has also made changes to his diet, including eating six meals a day, switching to diet soda and chewing sugarless gum to help stave off his hunger.

"I still eat what I want," Sergeant Pike said. "The trick is not over indulging."

Although he's dedicated to these changes, Sergeant Pike admits it hasn't been easy to maintain them.

I find it difficult making it a habit to go to the gym because of stress from work or home, Sergeant Pike said. There are deadlines I have to accomplish outside of the competition, and it's hard to make working out a priority, but I know I still have to make time for it whenever and wherever I can.

Even with these challenges, Sergeant Pike's children, his support group, have helped motivate him to keep him on track.

"My son often challenges me to see who can do the most push-ups," Sergeant Pike said. "My daughter encourages me to go to the gym when I don't feel like going. Both of them have said I look slimmer and its absolutely motivating me."

His family isn't alone in noticing his dedication; his co-workers quickly saw a drastic change in his diet.

"I got him a [fast food] meal, but he declined it because of the competition," Senior Airman Martin Gomez III, 28 BW chaplain assistant. His dedication has even encouraged me to start losing weight."

"I'm very proud of Sergeant Pike, and I hope he continues with this even after the competition is done," he said.

Despite the lifestyle changes he has already made, Sergeant Pike wants to make sure his workouts and diet evolve in order to ensure his success not only in the competition, but afterwards as well.

"I don't want to get bored with my workouts, so I alternate between the track and the treadmill," Sergeant Pike said. "I also swim, play basketball, volleyball, incorporating running in both while I play."

Though his family and co-workers have noticed the physical changes Sergeant Pike has undergone for the competition, it hasn't caused Sergeant Pike to lose focus on being the "Biggest Loser."

"I haven't noticed any physical changes just yet," Sergeant Pike said, "but wait until the next weigh-in Feb. 9; the scale will be less fearful when it sees me coming."