DALLAS, TEXAS (May 1, 2013) THE Essence of Fitness Charities, INC. organization is pleased to announce the launch of Survival of the Fittest –Extreme Edition, Health, Wellness and Weight Loss Challenge™, an annual 12 week summer fitness program in its 4th year of operation. This year’s challenge adds some unique components and includes a $2,500 grand prize for the individual winner and up to $1,000 for team (community group) winners. Deedra Walker Penny, the Executive Director, is the creator and facilitator.
In previous years, the program was conducted at a local church. This year presents an opportunity to increase its’ presence to the15participants lost a combined total of 660lbs. In 2012, the program saw significant growth where the remaining 70 participants lost 1,025lbs. The reach of the program expanded further with more participants living outside of the “Great Southwest“service area, (like Arlington and Addison) than at any other time. The organization hopes to continue its impact on the community in the ensuing years. Although official participant count was low, anecdotal evidence showed that members were sharing by having their entire offices or families following the meal plan and protocol. People from California to North Carolina were benefitting, as well.
The Survival of the Fittest challenge follows a comprehensive, rigorous, structured protocol designed to facilitate weight loss of up to 50lbs in a 12 week period – strictly through diet (specialized meal plans are provided) and exercise. Compliance is the critical success factor for participants therefore; it is designed so that ANYONE who needs to lose at least 10lbs can win. “Traditional programs, on the contrary, largely cater to those who have significant weight loss hurdles”, states Mrs. Penny. To discourage attrition, which can be very high in these programs, EOF returns back, $100 of the $150 entry fee, at the conclusion of the program, just for completing the requirements with 75% “compliance. The other $50 is retained to pay for the celebration banquet, t-shirts, gifts and prizes. “It becomes very difficult to qualitatively assess the impact when members drop out. Therefore, we pay the participants to stay in so we can gather data.” Although there are others who attempt to emulate this program, it is difficult for other fitness trainers to model because the profit incentive for the organization is absent.
There are four phases to the challenge, that Penny describes as “East meets West” in terms of key program elements. The preparatory phase starts with a mandatory orientation meeting on May 18, 2013 from 7:00am – 9:00am at:
A Village Now
1200 South Pointe Drive
DeSoto, Texas 75115
Actual program implementation will begin Saturday, June 1, 2013 and end on Saturday, August 24, 2013. Weekly guest speakers/workshop facilitators include nutritionists, naturopathic practitioners, mental health counselors, fitness instructors and professionals in other health related fields. Topical content may include supplementation, fitness knowledge, educational videos (i.e. Food, Inc.). Contestants/participants are evaluated on the following criteria:
1. Pounds lost
2. Inches lost
3. Body fat lost
4. Attendance
5. Fitness/Wellness Knowledge Exam
6. Accountability Partner Rating
7. Decrease in blood pressure
8. Decrease in heart rate
9. Two (2) community service projects:
a. SolJazz Festival Diabetes Walk June 8, 2013
b. SOTF – Extreme Edition- 12 Hour Dance Marathon August 3, 2013
The program is more than just a boot camp. EOF takes great pride in the fact that Survival of the Fittest is the most comprehensive program that many of her participants have ever heard of – addressing the mind, body and souls of those who participate. In two of the three previous years, the contest winner was NOT the person that lost the most weight. The winners generally had the best attendance and compliance with all aspects of the challenge. Additionally, the challenge is predicated on Christian principles. Daily prayer and weekly scriptures create spiritual, bonding and support opportunities.
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