We value our patients' experience at First Health Associates, and would like to share their comments.....
What Largest Loser Participants are saying.....
"DR. Nick is the best....he made it fun and I burned 428 calories"
~ Laura - April 2010 Current Participant
(Regarding 5/12/2010 workout)
"I thought I had my strength training pretty well covered, but I was looking for help on the cardio and nutrition side of the equation. I saw the Largest Loser advertisement in my local paper and became interested enough to call. After my first consult, the program sounded just like what I was looking for. After having gone through the twelve week Largest Loser program, I have to say that it completely exceeded all my expectations. In addition to the nutrition consults and cardio, the program includes a behavior analysis and pre and post physical exam with blood work. Addition resources include physical therapy, chiropractic care, sports medicine and Chinese medicine. The staff is great and easily accessible throughout the program, many of which are active in the program as personal trainers and/or nutritionist. The personal training and group sessions are challenging but very rewarding. My goal was to loss 20 pounds and to get my cholesterol and blood pressure back to normal. As you can see from the before and after numbers shown below, I definitely surpassed my goal:
Category Before After (Week 10)
Weight 203 180
BMI 29 26
Waist 42.25” 40.25”
Cholesterol 230 109
LDL 136 49
HDL 43 49
Triglycerides 256 57
Blood Pressure 135/95 118/68
I’m looking forward to maintaining these results in the future and have signed up for the next program aimed at shaping, toning and fitness.
"I participated in the Fall 2009 Largest Losers program based on my Doctor's advice that I needed to to make some significant life style changes to get my wieght under control. At the time I weighed 270 lbs, the heaviest I've been in my whole life and the extra weight was affecting my health. My blood pressure was at the hypertension level, my Cholestarol was approaching 300 and blood sugar was boarder line diabetic. I felt tired all the time and couldn't walk a flight of stairs without feeling winded.
I successfully completed the Fall program losing 30 lbs. It wasn't easy....in fact it was probably one of the most demanding things I have done as an adult. Working out 3 times a week with the program and another 2 -3 times on my own, at first seemed impossible. But with the support and encouragment from my personal Trainer Tom, I went from barely making the first 15 min's of the one hr workouts to completing the workouts. The stats that Tom keeps for each workout really encourages you; for example, my initially 1 mile time was 17 mins and by my final assessment, I was down to 13 min's. Also, my Doctor couldn't believe the dramatic change in my blood work. In 16 weeks I was back to normal with my Blood Pressure and Blood sugar. My Cholestroal came down 75, points, still above normal,but a significant improvement.
Having completed the first program, and being very happy with the results, I met with Tom and Dr Paul to plan my next move. They reviewed my stats and recommended that I join the Winter 2010 LL program to lose another 20lbs. This will put me in the below 30 BMI...outside the obese range. I took the challlenge and joined the 12 week program. My weight lost so far is 16 lbs and I'm looking to lose another 4 lbs by the end of the program. A total of 50 lbs when I'm completed!!!!
And I'm not done yet, I've signed up for the Hard Bodies program to help me lose another 15 lbs and bring back those muscles that I havent seen since my earlier 20's.
It truly is a life style change for me. And having tried all the different weight loss programs, I can say that not one comes close to what this program offers. It's like they've taken the best of all those programs,ie, weekly weigh ins, nutrition education, team work, supportive staff and put it all together in one program.
It not easy....but the results are worth it."
"The Largest Loser Program is for winners..but I didn't join the program to win anything. I joined it to get back into shape. But the thought of standing in front of others to weigh myself.. oh my gosh. But soon I learned everyone is there for the same reason... to get healthy. and along the way, I found a healthy life style, a thinner me, lots of more energy, a clearer mind and new friends. I have a new way of life and even better, I understood the WHYS of what I was doing. I found trainers who really cared about my success not only during the program but about what I would do after I left the program. Anyone can run a weight loss program. Only a very special group of health CARE professonals can run this Largest Loser Program. The key word in that description is CARE. I found that the trainers as well as my fellow program participants cared about each person in the program. What a difference that makes. But don't let those words fool you.. it is a tough program... and it is hard work! But it is worth every minute! I loved it and will sign up for my next class today!"
"As I gained weight over the years, my doctor, my father, my wife, my children, my boss, my cardiologist, all told me that I should lose weight. I agreed with them and told myself many times that I should lose weight. But how?
I tried several times, but did not know exactly what to do. I knew I had to exercise more and eat less, but did not know what exercises to do, and I did not really know what food to cut out and what food to replace it with. I started reading a bunch of stuff but it really had a lot of conflicting information. Eat only protein, eat no carbs, no carbs after 2 PM, only fruit in the morning. There were tons of advice out there, but it just created confusion. It was just conflicting information.
As far as the exercise goes, I got myself a trainer at the gym at work. Within 2 months I has a sprained ankle, sore back, pulled muscles, and I could hardly walk. I quit because I was getting injured all the time. I figured all trainers were the same and that route was only going to keep me limping around and unhappy. I gave up on trainers.
Then, after looking at our company Christmas party pictures and seeing myself at my highest weight in my life, I decided that it was time to get aggressive and see what programs were out there. So, I Googled “weight loss Arlington Heights” and it came up with information on the Largest Loser Contest by First Health Associates. I called and they said they were starting a group January 16th- I thought this was going to be another debacle, but I joined anyway because I was desperate and figured I had nothing to lose. I was very skeptical. They want the money up front and if I was not desperate, I would not have paid.
They evaluated me and recommended some physical therapy before we started to work on some ongoing physical issues. I figured that was a money making move on their part. I was wrong. They really wanted me to get ready for what was ahead of me. They wanted my body to be ready.
So, we started out on January 16th for a 12 week journey which I can say honestly might prove to be the most important 12 weeks of my life. We started learning about nutrition every week and we started working out hard, three time a week, and again lightly 3 times on my own. The trainer assigned to me was a young man who was in incredible shape and I hated him the first 2 weeks. He took me to the limits of what I could do, but was careful not to go over the limits. I did get injured with some shin splints, but I was treated immediately and aggressively and the exercise program did not miss a beat. The exercise program was adjusted to avoid injury. The weight started dropping, and rapidly, more quickly than I ever dreamed possible. 30 pounds in the first 6 weeks. Then slower-40 pounds by week 10. Maybe a chance at 50 pounds now by the end.
The bottom line is that I am not so happy about the weight loss, I am, but I am happier about the fact that they taught me the METHODOLOGY to lose weight. I know what to do now. If they had waved a magic wand and poof, the weight was gone, in a couple years I would be right back to where I started. But now I know what to do- I know what to eat, I know how much, I know what not to eat, I know how to exercise , how much, and how often. The rest of my life, if I want to lose weight, I will because I know how now. I know what to do. This is powerful stuff-the power to lose weight whenever I wanted and quickly and fairly painlessly. I can honestly say I have not been very hungry throughout the program- I eat quite a lot of food- but good food.
The people in charge of this program saw a need and they filled it from an economics standpoint. They saw people out there desperate to lose weight , but not knowing how. But more than that, they really care that you succeed. It’s more than economics with them, it is clearly a passion. They want to help people get healthier-they want to share what they learned, and they want to empower people.
I was a college graduate with 2 degrees and I didn’t know what to do to lose weight in a healthy way. Now, I have this skill I can use the rest of my life. I am a true fan of these folks-they gave me the power to improve my life for the rest of my life. Now, it’s up to me- but I know what to do and now I just have to do it."
"At 57 years old, I hadn't exercised in over 30 years. I had lost 50 pounds without exercising, but found that I had difficulty with going up one step with a bag of groceries...therefore, Largest Losers. I feel great! Energy, muscle tone and strength have returned. I have also lost over 3 inches to my waist thanks to the wonderful staff any Courtney, my trainer. I am deeply grateful for your dedication to your clients."
"They will push you to your limit with the training sessions. Encourage you every step of the way. Educate you on every aspect of nutrition. You will lose weight. You will lose inches and your clothes will fit better. Challenge yourself! Do it!"
~ Nancy - Fall 2009 Largest Loser Participant
"I'm in the fall Largest Loser Program. Being a part of this group has been one of the best things I have ever done for myself. My health and energy level is improving with each passing week. With the support and encouragement from all the health personnel and office staff I find myself working hard, learning a lot, making better choices and making new friends. This isn't just another "diet". It's a new way of life. A healthy life. The largest Loser Program is motivating and challenging me, and teaching me how to succeed and achieve my goals."
~ Cathy C - Fall 2009 Largest Loser Participant
"I am really enjoying this program. Coming here is like going to visit your family. It is also very MOTIVATING to be on a team challenge. I have tried every diet known to man, but I am truly enjoying this method of losing weight, exercising and having fun while doing it. I have lost 13.5 lbs in 6 short weeks and I intend to lose at least another 15 lbs by week 16."
~ Kathy M - Fall 2009 Largest Loser Competitor
"I saw an ad for the "Largest Loser Challenge". I debated in my mind whether or not to call, and finally decided to take the plunge. When I called, I was told I was the last applicant to be accepted. I came in for the physical assessment and knew I had been out of shape for many years. I never exercised, still carried pregnancy weight around, (unfortunately, my 'baby' is now 30!), and was not getting any younger ( I'll be 50 this month). Not only have I lost 23 pounds in 7 weeks, but I have actually been able to push myself physically as well. I couldn't do a push-up, could barely walk a mile without being winded, and landed flat on my butt trying to do dips. Now I can do a set of modified push-ups, walk 1.5 miles in 25 minutes and actually try jogging for portions of it (small ones, so far, but it's a start), and do 2 modified sets of dips without crying! This program is the best way I have found to achieve an all-around active and fit lifestyle. It's not easy, but it's definitely worth the effort!"
~ Mary H. - Fall 2009 Largest Loser Participant
"I started this program because I weighed more than I ever had at 254 lbs. My wife was commenting about my needing to do something and my kids were calling me FAT! The wii fit said I was OBESE! So when the ad in the paper said I could lose weight and get exercise while being medically supervised I decided to do something about my condition. What a difference that decision has made. In 6 weeks I've lost 27lbs and am down a pant size. I'm well on my way to my goal of 44lbs by the end of week 16."
"Over the years I've tried just about every weight loss program there is. Weight Watchers, food sent in a box to my home, diet pills, gym trainer, etc... I usually gained more weight after I stopped. Go figure. After a visit to my to doctor for my annual physical, my doctor hit me with all the bad news: high cholesterol, high blood pressure and borderline blood sugar. Her message: Either lose the weight or I'm putting you on all kinds of medication. If not, she said , you are a perfect candidate for a heart attach. Well shortly after my doctor's visit, as if by divine intervention, I saw an ad in the paper about this First Health's weight loss program. I called and spoke with Tom. I liked what I heard and scheduled a visit to the center and met with a few folks. It seemed to me that they really did their homework; they took the best of all the programs I have tried (group meetings, training, and doctor supervision) and put it all together into one program. What a winner I said. I was screened and was really excited when they got back to me that I was selected for the program. I started 9/19 and after 6 weeks have lost 20 lbs. I look better, feel better and have lots of energy. Now, I warn you this has not been easy. I wouldn't recommend it to anyone that isn't willing to dedicate themselves to this for 12 or 16 weeks. It takes hard work, planning, time and personal commitment. But if you make that commitment, like Dr Paul says, 12 weeks out of your life time is nothing, your quality of life will improve tremendously."
~ Dan B. - Fall 2009 Largest Loser Participant
"My law practice keeps me very busy . . .however, that being said, last summer from June until August,I committed to the largest loser, that effort and commitment paid off for me I lost 27 pounds. Since august 22nd i have kept it off, I exercise on my own,and once a week with Tom. I'm watching my diet, eating healthy, I still keep a food journal during the week. I weigh 198-200 pounds. Tom wants me to lose 15 more and get to 185. I've made that my new goal. I will also be joining the FITNESS CLUB next year. Please consider this a wholehearted and heart healthy endorsement of the largest loser program. I know everyone is busy, and everyone has scheduling issues, it was no different for me, but i made commitment to good health, weight loss and fitness. With the help of FIRST HEALTH it's working . . . thanks."
~ Henry G. - Summer 2009 Largest Loser Participant
"I was part of the summer program and was
very happy with the whole program and everyone at First Health. It is a
total package deal that I can't say enough about.
I lost 17.5 pounds during the program. I also had a few medical issues
I was battling. The blood work that was done before and after the
program showed improvement in those areas. The exercise I was doing was
making a difference for me. I
continue to work out once a week with Tom as my trainer and I am part
of the Saturday morning exercise class and I also do yoga.
The months of November and December will be hard for me because of work
demands and the holidays."
~ Maureen G. - Summer 2009 Largest Loser Participant
"I've always been a YO YO.....going up and down in my weight. I was in a
rut and I had lost my motivation . . . until I joined the Largest Loser
program at First Health.
I knew from the moment I walked into your facility, it was the best
thing I could have done for myself. Your entire staff is awesome. You
care about us and want the best for us and I really appreciate that.
Your program is excellent & very thorough on all levels.
In joining the program we all made the decision to transform our bodies
and our health. . . . The First Health team is helping us turn that
goal into a reality. The program provides accountability, support,
knowledge, motivation and newly formed friendships and it will help you
achieve your fitness goals.
I LOVE the group workouts, the one on one training with Tom and all the
weekly group meetings we've had. The workouts are fun and invigorating.
The staff and fellow members in our group have touched my life and I am
forever grateful.
My personal journey continues. Thanks to the friendships, the ongoing
support and expertise of First Health, I know I will reach my goals.
You all mean the world to me. Thank you."
~ Janet K. - Summer 2009 Largest Loser Participant
"I came here wondering where to begin to comment on what a great experience the summer Largest Loser challenge was! Everyone in the above comments expressed much of what I could say. I think the keys were the group interactions and the great skillfulness of the staff, especially Tom my trainer. The genuine concern for our well-being is impressive. The planned follow-up promises to be just what we need to keep up our individual efforts in gear. I've managed to maintain my summer weight loss and it was easier than I anticipated. I learned some good eating and activity habits over summer for which I remain forever grateful. Participating in the weekly group exercise now is real important for me.
Overall, I give the program an unqualified thumbs up!
~ Judy - Summer 2009 Largest Loser Participant
"For anyone who struggles with will-power and discipline, this is a GREAT program! Like many others, I've dabbled in other diet programs but never felt like one program had everything that it should. The Largest Loser program is a great combination of exercise and proper nutrition. The fact that it involves some friendly competition is certainly motivating too! After years of back and disc problems, I was fearful of exercise because I never wanted to risk potential injury. Working out under the supervision of medical professionals has provided great peace of mind. I feel healthier and stronger already! Although my weight loss has been slow, I'm not overly concerned because I'm confident that it will stay off. Everything I'm doing will only improve my health and well-being. I'm excited about the 8.5 pounds I've lost in the last 6 weeks and can't wait to see the results after Week 16!!!"
~ Nina A. - Fall 2009 Largest Loser Participant
(P.S. Nina has lost 20 pounds as of week 12)
~ Cindy P. - Summer 2009 Largest Loser Participant
"Over the years I too have tried different weight loss programs. I would lose weight for a while and quit, only to gain more than where I was at originally. Other weight loss programs want you to succeed to make their own numbers look better. I feel that they lacked the one thing that First Health has. First Health wants you to succeed for the main reason so that you improve your overall health and fitness. They really do care about your success in the program. When the staff sees you in the waiting room or in the gym and they ask you how you are doing... they really want to know. They are not looking for just the generic answer of fine, or good. Doing this program with the other contestants makes it more fun and interesting. In the 12 weeks I was in the summer program, I lost 33 pounds and am very proud to say I was the track 2 winner!"
~ Cathy T. - Summer 2009 Largest Loser Track 2 Winner
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