Losing helps Karel win top prize

The 60-year-old fought off competition from five others to be crowned Blackpool’s Biggest Loser 2017, in a fitness and weight loss contest run by Reform Gym, based on Milbourne Street. In 12 weeks, she shed 2.5st, lost nearly 18 per cent body weight, and 27.5 inches off her body.

The Biggest Loser competition was launched in January to offer free gym sessions, personal training and tips from a nutritionist for three months for those committed to losing weight.

Six finalists were eventually chosen and the winner scoops a 12-month gym membership, along with free personal training sessions and nutritional advice.

Reform owner Maria Gregoriou-Pouncy said: “It was so hard to choose a winner, we believe they’re all winners as they have lost an amazing amount of weight, inches and more importantly, improved their fitness levels dramatically. It was extremely close between two candidates, but against all-odds, proving age is just a number, at 60 years, our Biggest Loser Blackpool 2017 winner is Karel Robinson.

“Karel was reluctant to join a gym, she couldn’t run 100m or do one sit-up at the start. Last week, she ran 10km in just over an hour without stopping. We are super proud of her.

“Our runner-up, Mark Holden, deserves congratulations, he lost huge amounts week-on-week. His fitness level has gone through the roof, running a mile in just over six minutes.

“Thanks to all the instructors at Reform and Nick Wall for nutritional advice.

“The Biggest Losers trained five or six times a week for at least an hour. Workouts consisted of circuits, high intensity interval training, aqua sessions, beach bootcamp, resistance training, boxing and fitness Pilates. We believe exercise variety keeps people from getting bored and helps them be more motivated.

“The group now feel much fitter, and have changed their outlook on healthy eating and exercise. They are all going to keep it going and have all joined Reform. They even said they are going to miss the contest.”

Results after 12 weeks (winner based on percentage of body weight lost):

1. Karel Robinson

Lost 17.84 per cent body weight, 38 lbs, 27.5 inches

2. Mark Holden

Lost 16.72 per cent body weight, 49 lbs, 20.5 inches

3. Valerie Hlomayi

Lost 11.26 per cent body weight, 24 lbs, 23.5 inches

4. Karen Makinson

Lost 11.11 per cent body weight, 22 lbs, 22.5 inches

5. Jade Davies

Lost 10.36 per cent body weight, 23 lbs, 20.5 inches

6. Christian Butterfield

Lost 9.96 per cent body weight, 28 lbs, 16.5 inches

• The next Biggest Loser Competition starts on May 1. Call (01253) 291700.