Tompkins loses 67 pounds, wins contest

Jim Tompkins lost 67 3/4 pounds or 26 percent of hisl weight  during a 12-week challenge hosted at Iron Mike’s Family Fitness Center “Cutting it at the Gym.”  He walked away with a first-place prize of $4,660.

“The energy in the room was awesome, even those people who knew they didn’t lose the most weight came out anyway to weigh in,” said owner Mike Davis.  “It was great to see how supportive they were for each other as competitors.”

Other losing winners were Garrett Hull, who came in second place losing 24 percent total weight. First place lady who received $500 and ranked third overall, was Brenda Ball who lost 19 percent of her total weight.

The fourth-place winner was Derrick Grow with 18 percent total weight loss.  Other winners were Tracy Gross, who received the Inspiration Award, Trygve Aos won the Bull Award, and the Hard Rock Award went to Dee Dee Oxford. 

Out of the 86 original contestants, 55 completed the program losing a total of 1,032 pounds, an average of 19 pounds per person.

  According to Davis, total weight loss is not the only goal he wants to see contestants reach.

"We also want to increase lean body mass,” he said. “With the nutritional logs and exercise, I can help each person lose fat and not lean body mass.  This is an important factor in increasing metabolism and maintaining weight after desired weigh t is achieved.”

Davis, who is a certified trainer, said this twelve-week challenge is a great thing to get people back on track with their health.  It was not a requirement to become a member of the gym to participate. 

The contestants lost the weight without supplements.

“They certainly help the process of weight loss and the metabolic rate,” said Davis. 

According to Davis, the use of supplements is allowed and can stimulate the metabolic rate and gives people the energy boost they may need to do a workout even after a long day.

"I want people to know that they can do this outside of a gym" Davis said. "The gym may be more convenient, but people can get fit anywhere; it is all about lifestyle changes."

Personal trainer, Crystal Bonner diligently kept track of contestants’ progress on a computer, and according to Davis, was able to get the results out quickly.

The program began in September and the final weigh in took place on Dec. 1.

“In the program you get cardio, body fat analysis, blood pressure checks and every tool you need to succeed,” said Davis.

"The group support is what created success,” he continued.   "We're all about building each other up and staying positive with each other. It makes a big difference. It is amazing how people in the challenge were there for each other helping each other , understanding, motivating, empathizing and the camaraderie was amazing to watch.”

   “We just get back to the basics, Davis said.  “Weight is just a number, weight loss is meaningless unless you know what it is you are losing.”

He would like to get the message out that his gym is a place where you go to get fit, not just a place fit people go.  He has created an atmosphere he believes is not intimidating. 

As a member, everyone who walks through the door will get a personal work out designed to meet their goal.

The 24-hour gym is vast with circuit training upstairs and downstairs,  private heavy lifting rooms places throughout to get a private work-out, and in January a spinning class will be offered.

Iron’s Mikes offers free consultations prior to becoming a member and tours are available of the gym as well.

Davis and Bonner plan to host another “Cutting it at the Gym” contest beginning mid-February to early March.  They hope to see individuals, businesses and groups come out for the challenge.

For information, call 267-5299.