The National Challenge: Who's in? Round 2: Lets Hear it for the Boys!

Last week we blogged about some of the people that were entering the National Challenge. However, everyone we featured was of the female persuasion and we didn't want you to think that the National Challenge was biased towards one sex over another. Here at XWeighted.com, we want everyone to lead a healthier lifestyle, male and female. So, we have for you a selection of fine gentlemen that are planning to enter the challenge...

Ron, who lives in Ottawa and is 37, is going to take the challenge because he says that he needs a goal with a deadline, "I need that kind of motivation to stay on track." He currently weighs in at 270 pounds and hopes to lose 50 pounds over the 6 months of the challenge. "The issue for me is not working out: I lift weights 3 days a week, run 2 days a week, do Yoga 2 days a week, and play hockey 3-5 times per week. The issue is food. I have at times eaten really well (when I've lost weight); but mostly, I eat poorly. My plan for this challenge, and for the rest of my life, will be to eat 5-6 small meals, generally prepared at home in advance and continue with my existing fitness regimen."

Ron wants to set a good example for his children, Zoé 4 and Sam 2, "Ultimately, I want to give them the tools I never had. I want them to grow up with the knowledge to make the right choices."

Jamie, who is 36 and also lives in Ottawa, says, "I'm interested in joining the challenge because my weight has been up and down the last few years, and I'm worried that losing the excess weight I'm carrying around will only get harder to shed as I get older. I got started in doing triathlons a few years ago, but got sidelined by a bike accident, and haven't been able to find the motivation to get back to training. Competition is a strong motivator for me, and having others to be involved with will help keep me on track." Jamie is hoping that through the Challenge he'll meet local people to train with. "I'm heavier now than I ever have been, and at 340lbs, I've got at least 100lbs to shed, maybe 120lbs, but I am a pretty big guy, even without all the fat. My goal is to lose 100lbs, but if I still have more that can go when I get there, I'll keep going. The number is not important, but more of an indicator of progress," he says.

Tony, who is 38 and lives in Saint John, NB, realized when he hit 360 pounds at the age of 35 that he had to make a drastic lifestyle change. "I've been losing weight since then, but I really don't think I'm on the right track as I haven't lost anything in months. I would like to go to the Challenge because I'm still heavy and need guidance. As of now I'm about 312 pounds and totally stuck," he says. Tony is hoping to lose 40 pounds during the Challenge.

Rob, who is 39 and lives in Halifax, says, "I want to live a more healthy active lifestyle, but I am a procrastinator when it comes to change. If there is a procrastination muscle, I have one that is bulging. Being in this Challenge will give me goals and something solid to work for – which for me is key to overcoming my procrastination. What appeals is that I will have a fitness plan and a goal to work towards.  Also that I will be doing it with my wife.  We both could do better with a healthier lifestyle, doing the Challenge together will mean we have someone we can rely on to keep us on track.  As well our 7 year old son will be able to benefit from this.  He is an active boy, but I worry that he’ll pick up our bad lifestyle habits."

Rob is hoping to lose 30 to 40 pounds. "But in reality it is how I look and feel that will count. Currently I’m 240 pounds  But when I look in the mirror I don’t see a body with 240 pounds on it. I do see a body that is flabby and could use some toning in places (stomach and chest mainly). I’d love to be able to go to a pool or beach, take my shirt off and feel comfortable and not self conscious. The ultimate will be if I can sit down without wanting to grab a shirt to cover up the fat that gets squeezed and pushed out," he says.