Northern Tier to offer 'Biggest-Loser' program

Local News

TO APPLY

Anyone interested in participating in the Northeast Biggest Loser weight-loss program can pick up applications at these locations: Stewart's and Cornerstone Drug in Rouses Point, Kinney Drugs and Rite Aid in Champlain, L&M in Mooers, Labarre's Meat Market in Ellenburg and Stewart's in Chazy.

Completed applications, including medical waivers, must be returned to coaches Mary Duprey or Robb Garrand by March 2. Successful applicants will be notified by March 7.

Related Photos

Scott Vaughn, trainer with the "Biggest Loser" program in Plattsburgh, runs a boot-camp session at the Plattsburgh City Recreation Center. Staff Photo / Kelli Catana

Discussion

PLEASE NOTE: There is a 150 word maximum for comments. All comments greater than 150 words in length will be deleted in their entirety.

ALSO NOTE: Derisive name-calling of an individual or group will result in the entire comment being deleted. This includes the terms "stupid" and "idiot" and similar references.

Welcome to our new online comments feature. Before you can join the discussion, you must first register with Disqus and verify your email address.

Once you do, your comments will post after they have been reviewed by a moderator.

We welcome your thoughts and your opinions, including unpopular ones. We ask only that you keep the conversation civil and clean.

Not all comments are deemed printable. Some are disqualified, at the newspaper’s discretion, for a number of reasons. Here are some typical practices to avoid in trying to get your comment printed:

There is a 150 word maximum for comments. All comments greater than 150 words in length will be deleted in their entirety.

Don’t state as a fact something that is unsubstantiated or that our editors wouldn't know to be true.

Don’t presume someone’s guilt in a case when it hasn't been established by a court.

Don’t assail or impugn an identifiable individual or group. If you have that kind of criticism, sign your name and submit it as a Letter to the Editor. (There is some leeway on this in connection with public officials, but it is not unconditional.)

Don’t use profanity. This includes the term “tea bagger.”

Don’t be incendiary or tasteless. Those qualities are subjective, of course, and our editors will be the arbiters.

Do not identify yourself in the main content area of the article content form. Only by enforcing this rule can the moderators prevent unscrupulous commenters from falsely identifying themselves as someone they are not.

Don't type in all caps. It is considered the Internet equivalent of shouting.

In sports articles, do not criticize officiating.

Remember, moderators are not allowed to edit any article comments. If an article comment fails any of the above criteria, the entire comment will be deleted.

We monitor comments Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. Approval of comments outside these times may be delayed.

comments powered by Disqus

February 20, 2012

JEFF MEYERS Press-Republican The Press Republican Mon Feb 20, 2012, 02:28 AM EST

ROUSES POINT — A "Biggest Loser" program will soon be offered in the Northern Tier.

Organizers of the Northeast Biggest Loser Program are now accepting application packets for the 12-week program, which will combine healthy eating habits and regular exercise to promote a lifestyle change that will lead to improved overall health.

START SLOWLY

"We will do a variety of exercises, starting out slowly and ramping up as we go along," said Mary Duprey, a certified personal trainer who jumpstarted a series of successful biggest-loser programs in the City of Plattsburgh.

She will co-coach the Northeast program with Robb Garrand, principal at Rouses Point Elementary School and longtime basketball coach in the Northeastern Clinton Central School District.

"We don't want participants to get sore and discouraged early on," Duprey said. "We'll use a variety of exercises to keep things fresh for participants."

EDUCATING FAMILIES

The program will begin March 16 and run on Wednesday and Friday evenings at NCCS.

"I believe the school should be the center of the community," Garrand said. "It's a great idea to use the school as our meeting place, and the program is a nice match for our district's initiative to promote wellness in the community.

"We educate our young people in school, and this is a great way to educate our families as well."

OUT OF CONTROL

Participants will work together to set goals and establish workout routines that they will be able to use beyond the program.

It is not a competition to see which participants can lose the most weight but a lifestyle plan they can utilize for years to come.

"It's designed for anyone who feels they are overweight and out of control," Duprey said. "It's for people who need help in getting their lives back in line, so they will be around to see their grandchildren born, to see their grandchildren's weddings."

FEE

Applicants must be 18 years of age and must receive written approval from a doctor to participate in the program.

Participants will pay a $125 non-refundable fee, due by the first class. A portion of the money will be donated to the Cougar Outdoor Academy, a program for students seeking additional mentoring.

Anyone of age can submit applications. The program is not restricted to residents of the NCCS.

INDIVIDUAL ATTENTION

"Participants may not see a large amount of weight loss, but they will see their mobility increase immensely," Duprey said.

"Some may be able to come off medications for things like high blood pressure and cholesterol."

The program will feature guest speakers who will promote healthy nutrition as part of an overall lifestyle plan.

"We are committed to wellness and improving lifestyles to include healthier habits," said Garrand, who has coached the boys basketball team for the past seven years.

"We will offer individualized attention, and I am positive that it is going to be a successful program for participants. I'm very excited about this program."

SUPPORT

Participants will be able to use the High School's gym, weight room, track and possibly the swimming pool, Garrand noted. As the weather improves, the group may also do some outdoors programs, including use of the school's hiking trails.

Two of the current participants in the Plattsburgh biggest-loser program are Rouses Point residents and have volunteered to attend the Northeast sessions to lend their support to the newcomers.

Email Jeff Meyers at: jmeyers@pressrepublican.com