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Minnesota Swarm and the Saint Paul Athletic Club Hit Midway Point of "Get Fit Challenge"

March 25, 2014 - National Lacrosse League (NLL)
Minnesota Swarm News Release


SAINT PAUL, Minn. - The National Lacrosse League's (NLL) Minnesota Swarm has partnered with the Saint Paul Athletic Club for a weight loss challenge this season, which has allowed eight Swarm fans the chance to work one-on-one with a personal trainer to help reach their personal goals of living a healthier lifestyle. The Minnesota Swarm's Get Fit Challenge is a 14-week weight loss challenge that started on January 13, and will end on the home season finale, April 26.

"The Get Fit Challenge has been a great partnership with the Saint Paul Athletic Club, as it has given our eight fans the ability to see life-changing results while being provided with world-class workout facilities and access to a top-notch training staff," said Andy Arlotta, Co-Owner & President for the Minnesota Swarm. "It is these changes and successes that are the real reward."

The Swarm chose eight participants (four male, four female), ranging from ages 25-53 to compete in the weight loss challenge. Each participant received a SPAC membership and was paired with an expert SPAC trainer who has custom designed the healthiest and most effective program for that individual. While the participant with the highest percentage of total weight loss is the winner, the emphasis is on creating a healthy, sustainable way of life.

"Both staff and members at the Saint Paul Athletic Club are cheering on all of the contestants as they continue to strive toward their goals," said Stephanie Laitala, President of the Saint Paul Athletic Club. "The transformation the Get Fit contestants have gone through is incredible! We love that The Swarm is as committed as we are to make a positive impact on the contestants' lives."

A big reveal will take place on the last home game (April 26) to disclose the winner of the challenge. The contestants total weight loss will be revealed live during the halftime of that game. The person with the highest cumulative weight loss during the challenge period will receive a Swarm prize pack, a one-year membership to the SPAC, and the designation as the first annual Get Fit Challenge winner.

Art Coulson, 53, of Apple Valley is a Swarm Season Ticket Holder and joined the Get Fit Challenge because he wanted to do something to get back into shape and improve his overall health.

"It's not just about the pounds I've lost, it's more about the health improvement for me in the long term." Coulson says. "My clothes are fitting me better, I've got much more stamina, a lot more energy and feeling a lot healthier."

His workouts consist of a one-hour session every Monday with his trainer; his sessions include a combination of running and lifting weights. Coulson says turning fitness and nutrition into a habit and making it something he can stay with for the rest of his life has been the most rewarding factor he will take away from his experience with the Get Fit Challenge.

"My trainers really showed me a lot of the workouts we do, can be done at home and that's one of the things I've really appreciated."

The other seven participants include: Brian Ganas (28); Darcy Johnson (49); Cyndi Kesler (40); Daniel Krier, (27); Meredith Pearson (25); Sue Powell (50); and Peter Winberg (33). Participant biographies are located at mnswarm.com/getfit.

During each home game, stay tuned for an in-game segment that highlights the updated information of each contestant's progress. Four weeks remain in the contest and video updates, participant testimonials, updated weekly weight loss results and photos can be found on mnswarm.com/getfit.

This is the first season the Minnesota Swarm has partnered with the Saint Paul Athletic Club. The partners look to build on the success of this year's inaugural challenge and continue this challenge in the future.



National Lacrosse League Stories from March 25, 2014


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