The two lucky winners from the “Make Me Over Current” contest are on their way to a better body! Only a few weeks into the program, contestants Siggy Torres and Jamie Marcella have noticeable results. In addition to taking the regular group classes three times a week at Club KO gyms in Hoboken (the fitness sponsor), the pair have met with their personal trainers to boost their fat burning potential.
The pair are sweating away inches and pounds through the high intensity kickboxing and strength training classes provided at the gym. The Current will follow the two winners on their 10-week journey to their best body ever.
Losing inches
Bayonne resident Siggy Torres has applied the same determination that he needed to train for a marathon to the fitness program at Club KO. After completing orientation, Torres jumped right into the program. He has been going on average, about four times a week, approximately every other day since he began training on Saturday, March 24.Torres began with 31.1 percent body fat with a target of 18 percent at the end of the 10-week program.
“I was really amazed that first week,” said Torres. “My pants were looser.”
Torres said that he already notices a difference in body strength and in body weight. “It’s fun,” said Torres. “I’ve already noticed a difference.”
After 15 days with the program, Torres has lost 10 pounds and dropped inches. He was able to fit into a pair of jeans with a 33-inch waist, which is down from his regular size of 36 inches.
Training for strength
Mike Andreula, manager and trainer of Club KO gyms, who teaches about 15 to 22 classes a week, was pleased with Torres’ progress.
According to Andreula, Torres already had some core strength from the running, so he was a good candidate for the high intensity kickboxing.
“It was easier to get him going,” said Andreula. “All we need is for them to get here and we take care of the rest.”
“That’s what I noticed when I came here,” said Torres. “You focus and you get the inspiration to try harder.”
Andreula was only half kidding when he said that Torres can have the next picture taken with his shirt off. “I’m going to make sure he is in tremendous shape,” said Andreula.
A new outlook
Hobokenite Jamie Marcella doesn’t have quite the fitness history of Torres, so she has the added element of building core strength.
At the start of the program, Marcella had 39.2 percent body fat with a target of 25 percent. For her part, Marcella has focused on eating the right foods and making better choices.
According to Marcella, that can be difficult because sometimes “I want a snack of something besides yogurt!” In addition to the regular classes, Marcella met with her trainer last week.
Marcella said that although the strength training was hard, she was surprised at how much she was actually lifting.
“I feel really good knowing that I’m actually doing something good for myself and my body,” said Marcella. “I feel a difference every day in my confidence and the way I feel about myself. I do think it’s mostly due to knowing I’m eating better and working out.”
The program
Joe Andreula, owner of Club KO gyms, opened the first branch in 1997. In 10 years, the gym has grown into nine area branches. The 10-week program, which is an ongoing program at the club, is designed to shape, tone, and lower body fat. Those in the program are instructed to take at least two to three kickboxing classes a week plus one strength training class with an instructor.
In addition to the physical workouts, members are given a nutritional program and are told to track their progress. The nutritional program focuses more on making better choices, particularly for those that might have years of bad eating habits.
Each new member weighs in at week one, midway, and at the end of the 10-week program. A member can burn on average 1,200 calories a class and will continue to burn calories for hours after taking a class.
Although the program does lead to weight loss, it is really designed to replace fat with muscle. If both candidates stick to the program, they should see a dramatic difference at the end of the 10-week program. We’ll have to wait and see. Stay tuned for more updates!
Club KO gyms has two locations in Hoboken. The gym is open seven days a week. For more information about classes, visit: www.clubkogyms.com.