Queens’ Biggest Losers Contest-Week 10 Of 12

Building on last year’s lessons
BY MELISSA HENDRICKS
Neil Levin’s goal in this contest is to continue what he started a year ago during last year’s competition. “I just want to continue taking care of myself.”
Levin, owner of Webline Designs, a web-site development company, competed in last year’s competition and decided again this year that the extra push would be good motivation for him to continue on his journey towards a healthier life.
“The contest has helped to keep me focused and has helped me to really watch myself, what I am eating and how much exercise I am getting,” added Levin. “Last year’s contest really got me looking at myself with a new perspective. It’s very hard to make changes but it is well worth the effort.”
Levin’s family has been supportive of his efforts to change his body and his lifestyle and has noticed that he has lost weight and looks healthier.
“Eating is simple now. My family helps me to maintain my diet and eat healthy.”
After learning how to manage his weight through cardio workouts, weight lifting and nutrition, Levin has now begun to see the fruits of his labors. His progress may be slow but it is steady and Levin is losing inch after inch rather than pound after pound.
He started last year’s competition at 283 lbs. He began this year’s contest at 273 lbs. and has lost a total of 2.9 % of his body weight already, presently weighing in at 265 lbs.
“I recently had to go shopping for a whole new wardrobe because my clothes were too big. That was an amazing feeling,” Levin said. “I am also now able to workout on the elliptical machine for 35-40 minutes while before after 3 minutes I was tired and out of breath and I am able to swim and play tennis again.”
Levin works out on a regular basis with trainer Chris Mallon at the Bay Club Fitness Center and goes to nutritionist Mary Grace Webb at New York Hospital Queens.
“Chris is really a great source of motivation and information for me and my nutritionist has been fantastic. We are working on an overall approach to weight loss,” said Levin. “I am more energetic and healthy than I’ve ever been in a while. I never thought I’d be lifting weights and working so hard.”
Despite the results of the contest, Levin is looking better and above all feeling better.
“I am staying focused. It’s not about winning for me. The contest serves to keep me focused and help change my lifestyle and I am grateful for this opportunity.”