The Biggest (Rescue Squad) Loser

Virginia Beach, Va. – In Virginia Beach, volunteer lifesavers are helping save their own lives and dramatically improve their health by shedding hundreds of pounds.

Organized by the Virginia Beach Association of Rescue Squad Volunteers, it’s called the “Live by Example 12-Week Challenge.” More than 100 Virginia Beach Rescue Squad members as well as friends and family, ranging in age from 20-70, are participating to promote wellness among the squads and to set an example for the community.

Every Tuesday at 7:15 p.m., participants meet at Town Center Fitness (Virginia Beach Town Center) for “EMS Boot Camp,” a class organized solely for this effort.

The program is under the professional direction of Physician Assistant and Certified Personal Trainer Mark Crews. It involves ongoing access to a personal trainer from STAC Fitness, including nutritional management, weekly workout challenges and monthly weigh-ins.    Winners receive monthly prizes and incentives donated by local businesses.
 
“The Association’s main priorities are to retain volunteers and to recruit new ones,” says Jenni McFarland, Executive Director of the Association.  “What we’ve created is seen as a huge perk for our volunteers -- something ongoing and fun that will motivate and create a bond between them.  Not only that, they have access to a personal trainer and numerous resources to accomplish their weight-loss or fitness goals… for free!”

Additionally, the group signed up for NBC’s The Biggest Loser “Pound for Pound Challenge.”  For every pound lost between Feb. 15 and May 5, General Mills will donate 10 cents to Feeding America™, which provides groceries to local food banks across the country.

Upcoming events include:

Sunday, April 19th – Group Workout Challenge at Great Neck Station Rescue 8; members will have the opportunity to participate in a run/walk, gym activities and a Pilates Class offered by instructor Diane Casey from 1 – 3 p.m.; official weigh-ins will take place at Sentara Virginia Beach General from Sunday at 6 a.m. – Monday at 11 p.m.

Saturday, May 9th – “Live by Example” participants will aid the National Letter Carriers Association’s “Stamp Out Hunger” national food drive to benefit the Food Bank of Southeastern Virginia; volunteers will offload thousands of pounds of donated food in an effort to help feed the Hampton Roads community and get in a “good workout.”  The event will take place at the Food Bank Headquarters  (800 Tidewater Drive, Norfolk) from 3 – 8 p.m.

Sunday, May 17 – Final weigh-in and group workout challenge at Mount Trashmore; EMS Trainer Mark Crews has designed an excellent workout to appropriately end this 12-week challenge from 3 – 5 p.m.

Saturday, June 27 – VBARSV  “Live by Example” 5K Wellness Run; 1st Annual run to benefit the Virginia Beach Association of Rescue Squad Volunteers; Virginia Beach Oceanfront; races begin at 8:30 a.m. (walk) and 9 a.m. (1-mile fun run).


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The following websites provide additional information about programs mentioned above:

National Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive: www.nalc.org/commun/foodrive

STAC Fitness: www.stacfitness.com

National Pound for Pound Challenge: www.pfpchallenge.com

Food Bank of Southeastern Virginia: www.foodbankonline.org