Project Big Fella ends; new project starts

YMCA of Van Wert County news

After nearly 12 months, the YMCA of Van Wert County will be completing Project Big Fella with YMCA member Rob Dorsett. Over the last 12 months, Dorsett has lost over 110 pounds, learned the eight healthy habits to eating for fuel through the YMCA’s Diet Free program, and changed his outlook on exercise and leading a healthy lifestyle.

As this project comes to completion, the Y is looking for a new individual to overhaul in a new project called Mission: Slimpossible!

This mission will focus on one person chosen by Wellness Director Julie Schaufelberger, YMCA trainers Kelly Houg and Kory Hesseling, and other executive level team members.

“Mission: Slimpossible could be the gateway to a healthier lifestyle for an individual and his or her family,” Schaufelberger said. “I know what a challenge like this did for me and my family. It completely changed the way we viewed exercise and nutrition and we are now much healthier individuals because of it.”

The individual chosen for this mission will get the opportunity to meet with a trainer two or three times per week for a total of 90 minutes per week. It will be up to them to supplement exercise above the 90 minutes with trainers on their own. This person will also be required to keep a detailed food journal and he or she will also blog on the YMCA website (www.vwymca.org) about the experience.

“The food journal is integral to the success of this project. Study after study shows that people who food journal lose weight more consistently and successfully and maintain weight loss better than those who do not journal,” Schaufelberger added. “The blog will help them deal with the emotional ups and downs in a process like this. Since it will be available on the YMCA website, the blog will be a source of inspiration and motivation for others who might be struggling with weight issues.”

Those interested in being the individual selected for this project should email reasons why they should be chosen to Schaufelberger (julie@vwymca.org) by March 15. Interested persons can also drop off their essays at the YMCA or mail them to 241 W. Main St, Van Wert, OH 45891, ATTN: Mission: Slimpossible. The winner will be announced no later than March 22.

Information about this and other programs available at the Van Wert YMCA can be found by calling 419.238.0443 or visiting the YMCA website above.  The YMCA of Van Wert County is partially funded by the Van Wert County Foundation and United Way.