On Jan. 10, four community members embarked on a project to lose weight and raise money for the community. The participants weighed in on Jan. 10-11, and will complete their final weigh-in on June 10, on stage at Pride. Willing donors have the option of pledging per pound lost or a flat donation. Proceeds will be evenly distributed among Philly Pride Presents, The Attic Youth Center and the William Way LGBT Community Center. Pledge forms are available at epgn.com, Atticyouthcenter.org, PhillyPride.org, Waygay.org, Spruce Street Video and PGN. Pledge forms are due Feb. 22.
During the five months, each participant will work with a local gym or fitness studio, getting advice on exercise, nutrition and health. They’ll weigh in on the 10th of the month, with a progress report in the following issue of PGN (or track their progress at epgn.com).
It’s a win-win: They lose weight and get healthier, the community benefits.
This week, participants weighed in and got started.
Micah Mahjoubian CEO, Soapbox Solutions Starting weight: 267
Fusion Cross-Training 105 S. 12th St. Trainer: Gavin McKay Program: two 10-week fitness bootcamps, full fitness assessment and nutrition coaching, meeting weekly; three to four additional workouts weekly
Debbie Spadafora Administrative manager, Woody’s and Voyeur Starting weight: 339
12th Street Gym 204 S. 12th St. Trainer: Noe Espinosa Program: two training sessions per week, with full fitness evaluation, medical evaluation by Bouari Clinic physician and nutrition coaching; additional workouts weekly
Dan Calhoun Director of advertising and marketing, PGN Starting weight: 268
Move Forward Fitness 1616 Walnut St., Suite 702 Trainer: Jared Carter Program: two personal training sessions per week, fitness assessment and nutrition education; four additional workouts weekly
Franny Price Executive director, Philly Pride Presents Starting weight: 264
Optimal Sports Health Clubs 325 Bainbridge St.; 601 Walnut St. Trainer: Jo-Ellen Marks Program: one personal training session per week, with initial Polar Body Age fitness assessment and ongoing medical assessment from the Rossi Center; will meet biweekly with health-nutrition coach Colleen DeCesare; at least three additional workouts weekly