Gloucester’s ‘Losers’ vie for top spot by shedding pounds
When Renee Space came back to her car after shopping, her windshield wiper was holding some literature.
That was 12 weeks and 17 inches ago.
Space, of Woodbury, received a flier from wellness coach Marielle van Gurp, who hosts weight loss groups in her home. By borrowing the concept from the NBC show “Biggest Loser,” the program piqued Space’s curiosity.
“Actually, I think I got a flyer on my car when I was at Walmart or someplace,” Space said. “You know, it’s a popular TV show, and I went and checked it out. It was really neat. It was a group of people getting together trying to lose weight, and everyone was very supportive through the process.”
Space, a social worker, has tried dieting before, and has been on and off a lot of diets throughout her life. She said she’s watched the show “Biggest Loser,” and kind of felt motivated.
“I thought, ‘Wow, I could do that,’ but you’re sitting on your couch while they’re doing it,” Space said. “I can do anything from my couch, right?”
Van Gurp, a full-time mom and part-time wellness coach, started her weight loss competitions about a year ago in the sunroom of her Deptford home. Starting with only four people, they have grown by word-of-mouth, and the count was up to 18 for the last 12-week session. She said people are looking to lose anywhere from 10 to 100 pounds.
“We start with weighing everybody, and the first and last night, everyone is measured,” van Gurp said. “And every week we talk on a topic,” which ranges from healthy eating habits to heart health and exercise.
Everyone pays $39 for the session; which goes toward prize money for the people who lost the most weight and inches, and supplies like literature. Space said those who gain weight during the session add to the pot.
Space didn’t lose the most weight, but shed nine pounds in the process. And the competition aspect of the group made for a friendly rivalry.
“Going week after week, you get to know people,” Space said. “If someone doesn’t show up for a session, you wonder where they are. It’s a good, positive support program.”
Space said she’s eating healthier foods now, and is watching her calories.
The current session started Sept. 15, and van Gurp said she is looking to start new competitions every four weeks.
For more information, call Marielle van Gurp at 856-405-9226.
That was 12 weeks and 17 inches ago.
Space, of Woodbury, received a flier from wellness coach Marielle van Gurp, who hosts weight loss groups in her home. By borrowing the concept from the NBC show “Biggest Loser,” the program piqued Space’s curiosity.
“Actually, I think I got a flyer on my car when I was at Walmart or someplace,” Space said. “You know, it’s a popular TV show, and I went and checked it out. It was really neat. It was a group of people getting together trying to lose weight, and everyone was very supportive through the process.”
Space, a social worker, has tried dieting before, and has been on and off a lot of diets throughout her life. She said she’s watched the show “Biggest Loser,” and kind of felt motivated.
“I thought, ‘Wow, I could do that,’ but you’re sitting on your couch while they’re doing it,” Space said. “I can do anything from my couch, right?”
Van Gurp, a full-time mom and part-time wellness coach, started her weight loss competitions about a year ago in the sunroom of her Deptford home. Starting with only four people, they have grown by word-of-mouth, and the count was up to 18 for the last 12-week session. She said people are looking to lose anywhere from 10 to 100 pounds.
“We start with weighing everybody, and the first and last night, everyone is measured,” van Gurp said. “And every week we talk on a topic,” which ranges from healthy eating habits to heart health and exercise.
Everyone pays $39 for the session; which goes toward prize money for the people who lost the most weight and inches, and supplies like literature. Space said those who gain weight during the session add to the pot.
Space didn’t lose the most weight, but shed nine pounds in the process. And the competition aspect of the group made for a friendly rivalry.
“Going week after week, you get to know people,” Space said. “If someone doesn’t show up for a session, you wonder where they are. It’s a good, positive support program.”
Space said she’s eating healthier foods now, and is watching her calories.
The current session started Sept. 15, and van Gurp said she is looking to start new competitions every four weeks.
For more information, call Marielle van Gurp at 856-405-9226.
