Fenton Residents Stay True to New Year’s Fitness Resolutions

Last January, three local residents welcomed the new year by . Fenton Patch checked in with them midway through the year to update you on their progress.

Some of these resolutions have been fulfilled; others are still in the works. But each of these three fitness aficionados has made 2011 one of their healthiest years yet.

Resolution 1: Reach my ideal weight in six months

Fitness and a healthy diet have always been important to Tim Szczepanski. So when his career started causing him to travel and eat out more often, he knew it was time for change. Szczepanski's New Year’s resolution was to weigh under 200 pounds by the end of the summer by focusing on portion control and eating more fruits and vegetables.

“At this point, I have not yet reached my goal of under 200 pounds,” said Szczepanski. “However, I have lost between eight to 10 pounds, and I'm comfortable with that progress considering all of the graduation parties, weddings and 'summer fun' parties. I think it’s probably healthier to lose it over more time than the six months I originally tried anyway.”

Szczepanski admits that portion control has always been his downfall, but he is “getting better at it.” He continues to squeeze in exercise (Body Pump classes and walking) into his schedule, although longer hours at work have made it difficult to maintain a consistent regiment.

“Exercise has been inconsistent,” he said. “But when I do, I hit it pretty hard. I’ve been too tired after work and longer hours makes it tough to get in and work out.

“The weather has been nice, so I have been out in the yard ‘working out’ by cutting down some trees and mowing the lawn. This is my time to just be alone outside!

“My goal the second half of the year is to try and work out before work, which I think will help me reach my goal before the holiday ‘eating season’ starts."

Resolution 2: Compete in a special event (or two!)

After giving birth to her second child, Samantha Sturgis revved up her fitness routine to tone and strengthen her core. She started taking kettlebell classes and decided to participate in intense fitness-related competitions (kettlebell competition and Warrior Dash) as her resolution for the new year.

Last month, Sturgis competed in the Michigan Warrior Dash. She completed the race, which consisted of a 3-mile run and 11 obstacles, in 46 minutes and 45 seconds placing her 167 out of the 612 in her age group.

“I absolutely loved the Warrior Dash,” said Sturgis. “The walls, the cargo climbs, the mud pit—the whole thing was a blast. I am most definitely going to do it again next year!”

Due to a conflict in her work schedule, Sturgis did not compete in the kettlebell competition.

She said, “I was disappointed, but continue to do some kettlebell workouts at home because I think it's such a great workout!”

What’s next? Following the Warrior Dash, Sturgis decided to get more involved with running races. Last weekend, she competed in Fenton’s Fenton Firefighters 10K Charity Race. She finished with a time of 1 hour and 7 minutes.

Resolution 3: Acquire an elite ranking

Ken Blackburn is the director of operations for the International Kettlebell Fitness Federation (IKFF). He travels the world certifying fitness instructors in kettlebell training and teaches extreme conditioning classes at Fenton Fitness and Athletic Center.

One of the top American kettlebell competitors in the world, Blackburn holds the 2007 North American record for the chair press. His resolution for 2011 is to acquire his Master of Sport (a Russian ranking system that distinguishes elite athletes). To earn this status, he must complete a set number of jerks and snatches (within ten minutes for each) using a 32 kg (70-pound) kettlebell.

“Earlier this year, I spent nine days training in St. Petersburg, Russia, with some of the best coaches and athletes in the world,” said Blackburn. “I believe that within the next couple of months, I’ll hit the numbers I need to achieve my ranking.”

Blackburn was featured as “trainer of the month” in March’s issue of Men’s Fitness.