THE Biggest Winner Ultimate Thinner Challenge (BWUT) is about so much more than just losing weight.
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Local women Shauna Wissink and Nicole Keen are no strangers to the challenge. But for them, it’s all about striving to be the best versions of themselves.
After losing a good friend to cancer in 2011, Shauna decided to sign up to the BWUT when she discovered that all the proceeds that year were going towards Forster Private Hospital’s oncology and palliative care units.
Shauna, who has type 2 diabetes, said when she finished her first challenge she was amazed at the results.
“My first attempt was in 2011 and it was fantastic. I was in a team of four and had a really successful 12 weeks,” she said.
“I lost 7.4kg and was the fittest I had ever been in my life.
“I was also able to ditch the medication I was taking for type 2 diabetes.
“ I had halved the dose within the first six weeks.”
Shauna says embarking on her second challenge this year is about maintaining good health.
“My mum is a type 1 diabetic and she recently had a heart attack. I saw what she went through first hand and I don’t want it to happen to me,” she said.
“At the end of the first challenge I fractured my sacrum. The fall meant I didn’t exercise for a long time.
“Since the injury, my diabetic control has worsened and I want to get on top of it again.
“I have shifted my focus from the scales and winning, to winning back my health.
“I want to be a role model for others because seriously if I can do this anyone can.”
This year marks Nicole Keen’s third challenge. Each year she has found herself at a different stage in her life and this is why she continues to enter the competition.
“My first challenge was the first time I had ever challenged myself to something like this and I found it was a great way to begin a new healthy outlook,” she said.
“My mind set for one has completely changed and I now see myself as someone who can take on physical challenges.
“I now attend training sessions four to five times a week when in the past I would have been lucky to complete one day a week.”
Like Shauna, Nicole’s focus this year is not just about losing weight but to feel good about herself.
“My personal focus for this year has been about creating a better version of me and for that reason I have been challenging myself physically in ways I haven’t and wouldn’t have before,” she said.
“I of course had one problem that we all have - fear - I was terrified of being a failure. I have since learnt that failure is only what I see it as and changing my mindset is essential.
“ I have also learnt that most of all acknowledging every achievement no matter how big or small is the most significant part of this journey.
“It’s about the mind, body and soul, not just the weight loss.”
Shauna and Nicole will begin their 12-week BWUT Challenge this Friday (August 28). Best of luck, ladies.