You've probably seen the NBC show, 'The Biggest Loser'. But what would happen if a bunch of college students set up a 'biggest loser contest' on campus? Join us on TODAY at noon for a live web chat with students and a trainer from the University of Central Florida who worked out, lost weight and learned life-long lessons in their own weight-loss contest. Learn how one student lost 25 pounds and how she plans to continue losing weight and working out, now that she has graduated and is moving into the real world. Log in and you’ll also learn what tips and motivation the personal trainers used — and how those tips might work for you.

Our guests:

Dana Santoro is a senior majoring in Interdisciplinary Studies at the University of Central Florida. Her interest in the fitness industry started her freshman year when she signed up to take all of the group exercise classes offered at the recreation and wellness center. Her passion would soon turn into a career. Her sophomore year she began working at the Recreation and Wellness Center as a fitness attendant and worked her way up to a group exercise instructor, personal trainer and most recently a personal trainer lead. She also was one of the trainers to work with the Biggest Loser Program this Spring 2011, training a team of eight individuals to lose weight and promote a healthy lifestyle change.

Glenda Brown, 25, graduated this spring with a degree in sociology and minor in music. Glenda lost 23 pounds in UCF’s Biggest Loser contest and she plans to continue working out after graduation. Her highest weight was 315 lbs. Before I got on the UCF biggest loser program she lost 30lbs then lost another 25 lbs. on the UCF biggest loser program. She has kept on going and now her total weight loss is 75.5 lbs!

Danielle Marshall is a junior at the University of Central Florida majoring in Secondary English Education. "A little cliché’ and a tad nerdy but I do enjoy reading, theater, music, and watching sports (Go Knights!)," she says. Going into 'The Biggest Loser' program, her goal was to lose between 30 and 40 lbs. She lost a total of 28 lbs and now plans on implementing what she learned to lose an additional 15-20 lbs. She's a strong believer in just living life to your highest potential and not letting anyone stand in your way. —“Live well. Love much. Laugh often.”

 Dropping pounds, gaining strength with UCF's 'Biggest Loser'(05/11/2011) 
12:02
Orlando Sentinel Health: 
Welcome everyone and thank you for joining our chat on UCF's 'Biggest Loser' weight loss program.
Wednesday May 11, 2011 12:02 Orlando Sentinel Health
12:02
Orlando Sentinel Health: 
Today we'll talk about what tips and motivation the personal trainers used — and how those tips might work for you.
Wednesday May 11, 2011 12:02 Orlando Sentinel Health
12:02
Orlando Sentinel Health: 
Dana Santoro is a senior majoring in Interdisciplinary Studies at the University of Central Florida. Her interest in the fitness industry started her freshman year when she signed up to take all of the group exercise classes offered at the recreation and wellness center. Her passion has turned into a career. As one of the trainers with the Biggest Loser Program, she help train a team of eight individuals to lose weight and promote a healthy lifestyle change.
Wednesday May 11, 2011 12:02 Orlando Sentinel Health
12:02
Orlando Sentinel Health: 
Glenda Brown, 25, graduated this spring with a degree in sociology and minor in music. Glenda lost 23 pounds in UCF's Biggest Loser contest and she plans to continue working out after graduation. Her highest weight was 315 lbs. Before she got on the UCF biggest loser program she lost 30 lbs, then lost another 25 lbs. on the program. She has kept on going and now her total weight loss is 75.5 lbs.
Wednesday May 11, 2011 12:02 Orlando Sentinel Health
12:02
Orlando Sentinel Health: 
Danielle Marshall is a junior at the University of Central Florida majoring in Secondary English Education. She lost a total of 28 lbs and now plans on implementing what she learned to lose an additional 15-20 lbs.
Wednesday May 11, 2011 12:02 Orlando Sentinel Health
12:03
Orlando Sentinel Health: 
Welcome Glenda and Dana!
Wednesday May 11, 2011 12:03 Orlando Sentinel Health
12:03
Dana.Santoro: 
Good Afternoon!
Wednesday May 11, 2011 12:03 Dana.Santoro
12:04
Orlando Sentinel Health: 
Dana, what kind of workouts did you propose in the beginning?
Wednesday May 11, 2011 12:04 Orlando Sentinel Health
12:04
Glenda B.: 
hello!!
Wednesday May 11, 2011 12:04 Glenda B.
12:05
Dana.Santoro: 
In the beginning we mainly focused on cardiovascular workouts. Strength training was incorporated a bit later to avoid the participants from 'bulking up' before losing some initial weight. We moved around from the track to the treadmill, elliptical, arc trainer, basketball courts, and even outside to do stairs and flip tires.
Wednesday May 11, 2011 12:05 Dana.Santoro
12:06
Orlando Sentinel Health: 
How closely did this follow the workout programs on the 'Biggest Loser' TV show?
Wednesday May 11, 2011 12:06 Orlando Sentinel Health
12:09
Dana.Santoro: 
Everyone had different likes and dislikes so the workouts were switched up on a day to day basis to promote interest and motivation. Even if the track was used twice, the workouts were not the same. For instance, 20 second sprints with 10 second jog for a duration of time or laps with weights in hand. Honestly, I am not an avid watcher of the television show so I am not familiar with a ton of the workout programs used there. My co-trainer and I would collaborate either the night before or in the morning to establish a plan. The competition days were more similar to the television show minus the eliminations (obstacles, tug of war, etc)
Wednesday May 11, 2011 12:09 Dana.Santoro
12:09
Glenda B.: 
I think it had its differences. We had intense workouts with the trainers and our team, but we also had to get to the gym on our own time to do some workouts. On the show, they are always with the trainers…
Wednesday May 11, 2011 12:09 Glenda B.
12:10
Dana.Santoro: 
Unlike the show, the participants meals were not prepared for them. They needed the self control to not drive to the nearest fast food restaurant. They were held accountable by logging their daily intake online that would be checked weekly by our program's lead, Teresa Davis.
Wednesday May 11, 2011 12:10 Dana.Santoro
12:11
Orlando Sentinel Health: 
Glenda and Danielle, why did you sign up for this?
Wednesday May 11, 2011 12:11 Orlando Sentinel Health
12:12
Danielle11: 
Well.. As of January 1st I had weighed the most that I had weighed my whole life and I knew that I was going to need the help and movtivation this time around.
Wednesday May 11, 2011 12:12 Danielle11
12:13
Dana.Santoro: 
Donna - The team atmosphere was beneficial most during competition days because the whole team would be cheering for one another. As trainers we tried to influence support of each other.
Wednesday May 11, 2011 12:13 Dana.Santoro
12:14
Glenda B.: 

I had had some health issues starting to occur in my life. I was 315lbs. There was a point when i stepped on the scale and it couldn't read my weight. I realized that I had to change it! There were paths that I had seen that I didn’t want to go down. I had to do something about it.
Wednesday May 11, 2011 12:14 Glenda B.
12:16
Orlando Sentinel Health: 
What were your goals in the beginning ¿ and then how much did you actually lose during the 12 weeks?
Wednesday May 11, 2011 12:16 Orlando Sentinel Health
12:18
Glenda B.: 
My goal in the beginning was to just drop pounds and get an exercise routine going. About a week into I wanted to be in the 240s before the program ended. I did hit my goal. My weight loss for the program was 25 lbs.
Wednesday May 11, 2011 12:18 Glenda B.
12:19
Orlando Sentinel Health: 
That's great!
Wednesday May 11, 2011 12:19 Orlando Sentinel Health
12:19
Glenda B.: 
Donna - Being on a team helped a lot!!! There are times when you don¿t think you can, and the team knows you can. It really did help, but it also helped me find my own motivation and will to continue..
Wednesday May 11, 2011 12:19 Glenda B.
12:20
Danielle11: 
As of January 1st I weighed 204 lbs. My goals for the program was to lose a minimum of 30 lbs. In the 12 weeks I lost 28lbs. But in total since the 1st I lost 34lbs. And I still have more goals to meet.
Wednesday May 11, 2011 12:20 Danielle11
12:21
Orlando Sentinel Health: 
Congratulations to you both, that's great!
Wednesday May 11, 2011 12:21 Orlando Sentinel Health
12:21
Orlando Sentinel Health: 
For Dana -
Wednesday May 11, 2011 12:21 Orlando Sentinel Health
12:21
Orlando Sentinel Health: 
As they grew stronger, did you change the workouts? Or add weight and time or distance?
Wednesday May 11, 2011 12:21 Orlando Sentinel Health
12:21
Glenda B.: 
Thank you!
Wednesday May 11, 2011 12:21 Glenda B.
12:21
Danielle11: 
Thank you!
Wednesday May 11, 2011 12:21 Danielle11
12:23
Orlando Sentinel Health: 
Also for Danielle and Glenda, knowing that working in a team helped, do you think you will incorporate group exercise into your future workout?
Wednesday May 11, 2011 12:23 Orlando Sentinel Health
12:23
Dana.Santoro: 
Definitely. When we started in January, most participants could not run a full lap around the track. By April, they were running 3 miles. We had to add intensity and duration to the workouts. We were never able to personally change frequency because we had our scheduled times, but we encouraged participants to come on their own and attend group exercise classes. Intensity, duration and frequency are main components to change a workout. When we did strength training, as trainers, we adjusted the weight for each participant each time depending on strength and/or injuries.
Wednesday May 11, 2011 12:23 Dana.Santoro
12:25
Dana.Santoro: 
We started with 1 hour in the morning. Participants were asking for 1.5 hours time. At 7 am there wasn't much else going on, so we would happily stay and push them longer.
Wednesday May 11, 2011 12:25 Dana.Santoro
12:25
Glenda B.: 
Yes I will. I encourage the people around me like friends, family, and people at my job to come to the gym with me. The more the better, but I will go if I have to go by myself¿
Wednesday May 11, 2011 12:25 Glenda B.
12:26
Danielle11: 
Group exercise classes are offered for free to UCF students at the RWC and I always check the times and days those are offered. Also, there are classes that are offered as course credit which I am taking advantage of in the Fall. If I can't make them it is much better to work out with people, it helps me push myself as well as the people you are with.
Wednesday May 11, 2011 12:26 Danielle11
12:27
Dana.Santoro: 
A lot of the trainers got to know the participants over the 12 week program so we told the participants to just come in and ask for help from anyone if I or Chris weren't there. Everyone is always happy and willing to give workouts and assist in anyway so there continues to be support.
Wednesday May 11, 2011 12:27 Dana.Santoro
12:28
Orlando Sentinel Health: 
You took some nutrition classes. What were the best lessons you learned from those?
Wednesday May 11, 2011 12:28 Orlando Sentinel Health
12:31
Danielle11: 
One quote that I believe was told to us on one of the very first weeks, was that "we eat to live not live to eat." After really understanding what this meant I really started to notice that not just Americans but a lot of cultures are really into food. So in the nutrition meetings or meeting with the one provided on campus, I would have to say portion size is the best lesson I learned. That what we are given on a "typical" night out on a plate is actually equal to 3 meals.
Wednesday May 11, 2011 12:31 Danielle11
12:31
Dana.Santoro: 
As a student at UCF I took a nutrition 101 course Fall semester and a Sports and Exercise Nutrition class this past Spring semester. I really enjoyed and valued the lessons on what different foods have to offer to my health. So, not just that carrots have vitamin A but what vitamin A does for my body and what too little will do, as well. Most importantly though, as a trainer, I am not certified to give nutrition information. We had nutritionist from the wellness center come speak to the participants on portion size - a lesson that I believe all Americans, including myself, can benefit from. Any nutrition advice participants needed, we had to direct them to the wellness center for certified advice.
Wednesday May 11, 2011 12:31 Dana.Santoro
12:31
Glenda B.: 
Suzanne - Exercise was a big change for me. When I started, I had already started eating better. I still had issues wand with my portions :)
Wednesday May 11, 2011 12:31 Glenda B.
12:33
Orlando Sentinel Health: 
Danielle and Glenda, how do you plan to continue your workout and diet program?
Wednesday May 11, 2011 12:33 Orlando Sentinel Health
12:33
Danielle11: 
Suzanne- I started with my eating habits first. From January 1st-Janauary 17th I lost 8lbs by watching what I was eating and keeping track of the calories I was taking in.
Wednesday May 11, 2011 12:33 Danielle11
12:34
Glenda B.: 
The issue for me was portion control. The classes taught me a lot about controlling my portion sizes. I remember I could eat a whole Chipotle bowl in one sitting. It is now 3 meals for me.
Wednesday May 11, 2011 12:34 Glenda B.
12:36
[Comment From Megan Megan : ] 
Danielle and Glenda: What became your favorite form of exercise?
Wednesday May 11, 2011 12:36 Megan
12:36
Danielle11: 
My plan to continue- I have my own journal that I keep track of what I eat per day. This really helps me. By having to write down things that I am putting into my mouth it really keeps me in check. For working out, this summer is going to be a challenge for me, I started a new job that has more hours. But, I know what I have learned and actually by planning into my days has been the most helpful thus far.
Wednesday May 11, 2011 12:36 Danielle11
12:37
Glenda B.: 
I still go to the gym, and my eating is still getting better. I actually have a metabolism now so I¿m trying to keep it. I¿m trying to listen to my body more when it comes to eating. I¿ve found myself eating smaller meals every day, and I¿m still shedding the pounds!
Wednesday May 11, 2011 12:37 Glenda B.
12:38
Danielle11: 
My favorite forms of exericse.. the two things that I really fell in love with was Kickboxing and Spin.
Wednesday May 11, 2011 12:38 Danielle11
12:38
Orlando Sentinel Health: 
I have found the calorie tracker apps for smartphones are very helpful as well.
Wednesday May 11, 2011 12:38 Orlando Sentinel Health
12:38
Glenda B.: 
My favorite exercise is Spinning and Zumba! Dana offers GREAT classes!!
Wednesday May 11, 2011 12:38 Glenda B.
12:39
Dana.Santoro: 
Thank you, Glenda!
Wednesday May 11, 2011 12:39 Dana.Santoro
12:39
Danielle11: 
Yea. I dont have a fancy phone haha. But if I did I would probably use those. Or if you're just old fashioned I have a notebook labeled "Daily Food Log" that I carry with me.
Wednesday May 11, 2011 12:39 Danielle11
12:40
Glenda B.: 
Yes they are. Before I eat something¿ I track it. When you actually know what is in what you eat you will think twice about eating it, and you spend your calories in a smarter way!!
Wednesday May 11, 2011 12:40 Glenda B.
12:41
[Comment From Maria Maria : ] 
Glenda: I see that you have graduated. Do you think it will be hard to keep exercising when you get a job?
Wednesday May 11, 2011 12:41 Maria
12:42
Danielle11: 
To go off what Glenda just said.. If you know you and friends/family are going out to eat, I look up their menu online and try to pick something that is fewer in caloires and fat content.
Wednesday May 11, 2011 12:42 Danielle11
12:44
Glenda B.: 
Maria-If I don't take care of myself I won't be able to work a job. One of the trainers said something that I will always remember ... "if you have time to sit and watch TV, you have time to exercise." When you think about it, this is very true. Even if it means going walking because ever little bit helps.
Wednesday May 11, 2011 12:44 Glenda B.
12:44
Orlando Sentinel Health: 
Do you both have family histories of obesity? Did that affect your decision to compete in Biggest Loser?
Wednesday May 11, 2011 12:44 Orlando Sentinel Health
12:45
Dana.Santoro: 
I congratulate all participants for keeping up with this during the program, and especially those continuing it after. As you can see, it takes time to track what you eat (whether it be writing or logging it online). Healthy lifestyles aren't easy, but with practice, it truly does become second nature. So many benefits come by living a healthy lifestyle.
Wednesday May 11, 2011 12:45 Dana.Santoro
12:48
Glenda B.: 
My family has a tremendous problem with obesity. My mom was what they call “morbidly obese” I saw ALL of the problems that she and my other family members had to go through¿ it is not easy. This was one of the main reasons why i joined.
Wednesday May 11, 2011 12:48 Glenda B.
12:48
Danielle11: 
Both of my parents were average sized while growing up, not until early twenties did my mom develop an eating disorder and then later in life is now struggling with obesity. Then my dad was very athletic growing up. Played baseball in college but after an injury he just kind of let himself go. He now too is struggling with obesity. Yes, I see both my parents struggling in their late 40s early 50s with their weight and I know that it just gets more challenging as you get older, so I knew that I needed to do something now.
Wednesday May 11, 2011 12:48 Danielle11
12:49
Orlando Sentinel Health: 
Were you ever embarrassed to be competing ¿ or happy for the chance to do it?
Wednesday May 11, 2011 12:49 Orlando Sentinel Health
12:51
Danielle11: 
I was a little embarrassed at first, being overweight isn't something I wanted to advertise. But after a while I thought to myself this is for me not for anyone else.
Wednesday May 11, 2011 12:51 Danielle11
12:52
Glenda B.: 
It was both actually. I was the biggest person on my team, and I was always last¿. But I kept going!!!! It was a blessing to have this opportunity.
Wednesday May 11, 2011 12:52 Glenda B.
12:54
Orlando Sentinel Health: 
Dana, what were the biggest challenges for the students you helped?
Wednesday May 11, 2011 12:54 Orlando Sentinel Health
12:54
Orlando Sentinel Health: 
And Glenda and Danielle, what did you find to be the hardest part of the program?
Wednesday May 11, 2011 12:54 Orlando Sentinel Health
12:55
Glenda B.: 
I remember crying every day after tryout week. I wanted to make it so bad, and I knew I need their help. This was a gift from God for me!
Wednesday May 11, 2011 12:55 Glenda B.
12:55
Glenda B.: 
Maria- yes actually.... I'm going to the gym after work today!!! :)
Wednesday May 11, 2011 12:55 Glenda B.
12:56
Glenda B.: 
Maria- I also play basketball, walk and jog.
Wednesday May 11, 2011 12:56 Glenda B.
12:57
Danielle11: 
The hardest part for me was not giving up. It is far too easy for some of us to just give up, to just quit and say that "maybe next week." But with the program I felt like it was an obligation I had to be there for my team and to let my trainers know that I wasnt trying to waste their time.
Wednesday May 11, 2011 12:57 Danielle11
12:58
Danielle11: 
Maria-Yes, I would schedule in an hour for the gym. I made sure that I was spending at least 4 hours a week my time to exercise. Just like you would schedule in grocery shopping I scheduled in gym time.
Wednesday May 11, 2011 12:58 Danielle11
12:59
Dana.Santoro: 
The biggest challenge for the participants I believe was continuity. It was an early wake up 3 days a week with tough workouts that their bodies weren't used to. Some Friday's they would come in still sore from Monday's workout. They were all students so they had late nights on homework and had common colds throughout the programs that made it difficult to push through some workouts. In only 12 weeks, we as trainers were responsible for pushing for a lifestyle change, not just weight loss. The motivation and enthusiasm had to be there. My team worked extremely hard and would often times lose challenges which was discouraging to them, but my job was to keep them positive and ready to work hard. They held each other accountable and now they still have each other and the RWC to rely on for guidance, but I believe they all successfully made a signifiant lifestyle change.
Wednesday May 11, 2011 12:59 Dana.Santoro
12:59
Glenda B.: 
The hardest part of the program was my own mentality. I was always defeating myself. I had to realize that I was my own worst enemy. Once I saw that¿.. things started to change¿.
Wednesday May 11, 2011 12:59 Glenda B.
12:59
Orlando Sentinel Health: 
Congratulations again and continued success in your weight loss goals.
Wednesday May 11, 2011 12:59 Orlando Sentinel Health
12:59
Orlando Sentinel Health: 
If you missed any part of this event, you can replay it! Just go to http://orlandosentinel.com/healthchat to see all of our recent and upcoming events.
Wednesday May 11, 2011 12:59 Orlando Sentinel Health
12:59
Orlando Sentinel Health: 
Thank you for joining our chat with Dana, Danielle and Glenda from UCF's 'Biggest Loser' weight loss program.
Wednesday May 11, 2011 12:59 Orlando Sentinel Health
12:59
Glenda B.: 
Thank you!!! :)
Wednesday May 11, 2011 12:59 Glenda B.
12:59
Dana.Santoro: 
Thank you for having us! I appreciate it.
Wednesday May 11, 2011 12:59 Dana.Santoro
12:59
Danielle11: 
Thanks again! :)
Wednesday May 11, 2011 12:59 Danielle11
1:00