Sherita Jackson
People talk about how the weight just falls off; in the beginning, I thought it did. Now you have to work harder to lose a pound. My fiance is really serious. He won't even let me have a cheat day.
Trainer Jeff Shablin says: Sherita had a rough week - a funeral, a move, wedding planning, family - but she is staying on track. We are intensifying her workouts, and she can handle the physical stress very well. Her family and friends are very supportive. She is an inspiration and impresses me more as we move forward!
Mary Leonard
I did two things this weekend that I could not have done nine weeks ago: I took a Tai-Bo class and did moves I never thought I could, and I slid on my size 10 jeans. They were hiding in my closet, hoping that some day I could wear them. That day is now.
Trainer Gabriel Gaskin says: Mary's commitment to the fitness lifestyle is to be applauded. I can't express how proud I am of her. She is a role model to women everywhere of what's possible once you make up your mind to do it.
Vaughn Morrison
The lymphedema (severe swelling) I've had for years in my left leg and foot is virtually gone - I can wear shoes again! No more back pain walking a few blocks. My arthritis has conformed to the program. And I get to enhance the perpetual honeymoon my wife Cynthia and I embarked upon on Nov. 10, 2001.
Trainer Melissa Kolczynski says: I am very proud of Vaughn's progress. He's lost over 30 pounds! Circuit training helped him break through his plateau and begin losing again.
Cynthia Santiago
I have not lost an ounce this week, but I'm getting stronger. I can see muscle definition. At times I just want to give up, but then I realize that change does not occur overnight. I have to step it up. I am one pound short of my goal. Next goal? Ten more.
Trainer Kimberly Garrison says: Cynthia has hit a little plateau and was a bit disappointed. Is the honeymoon over? No, weight-loss plateaus are typical. She's been doing 30 minutes of cardio; it's time to crank it up to 45 or 60. And she'll need to refuel every few hours to keep that metabolic furnace burning.
B.J. Wilson
My first week back [he was sick for two weeks] was tough. My first workout was excruciating. For the first time since the first week, I was sore. I underestimated what you lose if you don't go to the gym, just for a week. It was a good lesson. I'm looking forward to finishing the last three weeks with a flourish. If I can do it, anybody can. I never would have thought I could go nine weeks without a cheesesteak.
Trainer Jim Hart says: Most impressive to me is how B.J. remains vigilant with his eating despite schedule changes, challenges at work, family parties with tempting, fattening foods and the daily challenge of working an overnight shift. B.J. has yet to hit a plateau. He has lost 32 pounds!