The Bakersfield Loser has begun!!!

This is the first week of the Bakersfield Loser contest at Body Xchange in Bakersfield, CA and it is such an amazing thing to see 300 people come out and make the commitment to change their lives for the better!
Last night I taught a group exercise class to over 75 people...we didn't have enough equipment so we marched, we lunged and squatted, we did some pushups and planks...it is amazing what you can accomplish with no equipment. My favorite part was that most participants seemed genuinely happy to be there, to come out and try something new. Group exercise won't be for all of them, but it is a nice venue to learn some basic exercises, to feel the energy of the group...and maybe to scope out the competition for who might be the stiffest competition on the scales!
My biggest advice to start would be to find some support and use it! Like this message board! Some family to help, a workout buddy, a friend...but be careful...encourage each other, but don't let their excuses take you down too! Not everyone is ready at the same time, so if you are ready, work hard and write down your plan for both exercise and fitness, don't stop because your workout buddy is busy though...that could be your downfall!
Do not eat something because you earned it. Once you are past the contest a treat occasionally is OK, but don't sabotage yourself because of a sweet tooth! Focus on the goal...even if you don't expect to win (miracles do happen though), use this time frame as a chance to focus on what you want for you and your body!
Work hard, have fun and drink lots of water
Don't forget group exercise classes at the NW sports club on Monday mornings at 9:30am and Wednesday evenings at 7pm. Plus trainers on Friday evenings and Saturdays! And take advantage of those seminars they are offering on Saturdays!!!!
Let me know how you are doing and what your plans are for succeeding!
Nicola