Summary of this past week -

$4050 CASH for the winners of my 2nd Biggest Loser Competition

This past Monday, April 4th was the final weigh in day for all the people that joined my Biggest Loser Competition. We had 135 people join (100 women & 35 men). Of the 135 that joined, 36 came back and weighed in. Some amazing results. I will post the link to my Facebook album where the pictures are. Definitely check out the album. I'm posting the before & after of the winners of this comp.

Lupeni Iongi - 1st place winner ($2430).

Starting weight: 235.6
Ending weight: 175.80
Total Weight Loss: 59.80 pounds
Total Weight Percentage Loss: 25.38%

Brian Haas: 2nd place winner ($1215).

Beginning weight: 365.2
Ending weight: 277.80
Total weight loss of 87.40 pounds.
Weight Loss Percentage: 23.93%

Kelli Hollowell: 3rd place winner ($405)

Beginning weight: 224.8
Ending weight: 182.00
Total weight loss: 42.80
Total weight loss percentage: 19.04%

To view my Facebook Album - click HERE.

This competition ended up being bigger than I expected - not only the turnout, but the prize money as well. I learned a few things with this one. I am doing another competition - beginning May 7th, 2011. Entry fee went up $10 - part of that due to separating the men and women and having a 1st, 2nd and 3rd place for the men's group and the women's group. Instead of basing the prize money off how many enter, it will be a set amount. The goal is to get 200 people to join. If I can get that many, for sure the prize money will be at least $2000 for first place, $1000 for second place and $500 for third place - like I said for each group $3500. Remaining monies will be used to purchase (or maybe even smaller cash prizes) for those that come back and weigh in. Well, that is the plan and hopefully all will work out where we can do that.

I have a few people to thank for helping me out this competition - THANK YOU Ku'uipo Tausinga, Taina Tauataina & Silia Iongi for helping me with pictures, taking weights down and helping the contestants fill out their paperwork at the first weigh in. THANK YOU Taina Tauataina & Silia Iongi for helping me with the final weigh ins. Also, thanks to the West Valley Rec. Center for letting me use your facility even though I got in trouble this last time (long story). And many, many thanks to all that participated!

On Wednesday, I went to a luncheon with some of the women from my early morning Zumba class. They told me it was a luncheon with the city who is recognizing our Zumba class. Well, little did I know, they knew I won and tricked me by telling me this. I did not find out until they announced my name. I was almost brought to tears - trust me, I tried really hard to hold back the tears. As I went up to receive my award, I had to stand on the stage for a little while, while they read what Teuila Aagard wrote and sent it. Yes, she would be the person responsible for nominating me. Here's what she wrote:

Sinai M. Pauni is a certified Zumba instructor in Salt Lake City. After her own successful weight loss a few years ago, she started a free Early Morning Zumba c...lass to assist others with weight loss and health awareness, targeting the Polynesian population but open to all. She continues to facilitate zumba classes and Biggest Loser competitions to motivate and inspire health and fitness, and has been offering all her services at no charge, often spending her own funds to support them.

There are other Zumba classes in the area, but her class is unique in accommodating the Polynesian community who do not fit standardized weight charts and often feel marginalized by the mainstream culture. Many of the attendees are at high risk for diabetes, hypertension, gout and other diseases common among the Polynesians. Another challenge is a traditional Polynesian view that fitness and sports apply only to men and boys, which often leaves women in passive and sedentary roles.

With keen awareness of the cultural sensitivity of the Polynesian people, Sinai uses traditional music and incorporates a fun, family-oriented environment where people can exercise, dance and enjoy friendly competition in a non-threatening setting. The group creates a rewarding synergy and they motivate each other to continue improving in health and fitness. Family unity is emphasized, and it is common to see small children participating with their mothers and grandmothers.

Sinai's class in Glendale currently attracts participants from Draper, West Jordan, West Valley, Bountiful and surrounding areas, showing that this population feels a need for tailored fitness activities.

Many people have directly benefited from Sinai's classes, which she leads on a weekly basis, as well as being a frequent guest-presenter to church groups and in community settings. She is an inspiration to all who meet her. Many of her friends and group members have also come today to recognize her and show appreciation for her service to the community. The Utah Public Health Association also congratulates her for her service and is pleased to honor her with this year’s individual Public Health Hero Award.

It was pretty hard to keep it together while I was on the stage, but I managed to. I was surprised and left speechless after receiving the Public Health Hero Award from the Utah Public Health Association. It is truly an honor for me. I am indeed grateful for the amazing and wonderful people I am associated with for them to even do such a thing. It was definitely the highlight of my day and something I will always remember. Thank you early morning Zumba ladies! I love you!

Left to right (back): Betsy Vakapuna, Taina Tauataina, Lupi Lapuaho, Kalo Misinale, Ema Pauni, Deborah O'Dell, Mahina Folau

Left to right (front): Beti Tu'aefe, Esita Johnson, Me, Teuila Aagard, Xochitl Brown

Another shot, but this time with Haloti. The hat & sweatshirt he's wearing - long story!