IVINS, Washington County — At The Biggest Loser Resort at Fitness Ridge, you might recognize a few faces from the same-named NBC reality series. For instance, Erik Chopin, the $250,000 grand prize winner of the "The Biggest Loser" Season 3. He's spending five weeks at the resort to get in shape for a weigh-in at this season's finale May 25.
Or Wayne Vandenlangenberg, a "Biggest Loser" viewer who lost a whopping 418 pounds on his own. After weighing in during a recent episode of the show, the 256-pound cab driver was rewarded with a two-week stay at the resort for his remarkable efforts.
But most of the 70 weekly guests staying at the southern Utah fitness spa are just regular people who want to get in shape. They do it by daily hikes through red rock canyons, a variety of exercise classes and low-calorie, nutrient-dense meals.
"It gives people an experience similar to the show without the cameras and drama and, of course, without the $250,000 prize," said Michelle Kelsch, one of the Fitness Ridge owners. "The resort is a way to reach more people than just the 10 or 20 contestants per season who get to participate in the show."
The history
Since the "The Biggest Loser" show began in 2004, viewers have watched the obese contestants compete against each other through workouts, challenges and weigh-ins. The drastic drops of 10, 20 or even 30 pounds in one week have spurred viewers to get up off the couch themselves. Thousands of would-be contestants show up at auditions around the country, hoping for a chance to shed their flab, even if it means baring body and soul on national TV.
"We needed to give people who couldn't go on the show a way to get a similar experience," said David Norton, who oversees the show's licensing agreements for items such as protein powder, calorie-counting "Bodybuggs," a Wii fitness game and an online weight loss club.
"Some people need a jump-start to get into that lifestyle for a long-term weight loss," said Norton. "I was searching for a company that was doing more or less what we do at the ranch. It took awhile to find a place that was a good fit."
He found it at Fitness Ridge, which has the reputation as a "compassionate boot camp."
Before signing a licensing agreement with The Biggest Loser last October, the weight-loss destination already had a successful track record. The three owners, Michelle and her husband, Cameron Kelsch, and Tami Clark, met while working at another St. George fitness resort. When that resort closed in 2002, the three joined forces to open their own program, calling it The Body Shop Spa.
Michelle holds a bachelor of science degree from Brigham Young University in fitness and wellness management, and is certified to teach aerobics, cycling, step, kickboxing, Pilates and personal training.
During the company's fledgling years, Cameron not only applied his business and sales experience, but guided hikes, helped out in the kitchen, and became certified as a personal trainer. Clark's expertise was in sales, marketing and reservations, and she oversaw the resort's construction.
They started out on a shoestring, with guests staying at the Crystal Inn in St. George and using a gym next door for workouts. "When we got up to 20 guests staying in the hotel, we realized it was time to build a place of our own," said Kelsch.
In 2007, the new facility opened in Ivins, offering plenty of hiking in nearby Snow Canyon. There's an equipment-filled gym, a large aerobics room, half-size Olympic swimming pool, and rooms for 70 guests.
Since the name change in October 2009 to The Biggest Loser Resort, brought so much national exposure that it's now fully booked until January 2011.
To keep up with the demand, construction is slated for a second gym and more accommodations, and the resort is looking to expand to a second location in the future.
The program
Unlike TV contestants who compete at the Biggest Loser "ranch " for free, guests at Fitness Ridge pay from $1,495 to $2,195 per week, depending on their accommodations and length of stay. While it sounds steep, the price tag is relative compared with the $7,000 or so weekly fee for ritzy destination spas such as The Golden Door and Canyon Ranch.
The Fitness Ridge focus is on weight loss, not pampering. A full-service salon offers massages, facials and so on; but they cost extra and are offered only after guests get in a full day of exercise and education.
Season 3 winner Erik Chopin said the experiences at the ranch and the resort are "almost the same, but you're not on a major network show. It's more cutthroat when everyone is going for that $250,000 cash prize. Here, it's more of a family environment."
The show sparks controversy with trainers screaming and swearing at sobbing contestants during strenuous "last chance" workouts, and people burning a rumored 6,000 calories a day and shedding as much as 34 pounds in a week.
It makes for entertaining TV, but Fitness Ridge takes a more conservative approach. The trainers' goal is not to make guests cry but to make them try.
"Our trainers are positive and compassionate," Michelle Kelsch said. "The trainer may be screaming, but in an emotional, fun way."
However, she added, guests can expect to be held accountable. "If they're not pushing themselves as much, the trainers need to motivate them. The staff needs to know where every guest is at all times. In other spas, you might sleep in and no one would know."
And yes, the trainers will push you, Chopin said. "People here become confident and find out what they're really capable of when they're pushed a little, if it's climbing a hill or running on a treadmill. They come out of it beaming with pride."
Calorie burns
Through exercise, guests burn an estimated 2,000-3,000 calories per day, depending on the individual metabolism, said Kelsch, adding, "A 200-pound person will likely burn fewer calories than can a 300-pound person."
In the morning, there's a 21/2-hour hike that burns 1,000 to 1,500 calories. Then there are at least three exercise classes per day, including stretching, step-'n-pump, circuit training, cardio intervals, total toning, kickboxing, fit ball, hard core (abdominal muscles), Yogalates (a blend of yoga and Pilates), total body conditioning, cardio disco, and swimming pool exercise. At night, guests can burn more by playing the Wii Biggest Loser game or ping-pong Biggest Loser Wii Fit.
Daily intake is roughly 1,200 calories a day, comprised of three meals and a dessert. On a recent day, breakfast was an egg-white scramble with toast for 291 calories; lunch was mushroom soup for 62 calories and a tostada of 313 calories; dinner was meatloaf, 321 calories, and dessert was grilled watermelon, 30 calories. The entrees are supplemented by a fruit and salad bar during lunch and dinner.
The food is designed to be nutrient-dense, with one-half of the day's intake coming from fruits and vegetables, one-fourth from lean proteins, and one-fourth from whole grains, Kelsch said.
During the early Body Shop Spa days, vegan cuisine was served. But, Kelsch said, it was hard for guests to continue once they got home.
The results
Some guests experience double-digit weight loss in one week; an unidentified guest walking through the parking lot from a hike told the Deseret News reporter that she had lost 65 pounds in the six weeks at the resort.
But typically, the average woman can expect to lose 3 to 5 pounds; for men, it's 5 to 7 pounds, Kelsch said.
"It just depends on your body. Some people may only lose inches and body fat. Sometimes a week of exercise can be a shock to the system, and they may lose more weight the week after they get home."
But, she pointed out, it's not just about how much you lose at the resort, but what you do once you get home. Every day, there are lectures and workshops on nutrition, meal-planning, dealing with emotions, and fitting a healthy lifestyle into the real world. A licensed therapist is available for counseling as well.
"Losing crazy amounts of weight means nothing if they go home and gain it all back," Kelsch said. "Life happens. When we talk to our guests, it seems that everyone is taking care of someone else besides themselves. More people than not tend to put themselves last. We talk about how to balance that and how to stay motivated."
Exercise and diet go hand-in-hand, Kelsch said, pointing out that it takes an hour of exercise to burn 500 calories, "and you can eat that back in a minute."
The guests
The clientele varies from fit athletes who want to shake up their usual routine to the extremely obese. Guests stay a minimum of one week; some stay several weeks at a time.
Besides using the name, the resort gets a lot of exposure from prize giveaways on the show and hosting past contestants. One recipient was Wayne Vandenlangenberg of Neenah, Wis., the fan of the show who lost 418 pounds on his own. When producers heard about Vandenlangenberg accomplishment, they flew him to a weigh-in on the national TV and gave him a two-week stay at the resort. "Since I've been here, I've lost two inches on my waist," he said. I've used more muscles here than I ever knew I had."
Chopin is another familiar face to "Biggest Loser" fans. He won the Season 3 grand prize by going from 407 to 193 pounds, then saw his weight climb back up to 368 pounds. Last year, he was challenged to come to a weigh-in at this season's finale. He spent two weeks at the resort in January, and is completing another five-week stint before heading straight to the finale on May 25. Others who have spent time at the resort include Tara Costa, a fan favorite from Season 7, and Max Morelli, the younger brother of Season 7 contestant Mike Morelli.
These complimentary stays are approved on a case-by-case basis, Michelle Kelsch said. "It's good marketing for us."
And it's great to have a place where people involved in the show can get a "tune-up" away from the cameras, said Norton.
"We have yet to realize the full benefit of having another place that's not a set or a TV show," Norton said. "We are exploring all the different possibilities. There may be a potential for a show there as well, with stories from the resort."
Turkey Loaf
12 ounces ground turkey
1 cup steamed brown & wild rice
1/2 cup Egg Beaters egg product
1/4 cup roasted peppers
1/4 cup corn
1/8 cup chopped parsley
1/4 cup barbecue sauce
1 tablespoon onion powder
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
Nonstick cooking spray
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. In a large mixing bowl, add all ingredients, except barbecue sauce and mix together well. Spray bread pan with nonstick cooking spray and add filling. Bake for about 1½ hours. Brush with barbecue sauce & serve. Serves 4.
Nutrients per serving: 216 calories, 6 grams fat, 20 grams protein, 18 grams carbohydrates, 11 grams dietary fiber.
— The Biggest Loser Resort
Mixed Berry Smoothie
1 cup frozen raspberries
1 cup frozen blueberries
1 cup frozen strawberries
1/2 cup soy milk
1 banana
1/2 cup Mori Nu light silken tofu
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
In a blender, add all ingredients together. Blend until all ingredients are mixed and smooth. Split smoothie into 4 glasses. Serves 4.
Nutrients per serving: 195 calories, 3 grams fat, 4 grams protein, 49 gram carbohydrates, 4 grams dietary fiber.
— The Biggest Loser Resort
Banana and Oat Muffins
Note: fructose is a natural sweetener
1 large egg
3/4 cup apple juice
1 cup raisins
1 cup chopped banana
1/2 cup applesauce
1 cup whole wheat flour
1 cup quick oats
1/3 cup fructose
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons cinnamon
Non-stick cooking spray
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Mix dry and wet ingredients separately. Combine wet and dry ingredients and mix until incorporated.
Lightly spray muffin tins with non-stick cooking spray. Fill muffin tins 2/3 of the way full. Bake for 15-20 minutes. Let cool and serve. Serves 6.
Nutrients per serving: 227 calories, 2 gram fat, 6 grams protein, 44 grams carbohydrates, 5 grams dietary fiber.
— The Biggest Loser Resort
BBQ Chicken Mini Pizza
1 Oroweat sandwich thin
1 1/2 ounces barbecue sauce
1 ounces soy cheese
3 tablespoons chopped green onions
1/2 tablespoon chopped cilantro
3 tablespoons diced tomato
1 1/2 ounce diced grilled chicken
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Take sandwich thin, split apart and toast in the oven for 5-6 min.
Ladle on 1 1/2 ounce barbecue sauce on each pizza. Sprinkle soy cheese on top. Sprinkle green onions, tomato, cilantro, cooked chicken breast. Bake in oven for 15 minutes on 350 or until pizza crust is crisp and cheese is melted. Serves 1.
Nutrients per serving: 258 calories, 6 grams fat, 21 grams protein, 32 grams carbohydrates, 5 grams dietary fiber.
— The Biggest Loser Resort
Spinach, Feta and Roasted Red Pepper Frittata
Non-stick cooking spray
16 ounces Egg Beaters egg product
1/2 cup diced peeled russet potato
2 cup spinach leaves
1/2 cup red bell peppers, roasted
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
4 ounces feta cheese
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray saute pan with non-stick cooking spray and heat. Add the potato, saute for 10 minutes until the potato softens then add the spinach and red bell peppers and saute.
Add egg product, turn down the burner and add salt and pepper. Mix together.
Place the saute pan in oven (make sure it doesn't have plastic or rubber handles). Bake for 20 minutes or until done.
Place frittata on cutting board and cut into 4 wedges. Garnish with feta cheese and serve hot. Serves 4.
Nutrients per serving: 156 calories, 2 grams fat, 17 grams protein, 16 grams carbohydrates, 1 grams dietary fiber.
— The Biggest Loser Resort
Mango Sesame Vinaigrette
Note: Agave is a natural sweetener that is available in health stores and some grocery stores. Xanthan gum is a natural thickener; one major brand is Bob's Red Mill products.
1 cup frozen mango
3 tablespoons agave nectar
2 cups rice wine vinegar
1/8 cup vegetable oil
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 shallot
1 tablespoon chopped garlic
1/4 of a yellow onion
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon xanthan gum
In a blender add all the ingredients except the oil. Blend until smooth, then while the blender is running on low, slowly drizzle the oil into the mixture through the top cap until you use all the oil. Makes about 3-4 cups.
Nutrients per 2 tablespoon serving: 60 calories, 5 grams fat, 5 grams carbohydrates
— The Biggest Loser Resort
Red Pepper Bisque
1 cup yellow onions
2 tablespoons chopped garlic
24 ounces vegetable stock
3 cups red bell peppers
1/4 cup chopped basil
2 tablespoons fresh thyme
2 tablespoons agave
1 teaspoon sea salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
In a pot, saute sliced onions, and chopped garlic until soft. Add vegetable stock and roasted bell peppers. Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer season with salt and pepper. Fill blender half full. Add the agave and herbs; blend until smooth.
Repeat blending until all soup is blended. Reheat soup and serve hot. Serves 6.
Nutrients per serving: 59 calories, 1 grams fat, 3 grams protein, 12 grams carbohydrates, 1 grams dietary fiber.
— The Biggest Loser Resort
Rainbow Sandwich
4 Oroweat sandwich thins
4 ounces Parmesan cheese
2 red tomatoes sliced into 8 slices
1 yellow tomato sliced into 4 slices
1 orange tomato sliced into 4 slices
1/2 cup roasted peppers, diced
1/2 cup red onions, sliced thinly
1 cup fresh watercress
1/4 cup pesto sauce
1 teaspoon chopped thyme
1 teaspoon chopped rosemary
1/2 teaspoon chopped garlic
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Split the sandwich thins in half; sprinkle the Parmesan over the 8 sandwich halves and toast in the oven for 6 minutes. Slice the tomatoes, then layer out on a sheet pan. Mix the oil, herbs, and garlic together. Then marinate the tomatoes with the oil herb mixture. Let marinate for 10- 15 minutes. On the bottom pieces of the sandwich thins layer roasted peppers, onions, 2 slices red tomato, 1 slice, yellow tomato and 1 slice of orange tomato. Top each tomato with 1/4 cup watercress. Spread 1 tablespoon of pesto on the tops of the sandwich thins, and place top piece of bread on top of the sandwich. Serves 4.
Nutrients per serving: 237 calories, 9 grams fat, 10 grams protein, 32 grams carbohydrates, 8 grams dietary fiber.
— The Biggest Loser Resort
e-mail: vphillips@desnews.com