Sometimes in
life timing is everything. For Karola Ignacz, a random pop-up
ad that kept popping up on her computer screen while she
was playing online Scrabble with her friends couldn't have
appeared at a better time.
Ignacz had just
got out of a toxic relationship with a roommate during which
she gained more than 30 pounds and was in a dark place in
her life.
"The ad was for
180�Fitness and I kept trying to delete it, but it kept
popping up so I finally clicked on it and I checked out
the website and decided to give them a call,� recalls Ignacz.
After a lengthy
conversation with 180�Fitness owner Adrian Delorey, the
two of them decided that she should enter the gym's Biggest
Loser program which aims to transform the members' mindset
and outlook on life, as well as their bodies.
When Ignacz started
the program her goal was to lose 20 pounds. As the 12-week
program went on and Ignacz started losing the weight, her
goal changed. She wanted to win the title of the Biggest
Loser and one-year free gym membership that went with it.
"I'm 5'9� so
as soon as I tip the scale at 200 lb. it's a big deal for
me and I was up to 212 when I started with Adrian, so I
was very highly motivated,� says Ignacz. "And when I get
motivated I just throw myself into it. I get pretty focused
and then the competitive side in me comes out.�
The Biggest Loser
program combines group workouts with nutrition classes,
mindset seminars. Everyone in the group motivates each other
because they are all working towards the same goal.
"The other people
in my the group were amazing. We all pushed each other.
I know they inspired me to give 100 per cent every time
I went,� says Karola who not only met her initial goal of
losing 20 lbs., but accomplished her personal goal of 30
lbs, which was 13 per cent of her total weight going into
the program � enough to win the title and the membership.
More importantly,
she finished the 12-week program with a whole new outlook
on 'life and a heightened sense of her own self esteem.
"It's been a
total transformation,� says Ignacz. "I didn't expect that
it would do for me what it did. I went in to the program
just hoping to lose some weight, but what I gained has been
even more valuable. It was an inner transformation for me.
It was a journey of self acceptance and really learning
about how to love myself again. Adrian and all the wonderful
instructors at the gym gave that to me. I can't thank them
enough and I would recommend the program to anyone."
To find out more
about the Biggest Loser program and 180-Fitness visit www.
180fitness.com or call 613-749-2267.
(This story
was made possible thanks to the generous support of our
local business partners.)
TRIVIA NIGHT from 7:30 p.m. every Tuesday night at the Royal Oak Pub Orléans. Free to play. Prizes for the winning team! The Royal Oak Pub is located at 1981 St. Joseph Blvd. near Jeanne d'Arc. For more info visit 
OYSTER NIGHT every Wednesday from 6-9 pm at the Orléans Brewing Co. Two types of oysters served with lemon, Tobasco, horseradish, salt and mignonette. The Orléans Brewing Co. is located at 4380 Innes Rd., next to McDonalds.
OPEN MIC NIGHT at the Stray Dog Brewing Company, 501 Lacolle Way. Registration begins at 7 p.m. Music at 8 p.m. with your host Matthew Palmer.
HOLIDAY NIGHT MARKET hosted by the Heart of Orléans BIA in the Orléans Festival Plaza on Centrum Blvd. Featuring local artisans and food vendors. The annual lighting of the Orléans Festival Plaza and Christmas tree will also be taking place.
WELLNESS FAIR from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Promenade Senior Suites, 150 Rossignol Drive. Join us for a fun-filled day of health, home, and happiness! Explore over a dozen local vendors, from health pros and realtors to crafters and more, while enjoying refreshments and community fun. Learn, shop, and connect with local experts, and bring your friends and family along. Everyone is welcome! 
