Florham Park Retro Fitness Member Wins $10,000

Retro Fitness gym members were given quite the incentive to really take their New Year’s resolutions serious this year and put their health first. The nation’s leading low-cost, high-value fitness franchise recently completed a 90-Day Challenge – with the grand prize of $10,000 going to the member who achieved the greatest overall percent decrease in body weight.

During the 90-Day Challenge, Retro Fitness personal training clients had 90 days to transform their bodies and lose unwanted pounds. An initial weigh-in took place in the beginning of the competition, followed by a mid-challenge weigh-in after 45 days and the final weigh-in after the 90 day period. The top three participants came away from the 90-Day Challenge with prizes; the third place finisher received $500 and a free 12-month membership and the runner-up took home $1,000 and a free 12-month membership. The member who experienced the greatest percent change in his or her bodyweight won the grand prize of $10,000.

“We are continuously impressed with the commitment level we see during the 90-day challenge, the numbers are striking but it’s the inspirational stories and transformations that are really jaw dropping,” stated Eric Casaburi, CEO and founder of Retro Fitness. “We hope our members’ perseverance has the power to inspire and drive others to prioritize their wellness.”

The 90-Day Challenge top finalists include:

• 1st Place: Giovanna Baratto—a member of the Florham Park, N.J. Retro Fitness—took the lead of the 90-Day Challenge with a drop in body weight from 181.2 to 128.4 lbs., totaling a 29.14 percent decrease.
• 2nd Place: James Hagner—a member of the Stroudsburg, Penn. Retro Fitness—lost an impressive 111.7 pounds, totaling a 27.91 percent decrease in body weight.
• 3rd Place: William Sykes—a member of the Carol Stream, Ill. Retro Fitness—cut down from 239.5 to 180.4 lbs., totaling a 24.68 percent decrease.

Baratto, an 11-year army veteran who was medically discharged due to thyroid cancer, went from a size 4 to a size 20 in one year. Once they removed the grapefruit-sized thyroid, she wanted to join the Wounded Warrior’s cycling team. She needed to get back to cycling over 100 miles. The 48-year old said, “I hope that my story of defeating the odds and pushing through my circumstances motivates others to never give up. To keep persevering toward their dreams of living a healthier life, no matter what obstacles they may face. Anything is possible, if you believe in yourself!”