Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/13061
LONGBEACHMAGAZINE.COM 55 That was 15 months and 88.2 pounds ago. McGee hit her target weight last week. She is just one of hundreds of Long Beach residents focused on staying trim and being healthy. With near perfect weather, miles of sandy beaches and green parks, boot camps and a variety of health food options have this city singing a health and fitness tune. Annual weight loss challenges and healthy living contests have attracted hundreds in the last several years, and have been growing in popularity at a fast pace in this city. Food management programs have also become popular among local residents in helping them reach their goals. In a city that went from being on the Top 25 Fittest Cities list, ranked by Men's Fitness Magazine in 2002, to being one of the Top 25 Fattest in 2009, health and fitness experts here are focusing more on training and nutrition. "The overall vibe in Long Beach is that we are an outdoors community and we like to go kayaking and that sort of thing, but there are also a lot of people who are busy and don't have the time," said Shannon Paul, founder of Long Beach Boot Camp. McGee, a former letter carrier who got hurt on the job five years ago, said making health a priority has been the key to her success. McGee transformed her patio with a treadmill and an inspirational wall filled with photos of her father and other program sayings and information. She had always struggled with her weight, but five years ago, when she went on disability from her job, she became depressed and stressed out — and that lead to more weight gain. Today she is off the blood pressure medication. "This program works, and if you're honest with yourself, you'll lose weight and you'll be happier," McGee said. "I feel really good about myself now. I have a healthy outlook." Shannon Paul and personal trainer Justin Rudd, who runs an annual 12-week fitness contest — along with local programs such as Weight Watchers, are just a few of those working to increase health and fitness in the city and reminding people that they must make the time. If their successes and those of their clients are any indication, the city is well on it's way back to the fit list. "We are here to make a statement about health," said Paul. "It can be fun, and you can hold onto your health for a long time." The key to weight loss and health revolves around eating smarter, moving more, adopting healthy habits and creating a support system, each of the experts said. Paul opened Long Beach Boot Camp five years ago, and now, for the first time, LBBC is in the midst of a new challenge — to help people be the healthiest they can be in 90 days. It started in June. LBBC also runs four-week boot camp sessions and works with approximately 200 to 300 clients a month. LBBC also hosts 11 class times in 5 different locations. At first, her clients were mostly those who had never attended a boot camp before, or who had not worked out in years. Today she has a good mix of newbies and veterans of her program, who sign up for half-yearly and yearly memberships. She's had clients who have lost over 100 pounds, and some who focus on losing that last 10 pounds and maintaining a healthy weight and activity level. For the ongoing challenge, LBBC has engaged restaurants to provided amended meals to fit the challenge. Organizers are also providing tools and advice online, and a life coach will also address personal issues online that may affect or prohibit weight loss, said Paul. "We are all in this world — we came here on our own, and we need to learn how to do it on our own and get the support from our family and teammates around us to do it," said Paul. The challenge is based