Lynn Y’s biggest losers ready for round 2

LYNN – Calling these two local residents losers won’t hurt their feelings.Christine Kidney, 43, and Frank Giakoumis, 52, are celebrating their measured weight loss through the Lynn YMCA’s inaugural Waist Away program by eating less carbohydrates, more protein and adhering to a rigorous exercise schedule.When Giakoumis, a disabled truck driver who lives on Oakville Street, enrolled in the eight-week program last September, he tipped the scales at 315 pounds. When the boot camp was over, he weighed 287 and has since trimmed another seven pounds.”I went from a 50-inch waist to a 42-inch waist. That was my goal,” he said Thursday.Both he and Kidney are signing up for the next Waist Away boot camp that starts Jan. 9.”My body is a completely different shape. No more love handles.”Kidney, a mother of four who lives on Gage Street, started the program at 243 pounds and dropped to 212. She weighed in Thursday at 200 pounds and looks forward to slimming down further.The two were the biggest losers.”These guys did incredible things for me. My cholesterol level is down and so is my blood sugar,” said Giakoumis.The program’s two competing trainers, YMCA fitness director Sharon Dobbyn and trainer Steve Martin, modeled the program after the popular TV show “The Biggest Loser.”Trainer Lisa Tobin of Lynn will serve as the third trainer when the program begins again in January with three teams of 15 participants each.Giakoumis’ purple t-shirt spelled out his pride with the message: I’m Waisting Away at the Lynn YMCA. Both he and Kidney have modified their former diets, focusing on healthy edibles rather than fast food. They have committed to exercise six days a week. “You have to look carefully at every choice you make,” Kidney said.According to Dobbyn, the total weight loss for the eight weeks was 232 pounds. “The program began with 38 people but we quickly went to 33,” she said, adding that when the boot camp ended in late November, every participant completed a 5K run along Lynn Common.”I can do 6K now,” Kidney said proudly.Dobbyn reminded Kidney of her first day of boot camp in September.”I got sick,” said Kidney, laughing at the memory.”But you stuck with it,” Dobbyn said. “I told her to get right back in there and she did.”When the next Waist Away program begins, three nutritionists will be available to consult with the participants. The program fee is $100 for YMCA members and $200 for non-members. To enroll, call Dobbyn at 781-581-3105, ext. 244.