The results are in! The epic, first ever (at the Richmond News), fitness-challenge-of-the-century drew to a close Monday.
After 10 weeks of trash talk, dirty tricks, and an enmity rivaling Batman and Superman, the dueling duo is ready to be friends again.
Did Collin “Après Ski” Neal falter? Did Rob “Mongoose” Akimow get that miracle he hoped for? Will the two salesmen be shopping for new pants together? No, on all counts; although that last one is yet to be determined.
Starting out at a generous 177.7 pounds, Neal’s final weight was a slim 159.2 pounds, declaring him the winner of a dinner at Hy’s Steakhouse — bought by his opponent.
“I’m going to order an expensive steak and a Scotch,” said the integrated media consultant. “It feels really good to have completed the challenge. Now I need new pants.”
Going from 168.4 to 159.8 pounds, Team Mongoose’s achievements are nothing to sniff at either. And surprisingly, Akimow’s defeat has only made him want to spend more time at the City Centre Community Centre, bucking his initial hatred for gyms, as he’s signed up for 10 more weeks with trainer A.J. Aguasin.
“I like gyms now,” said the director of advertising. “You feel so much better afterwards.”
While Akimow realizes he could have started out stronger at the beginning of the challenge, Neal attributes his win to his personal trainer, Gabrielle Payne.
“She was great, we had a really good personality fit,” said Neal. “Every workout was different so she kept it fun and interesting. I was motivated to impress her. It was great timing to do the challenge too, because I was ready for it. I was in it 100 per cent.”
But both men had their fair share of challenges as well. A notorious snacker, particularly late at night, Neal found the chips and chocolate bars the hardest habit to kick.
“I had a lot of people holding me accountable,” Neal said. “I still go out, I haven’t changed my life, but I just have one beer now, instead of four, or five…or six.”
Akimow’s newfound love affair with the gym hit a rough patch when he tried two new gyms while on vacation in Kelowna and Mexico.
“I really didn’t realize how thrown for a loop I’d be in a new gym. The City Centre is like my home, I didn’t like being away from it.”
Each opponent walked away with some useful tools under their slightly tighter belts.
The biggest lesson learned for each side? How much their diets affected workouts.
“Drinking and fitness definitely don’t mix,” said Akimow. “It vastly affects your performance, even a little bit.”
But now is just the beginning — both men plan on continuing their new routines and lifestyles of balance and moderation.
“I’m really proud of Collin,” said Payne. “I’m inspired by him. He surpassed all his goals, it was really great to see.”
“Rob did really well,” said Aguasin. “He pulled through and made some long-lasting changes. I’m glad both him and Collin are taking their healthy lifestyles seriously, and are sticking with it.”
The once fierce competitors have made plans to hit the gym together every Wednesday. And who knows? Maybe that joint shopping spree is in the cards after all.
“Rob was a great competitor,” said Neal. “I hope he keeps it up because he looks like a new man. It’s time the both of us got some new pants.”
“I’m proud of Collin, I’m glad he did what he did,” said Akimow. “And A.J.’s awesome. I’m looking forward to what another 10 weeks will bring.”
Collin 'Apres Ski' Neal's tale of the tape:
Starting weight: 177.7 lbs.
Finishing weight: 159.2 lbs.
Starting body fat: 26.5%
Finishing body fat: 17.3%
Rob 'Mongoose' Akimow's tale of the tape:
Starting weight: 168.4 lbs.
Finishing weight: 159.8 lbs.
Starting body fat: 23 %
Finishing body fat: 17 %
