British Columbia Fire Fighter Wins Body for Life Challenge

February 17, 2009 – As an extra incentive to get back in shape, Surrey, BC Local 1271 fire fighter Rob Best entered fitness guru Bill Phillips’ Body for Life Challenge 2008. The contest was just the motivation he needed: Best was named the 2008 Canadian Grand Champion.

In a February 28, 2009, ceremony, Best will be presented with $10,000 in cash, a $5,000 travel gift certificate, a jacket and ring.

“When the Body for Life people called to tell me I had won, I didn’t believe it at first,” says Best. “I thought it was my friends playing a trick on me. Now that it is sinking in, my family and I are thinking about taking a vacation to celebrate.”

The Body for Life Challenge is a 12-week healthy living contest. Contestants must use Phillips’ book and adhere to four basic principles: (1) Eat more, not less; (2) Do short, high-intensity workouts, not long endurance workouts; (3) Balance your carbohydrate and protein intake; and (4) Find a reason to change.

“All of the principles are important, but I believe the nutrition aspect was really what did it for me,” explains Best. “The plan does allow for one cheat day; however, I was so impressed with the results I was getting, I didn’t want to cheat.”

By the end of the challenge, the Surrey fire fighter had lost 35 pounds of fat and 7 inches from his waist.

A 16-year veteran Surrey fire fighter, Best says not only is he physically fit, but he is better able to meet the challenges of his job. “When I was out of shape, I was probably pushing my body past its limitations,” he acknowledges. “Now that I am eating better and exercising at the right level, my body is ready to perform better, lowering my risk of injury.”