Agapito wins Gold’s Gym Transformation Challenge

From left, Gold’s Gym general manager Tyce Mister, overall winner Andrew Agapito, and gym co-owner Russ Quinn. (Contributed Photo)

Leandro “Andrew” Agapito was named the overall winner of the annual Gold’s Gym Transformation Challenge, which held its awards banquet last April 14 at Everest Kitchen in Garapan.

Agapito, who weighed 210 lbs at the start of the challenge, finished the contest with a weight of 176 lbs, having lost 34 lbs during the 12-week Transformation Challenge. He credited thoughts of taking care of his family as his primary motivator.

“My family was really concerned about my health…I felt unhappy and depressed after seeing my unflattering photos on Facebook—a sagging belly, huge cheeks and chin which concealed my neck and my immune system was deteriorating. I knew that I really have to lose weight and start to live a healthy lifestyle,” he said.

“This challenge made me realize so many things such as the value life, health, and family as they are my strength and inspiration. Since I’m…the breadwinner, a husband and a father, I thought that if I don’t take care of myself, if I continue neglecting my body and health, what would happen to my family? Who is going to provide for them? And these are the thoughts and questions that kept me motivated,” he added.

He hopes that his experience will motivate, inspire, and encourage his colleagues and friends to be fit and healthy. “My role here is to be a good example and by becoming a living testimony for them and for everyone,” he said.

He said his transformation only marks the beginning of his fitness journey.

The other winners in the men’s 18-35 age bracket were Jeffrey Bahillo, Francisco Rosario II, and Terence Leung. Winners in the men’s 35 and above age bracket were Ronnel Mostales, Albert Pitpit, Freddy Sato, and Brad Ruszala.

The women’s 18-34 age bracket winners were Venus Raguine, Joann Villena, and Shawna Brenfleck. The women’s 35-and-above winners were Leonila “Onie” Alejos, Elizabeth Lebria, and Rhodora Joson.

All winners received cash prizes and Gold’s Gym certificates to ensure their fitness journey would continue.

A special award called the “Ultra Award,” named after sponsor Michelob Ultra, was given to the participant earning the most points by attending Gold’s Gym classes, checking in to use the facilities, and triple points for joining the Saturday Challenge Bootcamp classes. The female winner was Reydamellia Calibo and male winner was Ronnel Mostales, who also won the first place prize in the male 35+ and over category.

According to Aaron Tomokane, a certified personal trainer at Gold’s Gym, the challenge began with 58 participants and Agapito was one of the 29 participants who completed with their “after” assessments.

“We sincerely hope it that was a positive experience for all involved and as a group, these 29 challengers lost nearly 471 lbs and 150 inches off their waistlines.  The estimated loss in percentage body fat averaged 6.4 percent and this was one of the most competitive challenges that I’ve seen,” he said.

Gold’s Gym’s partners were Michelob Ultra from MarPac, PHI Pharmacy, Saipan Apparel, Brabu Pharmacy & Wellness Center

 “Everyone’s a winner and when we focus on eating healthy and exercising regularly, then everyone wins,” said Tyce Mister, general manager of Gold’s Gym Saipan.

Mister said that many of Gold’s Gym’s personal trainers are certified by the National Academy of Sports Medicine.

Gold’s Gym Saipan has been serving the community since 1997.