Kettlebell Strength and Conditioning

Biggest Loser Contestants Statistics

Michael Lucas

Nickname: The Bull

Age: 29

Height: 6'-0"

Weight Loss Mantra: Motivation! Determination! Desire!

Goal Item: When I lose weight, I want to work hard to be a role model for others. I would like to help raise awareness of the benefits of good exercise and a healthy diet plan. I want to wear whatever I want without worrying about the sizes.

Hometown: Hanford, CA

Occupation: Sales Representative for Hanson Aggregates

Quote: In an epic battle, one must remain steadfast at all times. Knock out your fears! Be bold and true to your convictions. Win once and for all!

Weight Tracker

Week 1: - 13.8 pounds
Week 2: -7.4 pounds
Week 3: -5.6 pounds
Week 4: -10 pounds
Week 5: -5 pounds
Week 6: -4.2 pounds

Beginning Weight: 228
Current Weight: 182
Total Pounds Lost: 46.25 pounds
Total Inches Lost: 8 inches
Total Percentage of Weight Lost: 20.32%

Bio:
When I am not working out, I love riding my motorcycle from San Diego to my home town near Fresno and enjoying good times with friends and family.

Mike's Story

Mike Lucas gained weight by eating fast food on a daily basis. He used food as a coping device throughout his adolescence and continued this pattern of poor nutrition and unhealthy eating into his 20's. In January 2005, at the age of 28, Mike weighed 334 pounds.

A Series of Signs

A sequence of events led to Mike's decision to adopt a healthier lifestyle. His doctor had warned him of the high risk of diabetes, and was concerned about Mike's dangerously high blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Mike began to read up on diabetes and was shocked to learn about its devastating effects. Around the same time, the movie Super Size Me was released, inspiring Mike to eliminate fast food entirely and adopt a vegan diet. This dietary change and the addition of regular exercise resulted in a 78.6 lb loss.

The Plateau

By October of 2005 Mike had already lost a substantial amount of weight, but was frustrated that he had reached a weight loss and fitness plateau. At this same time, Mike heard about the "San Diego's Biggest Loser" contest; a scaled-down version of the hit reality show being hosted by the local NBC network. Sarah Lurie, owner of Iron Core kettlebell studio, partnered with the station and provided 6 weeks of kettlebell training for the contestants.

The Kettlebell Workout

Mike was selected as a contestant for the show and he began working out at Iron Core 4 times a week. He quickly mastered the dynamic kettlebell exercises and loved the Iron Core program which worked Mike out in circuits that combined cardiovascular and weight training, hitting all the muscle groups with each exercise. The kettlebell workout kept Mike's heart rate in a fat burning zone for his 45 minute to 1 hour sessions and he saw results immediately. In his first week of Iron Core training, Mike lost over 12 pounds and 1 inch in his waist. Bye-bye plateau.

Today

Mike won first place in "San Diego's Biggest Loser" contest, losing 46 pounds, 8 waist inches and over 20% of his body fat in just 6 weeks. Mike continues to workout with kettlebells to strengthen and tone his body. "Iron Core keeps things new and interesting for me," Mike says. "Each workout is different and challenging, and the way I feel at the end of class is the best reward. I now enjoy working out more than ever before and am in the best shape of my life."