Sparta Athletic Club trains local resident for Tyra Banks Show Challenge

Weight loss episode marks second reality show appearance for woman, By Jennifer Jean Miller Sparta - A posting on Reality Wanted brought about a life-changing experience and a loss of 8.3 inches for Teresa Sellinger, a stay-at-home mother and writer from Sparta. Sellinger had enrolled on the reality-show-casting Web site following an appearance on Dear Genevieve where the HGTV home designer guru Genevieve Gorder redid some of the Sellinger home. Expressing an interest in weight loss topics on her profile, Sellinger was contacted by the producers of The Tyra Banks Show. After the interview process, she was one of five women chosen for the NIVEA My Silhouette! - My Skinny Jeans Challenge. As part of the challenge, Sellinger and the other contenders were required to reach into the back of their closets for those hidden archetypal “skinny” jeans reserved for a future weight loss goal. “Many people are not realistic or serious about their weight loss goals,” said Lisa Bevacqua, fitness instructor and personal trainer at the Sparta Athletic Club. In exchange for a video camera to record weekly video journals, eight body scans, NIVEA My Silhouette! Cream, and a month paid gym and personal trainer membership, Sellinger was required to turn those skinny jeans in to The Tyra Bank Show and begin a rigorous slim down program. Describing her Sparta Athletic Club Membership as “dusty,” Sellinger immediately enlisted the help of Andy Ball, General Manager of the Sparta Athletic Club for the past 13 years. “We have clients who have so many things coming up in their lives which they ask us to help them to achieve their goals,” said Ball. “It’s the trainer’s responsibility to come up with an individual program for each client. The goal of the trainer is to understand the needs and medical concerns of each client and hone in on their specific energies and so they will be motivated to see results.” The trainer assisting Sellinger was Bevacqua. Bevacqua herself is a mother of three children who began her career in the fitness industry nearly 12 years ago at Xcercise in Chester. She received her certification five years ago from the American Council on Exercise, is also certified as a SPIN instructor by Madd Dogg Athletics, and is a Nutrition Specialist with Dr. Jane Pentz’s Lifestyle Management Associates. “Lisa was incredible with creating a program in which I wouldn’t overextend myself, but was still hardcore,” said Sellinger. Sellinger said Ball and Bevacqua also overhauled her diet and encouraged her to take Boot Camp, Pilates and Kickboxing classes. At home, Sellinger was encouraged by husband James, 8-year-old son Griffin, 6-year-old daughter Devin and 4-year-old Allie. Of the the Sparta Athletic Club, she added, “The support of my trainer Lisa was amazing. Even during a family tragedy, she was still coming in to work with me, and also stayed in touch via e-mail and phone. I also had the support of the other trainers and the entire club. I felt like I was part of a team.” Working with Sellinger, Bevacqua said, “It was a great experience with a very short time frame of 26 days. It worked because Teresa put her 110 percent into it. If I told her to bungee jump off a bridge she would do it. We planned each week out and also a routine at home. We tightened her diet.” Her new regimen helped Sellinger to lose on an average one to two inches from her thighs, waist, hips and maximum belly circumference. The challenge began in late February, ending in late March, with the results and judging taped on April 1. The show was broadcast on August 17. Sellinger received a makeover on The Tyra Banks Show including a new haircut and color and outfit to wear on the runway. Contestants were asked a series of questions and were judged by a panel. Although Sellinger did not snag the $5,000 grand prize, she was the one who lost the most inches overall of all contestants. And at the end of the time period, Sellinger was able to fit into her jeans. The Sparta Athletic Club is located at 115 Sparta Avenue. For more information about membership packages and specials, call 973-729-9141 or see their Web site: http://www.spartaathleticclub.com.