The race is on
Progress as 'New You' program heats up
 |  Fricker has lost 10 pounds in the first two full weeks of the "New You" program. |
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 CNN's Dr. Sanjay Gupta looks at how participants in the "New You Revolution" program are faring as they try to break unhealthy habits. (February 1)
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(CNN) -- Harald Fricker is already winning -- by losing.
Two weeks into CNN's "New You Revolution" program, which aims to help five people shed unhealthy habits, the Colorado native has already dropped 10 pounds.
Many things about Fricker's current quest to lose weight and improve his health could be deemed extreme, also a characteristic of his personality and activities and, his trainers say, at least part of his problem.
More than a decade ago, Fricker raced competitively, including participating in 100-mile races. But the graphic designer, now 45, eventually settled down and put on considerable weight. (Profile)
By chiding him for spending five more minutes than recommended on an exercise machine, for example, his trainer has tried to stress a varied routine and working "smarter, not harder," Fricker said.
Fricker also has been working on curbing his food cravings.
Another point of emphasis is getting more sleep -- long a problem for Fricker, who used to go on daily 4 a.m. runs with his dogs and cat. Studies have shown that a lack of sleep can be a factor in weight gain. (Journal)
Thekla Fischer
For every two steps forward Thekla Fischer has taken in her "New You Revolution" fitness program so far, she's taken a step back.
Long workdays, often running into the night, have remained a problem for the 33-year-old attorney. Fischer also has continued to skip meals, while still snacking too much, too late at night. (Profile)
She cites one explanation for the latter issue -- being separated from her husband Jason, who is serving in the U.S. military and whose discharge has been delayed. Fischer says that she got into this unhealthy habit after regularly staying up late with him and bonding over food. (Journal)
But the New York resident also has made progress in her exercise program, attending yoga classes three times last week.
"That's definitely more than I was going before," she said.
Leigh Ann Raynor
For years, Leigh Ann Raynor largely refrained from exercise because of persistent pain in her chest. (Profile)
Now, six months removed from heart surgery, the 49-year-old minister has a routine and can walk two miles on a treadmill.
Regular exercise and watching her diet, as prescribed by CNN's "New You Revolution," have already added up. Raynor said she has lost four and a half pounds since starting the program two weeks ago. (Journal)
And she's listening to her body and acknowledging her limits, two traits that experts say are particularly important for someone with Raynor's medical history.
Last week, for instance, she tried an aerobics class at her church but dropped out because of a sore knee. But she has continued more low-impact exercises, such as cardio rehab and walking.
Jonathan Karp
Jonathan Karp had a lot to celebrate last week.
For one, he turned 29, an occasion he marked with cake and a get-together with friends.
In addition, his fingernails have started to grow for the first time in years. After years of biting them, often down to the nub, he said he's starting to see white spots on his nails. (Profile)
"I started to scratch my back and I was like, ooh!" the New Jersey resident recalled. "It's like something I'm totally not used to."
Karp is taking a video log, recording his efforts to curb his longstanding nail-biting habit. He carries around a nail file to smooth out uncomfortable edges and stave off the urge to bite. (Journal)
