SAIPAN — Audie Maratita dropped 50 pounds over 12 weeks to win Latte Built 24-Hour Fitness’s annual Michelob Ultra Wellness and Transformation Challenge, with the final weigh-in and announcement held Saturday morning at the gym.
Maratita said the key to his transformation came down to diet and daily commitment. Starting at 253 pounds, he set his sights on 200 but finished at 203, a result he is still working to improve heading into Masters League competition.
“This time, my diet. I ate a lot of proteins and not much carbs,” Maratita said. “Monday to Sunday, workout every day.”
He credited his wife for helping prepare his meals, along with cutting out alcohol, staying hydrated and showing up to the gym without exception. Most of his cardio came from lifting weights rather than traditional cardio exercise, with dedicated cardio added only in the final three weeks.
For anyone looking to make a similar change, Maratita’s advice was simple. “Just got to show up to the gym, or outside, do your walk, do your run, or come to Latitude. We can help you out.”
This year’s challenge, which ran January 3 through March 28, drew 33 participants, the largest turnout in the program’s history, according to founder Derek Cutting. The 12-week structure included biweekly weigh-ins, waist measurements and body fat percentage tracking. Winners were selected based on overall progress, with the top three finishers recognized along with two additional runners-up prizes, one male and one female.
The challenge also included a community partnership component, with a percentage of proceeds going to the Northern Marianas Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence. Major sponsors Marpac and Michelob Ultra contributed $1,000 cash plus in-kind prizes toward the winners’ pot.
