Local man wins fitness competition

An Idaho Falls man got the surprise of a lifetime on Saturday when he beat out hundreds of people in a fitness competition and won a brand-new car.

Devin Wood lost about 68 pounds in the Gold’s Gym 12-week challenge. The challenge featured more than 400 participants from the Gold’s Gym in Ammon and Twin Falls. Participants first get measured and take “before” photographs. 12 weeks later, final measurements and “after” photographs were taken.

Wood said what helped him the most was changing his diet and doing plenty of cardio. He also paid for a trainer who helped him get into shape.

“It is surreal, I don’t think it has hit me yet. I would walk by that car every day to work out and there are several hundred people going after the same prize, so it is very competitive. It was definitely one of the motivating factors. It just feels great,” said Wood.

The two runners up received a trip to Vegas and a one-year membership. There were also first-second-and third-place winners in each age category.