GNC wins with motivational and interactive photo, video contest 'Me on GNC'

PITTSBURGH — GNC on Wednesday identified the winners of the company's "Me on GNC" photo and video contest. The three top winners in each category, whose stories can be seen on the ME ON GNC Contest web page, will share $100,000 in prizes. 

"At GNC, we believe in the power of the individual in reaching their own goals, whether that's losing weight, training or maintaining a healthy, active lifestyle," Tom Dowd, GNC EVP, chief merchandising officer and general manager, said. "The winners exemplify what's possible when you commit to wellness."

Callista Puchmeyer of Westlake, Ohio, who won the photo contest, says that she and her husband lost more than 200 pounds together after deciding to get fit for their children. "We start[ed] exercising in December of 2011 and never looked back," Puchmeyer said. "We have run half marathons, a marathon, and multiple races. We have slowly evolved over the last year and a half and now eat clean and make fitness and health a priority. Our main motivators are our three beautiful children. We wanted to be great role models. Through all of this, GNC helped us with all of our supplement needs."

Michael Johnson of Los Altos Hills, Calif., winner of the video contest, reported he had cystic fibrosis, but that doesn't stop him from being as fit as he can be. "[Cystic Fibrosis] says that I can't be an athlete. It says I'll die young. I don't listen; I define myself," he said. "Through hard work and dedication I have overcome the expectations of my condition. I run, swim, bike, jump rope, lift weights, play basketball — I do anything that challenges me. As a result, my lung capacity is 20% better than a healthy person's lung capacity. I am an athlete. Thank you, GNC."

GNC's "Respect Yourself" multi-media branding campaign, "Me on GNC" celebrates individuals who enjoy great self-respect by living a healthy lifestyle. The "Respect Yourself" message drives to the essence of what is the most powerful result when you make the choice to take care of your health and celebrate your own success in health, fitness and overall wellness.