Tuesday, Oct. 19, 2004 | 8:11 a.m.
For sisters Cindy Braden and Lisa Lowe, true success in the Discovery Channel's National Body Challenge will mean they didn't strangle each other.
Since the beginning of August, Lowe has been trying to lose 60 pounds under the guidance of her older sister, Braden, the trim, fit owner of Work 4 It fitness center in Las Vegas.
And as if giving up steaks and baked potatoes and pumping iron with a bossy sister isn't hard enough, Lowe has been doing it in front of a camera crew from the Discovery Channel for the network's national 12-week fitness challenge.
"She says that I'm mean and that I push her harder than what she can do. But I know more about what she can do" than she does, Braden said Thursday, a few minutes before Lowe arrived for the two-hour workout she does six days a week.
Braden, who has owned her fitness center for 15 years, was contacted by Discovery about helping to find a Las Vegas contestant for the show. When the producers found out Braden's sister had just started working out, they jumped at the chance to follow the pair.
For Lowe, a 38-year-old wife and mother of two teenagers who works at Bellagio as housekeeping supervisor, the catalyst was Braden's 40th birthday party July 31.
"I wore a backless top and little, teeny-bopper hip-hugger jeans," Braden said. "That's what decided it for her. I'm shocked it was me. She's been in here every day except Sundays since."
Another trainer set some dietary guidelines for Lowe, and Braden set up the workout regimen that consists of weight lifting and cardiovascular training, using stationary bike spin classes, track sprints and elliptical trainers.
No supplements, pills or New York Times Bestsellers List fad diets.
"It's strictly diet and exercise. And consistency," Braden said. "Consistency is the key."
Lowe is consistent.
And pooped.
"I'm tired," she said as she pulled off her Bellagio uniform and put on her workout clothes. "It's a lot to do, between working, family and working out."
So why does she keep coming back?
"I like the losing weight part," she said. "But this week has been the hardest week. It's catching up to me, and I'm really tired."
Lowe has dropped 25 pounds and an untold number of inches since she started.
"I have high blood pressure," she said. "But the last few weeks I haven't been bothered by it. I take medication, but I've been taking it every other day."
(Don't do that unless the doc says it's OK, however.)
The pair admit they get in some good-natured -- and maybe not-so-good-natured -- digs at each other.
"Her daughter calls me when (Lowe) cheats," Braden said. "She gets $5 a cheat. She's made about $20 so far."
Still, it's easier working out with a sister rather than a stranger, Lowe said, "because of the way I talk."
"I'll fuss with her," Lowe said. "And I'll argue -- a little bit."
The show featuring Lowe will air sometime after the Discovery Channel throws her "coming out" party in mid-November.
Lowe hasn't chosen her party dress yet, but it will be smaller.
"And I know it's going to be red," she said.
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