Sunset Hill resident Adam Davis won the first-ever Ballard Fitness Fest, hosted by EDGE Personal Training, by losing 11.9 percent of his body fat, essentially cutting in in half.

EDGE owner Erik Hroncich created the Ballard Fitness Fest as a way to give back to the community. For a $10 entry fee, Ballard residents and workers had a shot at $650 worth of prizes. Winners were determined by who lost the most body fat, inches and weight during a three-month period.

Davis lost 29.5 pounds of body fat and 18 pounds total, meaning he gained 11.5 pounds of muscle.

Davis said he has struggled with losing weight for his entire life because he had a hard time staying motivated for dieting or exercise.

"The Fitness Fest just seemed doable," Davis said. "Even if I didn't win, I would have proved something to myself."

Except for near-daily beer consumption, Davis followed a strict diet of lots of fruits and vegetables while cutting out all pasta, bread and processed foods.

"I did not feel deprived at all really, except for pizza, burgers and macaroni and cheese," he said. "Other than that, I felt very healthy and not like I was 'dieting.'"

In addition to changing his diet, Davis went to the gym two to three times a week, mostly doing natural resistance exercises, such as pushups, pull-ups and chin-ups.

Davis said he is going to celebrate his victory with a piece of pepperoni pizza and a hamburger, as well some new, slimmer clothes.

He said he will probably join the Fitness Fest again next year to defend his crown.

"Though I'm hoping that by continuing to live a healthy, active lifestyle, by next year I won't have so much weight to lose," he said.

For anyone looking to challenge him next year, Davis said he advises them to find a routine they enjoy doing and that they can do with a friend.

"Don't look at your diet or your workout as a chore but as a way to challenge yourself," he said. "Find joy in the things that were hard last week but are easier now."

Runners up in the inaugural Ballard Fitness Fest were Matt Grover, John Halhjem and Josh Smith.

Hroncich said there wasn't a single Fitness Fest contestant who didn't show improvement in weight, inches and body fat.

"It was an immense success, and I can't wait to get it going for next year," he said.