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DEL.ICIO.USBiggest Loser Finale- What you can Learn!
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Tonight is the finale of Biggest Loser. Though I don’t watch much T.V., with the help of my DVR I have been watching this show on the weekend. Not too long ago, I pointed out some of the flaws (Warning about Biggest Loser) of watching the Biggest Loser, however, there are some things you can learn too.
Unlike the other reality shows, this one is positive for all participants and many of them continue a productive life. Not just their journey of weight loss, but in remarkable journey to gain health.
The most prevalent commonality of the contestants is how they lost the weight. They did not use pills and powders. They did not suck it out or misdirect their digestive system (e.g. gastric bypass). There was not one special exercise gadget that promised weight loss. There wasn’t any sort of special exercise class or dietary program.
What they did was simple. It was a combination of the basics of physical conditioning which included resistant training, cardiovascular exercise, and proper eating habits. They also entrusted in fitness experts that know what they are doing and truly care about their outcomes. Experts who provided them motivation and education, even when it was something the participants didn’t want to hear.
The second and foremost important thing they had in common is that they didn’t just lose weight. They got their “life back,” as many of them stated. They had vigor and energy. They worked hard. They got there confidence back, or in some cases discovered a confidence they never knew they could have. They got stronger. They got healthier. Their relationships improved. They could play with their kids again.
Do you get the point? Weight loss itself is not enough. I am stressing this to you because you may only be focused on weight loss, now or this upcoming New Year (if that is your resolution). However, what you need to focus on is what you can gain that isn’t weight. You can take a pill to suppress appetite, therefore, losing weight. However, you are not going to feel any less stressed, get stronger, or decrease cardiovascular disease, just by losing weight. Even your healthcare professional may tell you to “just lose some weight.” However, it takes more than that if you want to change your life.
I am warning you that the pseudo-experts of weight loss and fitness will be in abundance at the beginning of the year. Don’t trust them! Don’t seek quick fixes to lose weight, but change your life. You have seen in real people, who were extremely obese and on national television make such positive life changes. There were no drugs, one-dimensional exercise programs, or diets involved.
You have to believe. You have a simple choice to make. You can either continually be fooled by the weight loss and fitness hustlers, or you can really make a change by doing what really works for long term health and vitality. You also have to accept that it is not going to be cheap and easy. Cheap and easy things don’t last. You will have to invest time (mainly time) and money, plus understand that you have to sweat a little.
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By Kim McGinnis
December 21, 2007 11:21 AM | Link to this
I wrote a post on my blog, Our Inner Source, http://www.ourinnersource.com after I saw the finale. I agreed with everything you said except that it takes time and money - time and focus and belief - absolutely. But when I lost 29% of my body weight 25 years ago, all it cost me was my Buns of Steel video, and whatever healthy food I ate - I actually spent less money than when I was heavy. I did not use a personal trainer at the time, I read and asked questions. I also wound up keeping the weight off. If I can do, anyone can! Thank you for listening…