If you read my blog regularly, you know I have love/hate feelings for “The Biggest Loser.” I love how the contestants feel empowered, but I hate the “fish bowl” aspect of the show which doesn’t accurately portray how real people lose weight.  Well, I’ve just been all over “The Biggest Loser” web site and I have a few thoughts on what we’ll be seeing this season.

Trainers Work As a Team

Jillian and Bob are going to be training as a team this year, which is interesting because they have very different styles. For the contestants this is great!  They’ll get to experience different training styles and judge for themselves what works best for them.  I also hope this change will cut down on the “alittletooclose” attachment some contestants make with their initial trainer. Still, we’re certain to see contestants connecting with one trainer more than the other and I’m sure the producers will play off this at some point during the season.

Your Takeaway: Expose yourself to different styles of training.  You might work well with one trainer or respond to one type of exercise but there might be an even better fit out there.  Have an open mind and try new things to keep your workout fresh and to find a type of movement you feel passionate about.  Maybe it’s ultra-marathoning; maybe it’s ballroom dancing. There’s something for everyone.

Second Chances is the Theme

I really like this theme and the show is demonstrating many types of second chances, from Abby who lost her husband and two children in a car accident, to Daniel who competed last season but didn’t lose all the weight he needed to and is continuing his journey.  I have a feeling there will be plenty of tear-jerker moments with the contestants, and since I’m always crying while watching this show in seasons past, I’ll be keeping my tissue box handy.

Your Takeaway: The reality is life happens, and many of us bury our emotions inside a cookie jar instead of dealing with disappointments.  I hope this season will be full of suggestions for how to handle tough situations instead of literally swallowing them.  For viewers, this could be an opportunity to forgive yourself for little foibles and learn how to find other outlets to relieve stress. (Perhaps a workout?)

Some of the Heaviest Contestants Ever

The web site contained a brief sound bite from Bob the trainer that this season features some of the heaviest people they’ve ever had on “The Biggest Loser.”  While surveys have said that 66% of the US is overweight and 50% obese, only 6% of the population is morbidly obese.  My concern is if viewers watching the show think to themselves, “Well at least I’m not that fat.”  I’m sure the producers choose particularly heavy contestants because their transformations are sooo dramatic.  There is a point in each season towards the end when I am just stunned by how far contestants have come and how healthy — truly healthy — each person looks as they get down to the final four.

Your Takeaway: Be objective and think about where you are weight and fitness-wise and where you want to be.  Pick and choose some of the elements of the show’s extreme diet and exercise regime that can be applied to your own life.  Is there someone on  the show who has a similar body type that you can emulate?  How can this show, chock full of suggestions for healthy living, help you better your life?

I would love to hear your thoughts on the upcoming season.  Please share.

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