Answers (13)
2
Biggest Loser gives people an erroneous idea of what we as fitness professionals do. I am constantly reassuring people "I'm not Jillian". And the show gives people the idea that they can-and should - lose weight like the contestants do on the show.
My standard answer is that for however long contestants are on the show their life every day for 24 hours a day is to exercise and lose weight. they have no kids, spouse family, or job responsibilities.No house to take care of, no errands to run, no appointments to keep. Their entire focus, 24-7, is to lose weight. That is just not feasable for anyone NOT on that show. Time and effort and consistancy is what it takes to reach your goals. Not someone screaming in your face trying to make you puke your guts out.
My standard answer is that for however long contestants are on the show their life every day for 24 hours a day is to exercise and lose weight. they have no kids, spouse family, or job responsibilities.No house to take care of, no errands to run, no appointments to keep. Their entire focus, 24-7, is to lose weight. That is just not feasable for anyone NOT on that show. Time and effort and consistancy is what it takes to reach your goals. Not someone screaming in your face trying to make you puke your guts out.
2
I loathe "The Biggest Looser" TV show. Yes, they do give some sound nutritional advice, but the physical training is abusive and at least borders on negligent. Contestant vomiting, passing out, being taken away in ambulances? How long would your gym be in business if those were common occurrences there? Not very long I'd bet.
Also, what sort of message do you think the contestants get when after all their hard work, they get booted off the show for not loosing "enough" weight? Chances are they already have some self image and confidence issues, telling them in effect that they aren't good enough won't help those problems.
Personally, I wouldn't be surprised if the show kills a contestant or one commits suicide after getting the boot.
Also, what sort of message do you think the contestants get when after all their hard work, they get booted off the show for not loosing "enough" weight? Chances are they already have some self image and confidence issues, telling them in effect that they aren't good enough won't help those problems.
Personally, I wouldn't be surprised if the show kills a contestant or one commits suicide after getting the boot.
1
I am not a fan at all!! Too much emphasis is placed on "weight loss" in this country, when the real problem is people are sitting on their "assets" instead of MOVING them...period, end of story!! My philosophy, and what I share with my friends, family and clients, is to focus on ANYTHING other than losing weight...and it will just come!! Focus on moving your assets throughout the day:no drive thrus, no close parking spot searching, no emails to the cubical next to you, stand when you can sit...focus on feeling better and having more energy and the weight loss WILL come and STAY!!
Better Butts by Beth
www.FUNIQfitness.com
Better Butts by Beth
www.FUNIQfitness.com
1
Why is this industry not up in arms? Any other profession would deem what they see by their colleagues as CRIMINAL behavior!!!! Leaders in the Idustry should be challenging these TV "trainers", don't you think? The rest of us, all we get is a bad reputation!
1
Nutrition and Training go hand in hand! They must both be addressed in order for our clients to have success. If a client is a workhorse and does every exercise you tell them you to do with ferocious intensity, the training will be completely null and void if that client doesn't fuel their body correctly. Our clients must be taught to eat balanced meals, and that it's also okay to slip once and a while as long as they don't give up. I spend at least 10 minutes per session with my clients going over what they've eaten since I last saw them. If they need more time and have a bunch of questions on nutrition, we may spend an entire session addressing those questions. I am not a certified nutritionist, and won't/can't prescribe meals, but it is my responsibility as a member of the Wellness industry to give them guidelines and educate them on the foods available to them.
As for the show, having learned that the "celebrity" trainers on The Biggest Loser only work with the contestants about an hour each day while lesser known trainers make up the remainder of the workout time, and then seeing the poor form the contestants have on the workout dvd's, I have lost a lot of respect for the trainers themselves. I've watched the show from the 1st season, and even though the weight loss is a big part of it (which happens way too fast), it's not the whole thing. They also focus on what/when/how much to eat and how to prepare it, and they show the contestants how to make it a lifestyle. It's up to the contestants, like any client, to keep it up. They are also diving more and more into the mental & emotional battle people have with food and movement. About 95% of these people have some traumatic event in their past that has paralyzed them emotionally. I've started to realize, with more than just BL, that part of the problem that caused the obesity epidemic is people not learning how to cope with grief and bullying. This should be taught to us as we grow into adulthood, however way too many people have missed this lesson. The one good thing I have to say about Jillian is that she has begun the process of really digging deep to help these people figure out what their true barriers are and how to break through them. The show used to be about getting healthy, eating right, and making it a lifestyle. These days it's more about the drama...and the scripted infomercials that they sneak in. That being said, I'll prob check in a few times next season, but won't be watching it like I used to.
As for the show, having learned that the "celebrity" trainers on The Biggest Loser only work with the contestants about an hour each day while lesser known trainers make up the remainder of the workout time, and then seeing the poor form the contestants have on the workout dvd's, I have lost a lot of respect for the trainers themselves. I've watched the show from the 1st season, and even though the weight loss is a big part of it (which happens way too fast), it's not the whole thing. They also focus on what/when/how much to eat and how to prepare it, and they show the contestants how to make it a lifestyle. It's up to the contestants, like any client, to keep it up. They are also diving more and more into the mental & emotional battle people have with food and movement. About 95% of these people have some traumatic event in their past that has paralyzed them emotionally. I've started to realize, with more than just BL, that part of the problem that caused the obesity epidemic is people not learning how to cope with grief and bullying. This should be taught to us as we grow into adulthood, however way too many people have missed this lesson. The one good thing I have to say about Jillian is that she has begun the process of really digging deep to help these people figure out what their true barriers are and how to break through them. The show used to be about getting healthy, eating right, and making it a lifestyle. These days it's more about the drama...and the scripted infomercials that they sneak in. That being said, I'll prob check in a few times next season, but won't be watching it like I used to.
1
I refuse to watch that show besides avoiding TV all together. It portrays the fitness industry in all the wrong ways. It gives people a false sense of hope. They imitate a get rich quick scheme with weight loss that people will get lured into. However, as many know this is not realistic but that is TV for you. Television is meant to please its viewers and it will do what it takes to do so. I try and stay away from television and especially shows similar to "the biggest loser"
1
The show is geared for ratings - and drama produces ratings. My biggest gripe is that it promotes the "no pain, no gain" philosophy of training.
1
I think that as a trainer the show creates false expectations of our "real life" clients. They think they should be able to lose 14 pounds in a week also. People need to be reminded that The Biggest Loser is a "reality" show.
1
The TV show, "The Biggest Loser," is a great way to makes lots of money! They are able to sell workout dvds, workout equipment, clothing, foods, journals, books, you name it, they will produce it, throw the name on it, and sell it like crazy!
America is all about the fast results and instant gratification, we are in the technology, fast-food driven world now! However, that is not how everything works, but this show puts that idea into people's heads that they can loose 15 pounds in one week and that is okay.
The people on this show start off with a sedentary lifestyle and poor eating habits, then shoot up to extremely drastic changes in their workout and nutrition regime. This sends a total shock to their system! I would not be ok if I had clients throwing up, passing out, or getting taken away in ambulances because of the routine I was putting them through.
America is all about the fast results and instant gratification, we are in the technology, fast-food driven world now! However, that is not how everything works, but this show puts that idea into people's heads that they can loose 15 pounds in one week and that is okay.
The people on this show start off with a sedentary lifestyle and poor eating habits, then shoot up to extremely drastic changes in their workout and nutrition regime. This sends a total shock to their system! I would not be ok if I had clients throwing up, passing out, or getting taken away in ambulances because of the routine I was putting them through.
1
I think that the approach it is too onerous, not realistic and in the long run unsustainable.
LaRue, CSCS
www.lecfitness.com
lecfitness@yahoo.com
LaRue, CSCS
www.lecfitness.com
lecfitness@yahoo.com
1
Well said Michael Schmid! I am not thrilled about how much weight loss is done in a week and the possibility of injury or even death. Also some of the challenges are stupid and dangerous.
I have had new clients come to me because they love the show and transformations. First thing I tell them that I am not Jillian (I do not scream and belittle) and they will not lose weight as quick as the people on the Biggest Loser. I let them know that I do not watch often, but would rather have an emphasis on fat loss/muscle gain or how previous clothes fit rather than weight loss.
I have had new clients come to me because they love the show and transformations. First thing I tell them that I am not Jillian (I do not scream and belittle) and they will not lose weight as quick as the people on the Biggest Loser. I let them know that I do not watch often, but would rather have an emphasis on fat loss/muscle gain or how previous clothes fit rather than weight loss.
0
Do they actually show you the real training and nutrition portions? not in my opinion, I would like to be present for a training and meal session. I feel it is like a hotdog, you enjoy eating but don't want to see how is made.
0
It's not realistic
Are the trainers certified with Nationally Recognized Organizations?
Let's not forget
It's a TV show based on weight loss yes, but profits a big yes
Are the trainers certified with Nationally Recognized Organizations?
Let's not forget
It's a TV show based on weight loss yes, but profits a big yes
