The Biggest Loser: Season 8

[Justin1]

A new season of biggest loser is here and the first episode aired this past Tuesday at 8pm.

I personally love the show and find it motivating to see people working so hard to get better.

Anyone else a fan of the show?

Alot of it is over dramatized for TV but in all the message is clear, and the people are real.

[crobyninc]

Yes I watch the show and totally agree that the message is a good one. I think the show has helped people realize that overweight people don't sit around and eat bonbons all day. I do find it amazing how hard they push some of the people though. Even now I question whether I could do some of the stuff they expect these people to do.

Glad the fall TV line up is back!

[Justin1]

This is from an article I found criticizing the program:

* The show fosters unrealistic expectations about the pace of weight loss, many fitness pros say. Normal, sustainable weight loss is 1 or 2 pounds a week, not the 15 pounds that some contestants drop. The show's co-creator responds that the more substantial weight loss is more compelling and that it's hard for contestants to stay motivated without it. But in the real world, dietitians recommend adopting a food and exercise regimen you can live with for the rest of your life, and slow, steady weight loss powered by non-extreme dieting and exercise is the way to do that.

I don't think anyone here disagrees with the theory that it's better to lose weight slowly, but the show is dealing with people that are in need of a severe program to drop the weight quickly, and jumpstart their new life. I think we can all relate to that.

* From what viewers see, it seems as if the contestants are quickly pushed into very challenging exercises without working through the basics—simpler exercises and shorter distances—first, say many fitness pros. The response from the show's co-creator and one of its personal trainers: The finished show captures only a fraction of the training that goes on. Contestants definitely start with the basics and then progress, as they should. But if viewers don't see that, will they get the wrong idea?

I felt the same as you Robyn, but apparently there is alot of the slower paced stuff we don't see which makes sense.

* Pros wonder why the exercises in the Last-Chance Workout, the final exercise session of the show before the weekly weigh-in, are so "exotic," "bizarre," and "unnecessary," including moves usually reserved for more serious athletes, like sprints or repeated high jumps. One of the show's trainers counters by saying that the exercises are targeted appropriately to contestants based on their abilities.

Self explanatory. Made for TV and to encourage people to push themselves to see results.

* Personal trainers interviewed for the article question the methods of the on-camera trainers, who are often shown screaming their lungs out at contestants in a way that many find bullying. One contestant, however, replies that the trainers give you only what you need to succeed. Clearly, the relationship between a trainer and client will vary depending on the people involved, but if you are afraid of hiring a trainer because you think you'll be screamed at, don't be. Shop around to find someone who fits your personality as well as your fitness needs.

I am sure they tailor their motivation methods to the different individuals and what they can handle and need from their trainer.

[SDC2]

Justin,

I am also a fan of the show and have watched every season. I find it very motivational. I even got to meet one of the winners from the show a few months back. He had put some of the weight back on.

I wonder if the trainers scream at them the whole time or if that is just for the cameras. I also wonder if their work outs are really as intense as they show, or if that is just for the cameras. On the first show they had them on the treadmill at a 15 degree incline. That is really steep and nearly impossible to maintain, and this was their first week of workouts. I don't remember if they were running at that incline.

Susie

[Desert-Rose7]

I watch the show as well, and believe that the actual weight loss is pretty high, but again, the majority of the people are morbidly obese and are doing this show instead of weight loss surgery. The gal at 476 really scared me to pieces. I cannot imagine dragging that weight around every day.

As far as the workouts are concerned, we could probably get a good idea with one of their videos. I do not own one so I cannot truly say. But, when you think about it, these contestants have been in denial for so long, that I think it takes some pretty tough love to get them going.

What I really would like to see, however, is how the contestants are doing today...not just the winners...but all of them from a particular season....say about 3-4 years out.

Jo

[fit2b50]

Suzie-That's right...you met one of the twins right?? I think everyone goes nuts for the finale and then gains back some once they return to real life.

Like Jo, I'd like a here they are now show so we can see how many people have maintained the loss.

This season is pretty scary with the number of morbidly obese...I hope to see them all well within healthy weight by the end of the season. Oh and great to see young Orange shirt guy back for a second chance! Would love to see him get there this time! El

Originally Posted by SDC2

Justin,

I am also a fan of the show and have watched every season. I find it very motivational. I even got to meet one of the winners from the show a few months back. He had put some of the weight back on.

I wonder if the trainers scream at them the whole time or if that is just for the cameras. I also wonder if their work outs are really as intense as they show, or if that is just for the cameras. On the first show they had them on the treadmill at a 15 degree incline. That is really steep and nearly impossible to maintain, and this was their first week of workouts. I don't remember if they were running at that incline.

Susie

[SDC2]

Originally Posted by fit2b50

Suzie-That's right...you met one of the twins right?? I think everyone goes nuts for the finale and then gains back some once they return to real life.

Like Jo, I'd like a here they are now show so we can see how many people have maintained the loss.

This season is pretty scary with the number of morbidly obese...I hope to see them all well within healthy weight by the end of the season. Oh and great to see young Orange shirt guy back for a second chance! Would love to see him get there this time! El

El,

Thanks for remembering. I met Jim of the twins from the black team who trained under Jillian. His brother won the big $250,000 prize and he won the $100,000 prize. He came as a guest to our spin class. I would guess that he has put about 50 pounds back on.

I was so touched by the woman who lost her family in the car accident. While other contestants were claiming victimhood, she said that her weight did not define her and that while death would be an easy path, living and fullfilling her purpose is what she intended to do.

I think this might be the best Biggest Loser season ever. I hope they tone down the yelling and spend more time on the psychological issues. JMHO.

[Desert-Rose7]

I think they probably will, Susie. The gal, Tracy, that ended up in the hospital put a scare in everyone including the trainers, I think. And I think all the extra yelling was kind of a response to that...to get those people REALLY thinking about where they are and what they have become. I believe the counseling will come too.

Yes, Abby (I think that is her name) is pretty inspiriing. I cannot even imagine working through a tragedy like that. Totally life shattering. And she can still smile and get up every morning. She is my early on favorite.


Jo

[TriMom]

I enjoy this show. I would like to say that I lost 60 pounds over a period of 18 months. I gained it all back swiftly. I was ashamed of that, but want to say it out loud.....that it doesn't matter how long or short a period of time it takes to get rid of the weight, you CAN gain it back very quickly.

I look forward to seeing the last 3 minutes of every show I love seeing the transformations and can Identify with them all!

[fit2b50]

Susie-50 lbs is a lot back on but he and his brother were so thin at the end...they actually didn't look good. It was worth it for the money but a little more weight probably makes him look better...fuller faced!

YES--The Green Team woman was heartbreaking and inspiring...how anyone can endure the losses that she has and still get out of bed...and move along...amazing! I predict she will go a long way in the show as who really would vote her off....game or no game...pretty heartless!

I think this season is going to have some major transformations! Love it. El

PS-My husband and I had our free workout this morning at Fitness Together...they advertise during the BL. We signed up for enough sessions to get us through the end of the year. It was kick ass and fun!!! YEAH!

Originally Posted by SDC2

El,

Thanks for remembering. I met Jim of the twins from the black team who trained under Jillian. His brother won the big $250,000 prize and he won the $100,000 prize. He came as a guest to our spin class. I would guess that he has put about 50 pounds back on.

I was so touched by the woman who lost her family in the car accident. While other contestants were claiming victimhood, she said that her weight did not define her and that while death would be an easy path, living and fullfilling her purpose is what she intended to do.

I think this might be the best Biggest Loser season ever. I hope they tone down the yelling and spend more time on the psychological issues. JMHO.

[jenna...]

I love BL!!! Last season motivated me to drop the weight.

I'm almost at goal and this time I'm doing something different. Instead of saying "Wha-hooo! I'm off the diet" I'm saying "Wha-hooo time for maintenance."

[SDC2]

Originally Posted by jenna...

I love BL!!! Last season motivated me to drop the weight.

I'm almost at goal and this time I'm doing something different. Instead of saying "Wha-hooo! I'm off the diet" I'm saying "Wha-hooo time for maintenance."

Congratulations Jenna! That is awesome.

[Spider_Lily]

I watched the biggest loser.Will probally watch it again but I hate it when they cus at those poor people .Some really bad language.It would be sooo much better if it was left out.

[TammySue]

Hi Justin. I really love this show - very motivating! It helps me to keep going with my own weight loss journey.

[Spider_Lily]

Biggest Loser's on again tonight.

[Justin1]

It's definitely over dramatized for TV...hopefully it doesn't get as bad as Hell's Kitchen (love that show too lol)...but overall I think it can be a very inspiring show and the fundamentals are there: calories out > calories in and you will lose weight.

[McBoo]

I can't beleive the game playing has started already. All I can say is Tracey better be looking over her shoulder and sleeping with one eye open.

McBoo

[katew1129]

Originally Posted by McBoo

I can't beleive the game playing has started already. All I can say is Tracey better be looking over her shoulder and sleeping with one eye open.

McBoo

I could not agree more!!! I love the end of the shows. So encouraging to see what people can do at home away from the "ranch".

[Justin1]

some friends of mine used to live up north and knew Sean from the show...we were all pretty bummed that he was voted off last night, but it was awesome to see how much he did on his own after leaving...

[Desert-Rose7]

Miss Tracey really does have a target on her back now. I was NOT impressed with the choices she made or the actions she took.

Jo

[SDC2]

Tracey looked a little crazed too. She looked like a deer caught in headlights. I don't think she is going to last very long.

[amphigory]

Originally Posted by SDC2

Tracey looked a little crazed too. She looked like a deer caught in headlights. I don't think she is going to last very long.

Just watching episode 1 on Hulu... isn't she the one who had a heart attack in the "season teaser" and they had to bring in a helicopter for?

[jenna...]

Originally Posted by amphigory

Just watching episode 1 on Hulu... isn't she the one who had a heart attack in the "season teaser" and they had to bring in a helicopter for?

I think it was heat stroke that Tracy had. Yes same one - drama queen.

[amphigory]

Originally Posted by jenna...

I think it was heat stroke that Tracy had. Yes same one - drama queen.

So my kids were watching BL with me last night, and their comment was, "Wow, she's as crazy as mommy." My ex-wife is quite a story, but suffice it to say that that was NOT a compliment.