3 Life Lessons You Can Learn from 'The Biggest Loser'
Jillian Michaels is no huge fan of reality television, but there still are some important takeaways.
It's no secret that I have my issues with reality TV. I hate the "Biggest Loser" eliminations. I loathe all the contrived story beats of temptations and challenges. The creative editing makes me utterly bananas and yet here I am, still on "Loser" going into a double season of 8 and 9!
Why? Because the goodness of the show always prevails. Because there are some lessons I have learned while working with my "Biggest Loser" contestants that I think are powerful enough to change the world. Here are some for you to ponder ...
1. Nothing Is Impossible
Let's face it: If I can take a person that is 400 pounds and get them into run-a-marathon shape in four months, we as human beings are capable of just about anything.
2. You Should Never Ask "Why Me"-Instead, Ask "Why NOT Me?"
Society—and sometimes even our own friends and family members—says you are arrogant and selfish if you want to be anything beyond the norm. Strive to become healthier or richer or more successful than average and it becomes a "Who do you think you are?" scenario. That is such a crock.
The next time you feel less-than or undeserving of making a healthy change, ask yourself that question: Why not you?
On "Biggest Loser," my contestants learn to stop asking "Why me?" and ask this question: "Why not me?" Why not me get gorgeous, healthy and famous? Why not me fall in love? Why not me have the career of my dreams? And here is the best part: by putting themselves first for once, they change their lives, achieve their goals and inspire a nation. So, the next time you feel less-than or undeserving of making a healthy change, ask yourself that question: Why not you?
3. You Must Choose To Be Happy
Life will not always be easy. You won't always be happy. Things will go wrong that are unfair and totally out of your control, but ... you have a choice. You can choose to become a victim of these unfortunate events or you can choose to learn from them and grow.
A lot of the contestants on "Biggest Loser" have had very sad lives—some filled with tragedy, all filled with physical hardship. But the ones who succeed do so because they come to find a meaning and purpose in their struggles that propels them towards a beautiful rich fulfilling future.
Are you at a lifestyle or weight turning point? What choice are you going to make?
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Jillian Michaelsis the author of the new book Master Your Metabolismand the motivation coach for the Body by Glamour shape-up program. She's helped dozens of people get slim and healthy as a trainer on "The Biggest Loser," and has helped thousands of others through her DVDs and books.
this is very good for people who are fat
The best way to deal with the apprehension about the water aerobics class is to simply GO to the YMCA, ask to OBSERVE a class (they should let you do so- ask to speak to the instructor, don't bother with the gate-keeper info desk folks)- have yet to meet an instructor who would object.
You will likely see folks of all shapes/sizes/ages and swimsuit styles in the class, and I believe that your apprehension will be diminished. Sure, it's possible that you'd run into 'perfect dry hair & jewelry/stick thin figure' water aerobics classes (more likely in the shallow water vs. deep water classes), but they're more the exception than the norm- it's still worth the initial investigation.
I used deep water aerobics to regain my range of motion in my knees (were down to 10% range of motion) and arthritic hip. By using deep water aerobics, there was NO impact on joints/knees (some concussion can happen with the more common shallow water aerobics). No worries about drowning/don't know how to swim- the equipment used for deep water inspires confidence- you would have to TRY to drown with the equipment on!- it's not going to happen! ha!
I've regained full mobility in my knees, and strengthened the muscles/tendons around said knees, which has provided stability, thereby helping to prevent further injury. Water aerobics has also helped me to virtually eliminate my dependency on ibuprofen for my hip (was up to 800 mg / 3 per day at one point); it also provides motivation to continue, as my hip will start to ache if I miss class more than once-twice.
I found that I felt better before I looked better, but that alone was motivation to continue.
No, you won't have the rapid observable body changes compared to other exercise activities (so set expectations accordingly!); however, you also GREATLY diminish your chance of injury (which often permanently derails more ambitious exercise plans). By not getting injured, you tend to stick with it, and then the changes start to happen. For me, this has been a significant aspect: can't begin to remember all of the ambitious aerobic/gym equipment plans that went awry with a simple injury, which then required a week or so of layover, that then eventually turned into permanent layoff (didn't resume).
Not so with water aerobics- I've been able to stick with it (without injury) so that I can finally see some results- strengthening without damaging. This has now led me back into the gym and into lap swimming, as I now have a base of fitness from the water aerobics that I can now use to protect myself from injury in further cross training.
I've a 350 # friend who has been steadily doing water aerobics- we are all thrilled to see the gradual change in her shape; even more gratified to see the changes in her confidence and increased happiness. Regardless of your size, I hope the same happens for you, too!
(God, how I hate computers ! !)
I GOT LOST IN THE INTERNET ! ! CURIOUS TO KNOW IF THERE IS INFO ON CONTACTING
Ms. MICHAELS.- PURELY SOCIALABLE PLEASE - THANKS. T.
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