From the Inside Out

The Biggest Loser kicked off its 7th season tonight with eleven new couples all striving to win big by losing weight. This season includes:

–The heaviest woman (379 pounds) to appear on the show

–The youngest contestant ever (18) who weighs 388 pounds

–The oldest contestants ever at 63

–The heaviest contestant to appear on the show. At only 19, he already weighs 454 pounds.

Although I don’t need to lose weight, I love this show. It’s incredibly inspiring to watch people change their lives for the better. I am always fascinated by the transformations that occur by the end of the season. The contestants become more healthy, not only physically, but also mentally and emotionally. It’s so cool.

Watching the show always inspires me to keep striving to improve my overall health — to work out more, to eat better, and to take care of my body. The trainers, Jillian Michaels and Bob Harper, are amazing. It would be so neat to work out with them. For now, I have the “poor man’s version” of a Biggest Loser personal trainer. I received Jillian’s 30 Day Shred video for Christmas. It offers three challenging levels of 20-minute cardio and strength workouts. I’m doing level one now, and I’m really enjoying it. On the big screen, it’s almost like having Jillian standing there in person pushing me while I’m exercising…haha!

The first episode of The Biggest Loser offered a major twist at weigh in and a great quote from Jillian. I loved what she told the girl from the green team who was panting on the treadmill and whining. Jillian scowls at her and says, “Let me tell you something…when your lips turn blue, then you’re going to pass out…okay? But you’re not going to die.” Classic Jillian.

I’m excited to watch another group of people make the ultimate transformation. There are many interesting characters and personalities, so it should be an interesting journey. I can’t wait to see who wins by losing.

Actually, Ali is the biggest loser.  In tonight’s season finale of The Biggest Loser Couples, Ali did something no female has done since the show’s inception.  She won!  And I have to say it’s about time that a female took top honors.

When the show started, Ali weighed a whopping 234 pounds.  In a few short months, she dropped 112 pounds (or 47.86 percent of her weight).  It was amazing and inspiring.  At one point, this girl was eliminated from the show.  When she walked away, she proclaimed that she would be the biggest loser — she was right. 

Eventually, she was given an opportunity to compete and win her way back onto the show.  Once she made it back, she was a fierce competitor.  Her dedication paid off.  As the winner, she will take home the $250,000 grand prize, but she has gained more than that.  She has gained a healthy lifestyle and a confidence that will stay with her for the rest of her life. 

Many of the contestants lost over 100 pounds.  The transformations were staggering.  It just goes to show that it can be done.  It’s not impossible, but it requires dedication and hard work  — A LOT of dedication and hard work.  A good trainer helps too (I can’t begin to tell you how much I love Bob and Jillian.  It would be amazing to train with them.)

One of the great things about this show is that it motivates people to live healthier lifestyles.  Not only have the participants lost weight, but they have learned how to eat correctly and exercise right.  They are in better shape than I am.  This inspires me.  It also reminds me…I need to get my butt to the gym.

Anyway, I’d like to say ”congrats Ali”!  You are an inspiration to females around the world.  Wear the title of the first female “biggest loser” proudly.  You deserve it.