Getting Back into Shape

When I first heard of NBC’s The Biggest Loser, it was the ad showing the contestants in roughly 2004 (if my memory serves me correctly) and I truly dismissed the show. Six years later however, I’m finding The Biggest Loser to be a great source of information and inspiration.

Its amazing hearing the stories of the contestants and understanding that they had some point or event in their life which caused a spiral into obesity or stopped them from choosing to pursue a healthier lifestyle.

Since dismissing the show at face value, it seems to be happening to those around me. Gone are the days of 3 – 6 hours of training each day during our school and university days, long lost are the teammates and coaches to push us for excellence and the athletic physique is definitely in the rear-view mirror.

3 – 6 hours of training per day just happened; calories were burned, sweating, pushing to the limit. It was easy as it was broken up through out the day. It was a lifestyle as a high-school and college athlete. Not everyone kept with that schedule, but a good number of us did – we enjoyed it. These Biggest Loser contestants are going through a similar schedule with hopes of getting back into healthy shape.

Having teammates at your side and coaches there to push you is such a great method of life. Whether work or working-out, it really helps. Motivation from coach and accountability to your teammates keeps everyone in check. “There is nothing stronger than a group of people working together for the same goal.” This is the magic of The Biggest Loser, Jillian & Bob are world-class trainers (and nutritionists) and each player is on a team working for the same goal as their team – lost weight; get in shape.

They are parallel – maybe I’m just missing the team environment, whatever the case, I’m out of shape!

Unlike most people who start to gain weight after giving up a very athletic lifestyle, I have slipped to the other side of unhealthy – I’ve lost weight, too much. I’m comfortable between 200-210 lbs (athletic build) and at my lowest, I was down to 175 lbs, low-energy, clothes feeling baggy, low-confidence, un-motivated to get off my butt. Meanwhile, what used to be muscular was now feeling chubby – stomach, sides, etc.

My muscle mass has decreased with my fat percentage increasing. With my eating habits unchanged, I would simply eat what I wanted. All though my life that has been the case.

“What do you want? No matter your choice, you’ll burn it off later.”

Normally, I’m not the type to plug a TV show, but this is the kick in the pants that I needed to get back into the gym, start eating right, and really set goals again. I feel more lively already and I’m excited for a change.

As I learn more about the process (and hopefully see changes) I’m going to be sharing them as I hope to inspire others who may have slipped away from the body and lifestyle they love.

Here’s to our health!