The Biggest Loser: Making Choices

Every time we eat, we make a choice. Every time we head to the gym,  we make a choice.

Some of them are good choices. Some not so good. And that’s what happened this week on The Biggest Loser.

Two contestants had to spend a week away from The Biggest Loser Ranch. They had to decide between working out with their personal trainer or having the opportunity to talk to family over the phone and get a massage.

Jennifer decided she didn’t need to work out with her trainer, Brett. She and Courtney could handle their own workouts at a local gym, she said. Courtney disagreed but chose not to stand up for herself.

Not everyone needs a personal trainer to lose weight. But many of the contestants on The Biggest Loser have never exercised regularly. The show’s personal trainers – well-respected, successful professionals – teach them the science behind diet and exercise. Muscles need to be exercised a certain way to maximize building them, which burns more calories and leads to greater weight loss.

Even those who do know their way around the weight room need help learning not to overeat or how to prepare nutritious meals. Sometimes, personal trainers have to be counselors who help people unravel the emotional issues driving poor choices.

Without Brett by their side, both Jennifer and Courtney paid dearly.

Jennifer didn’t lose any pounds that week. Courtney lost two, which isn’t bad if you’re home working on your diet and exercise. But on the show, contestants regularly drop 5 to 10 pounds a week.

Jennifer was sent home.

“I learned a really big lesson,” she said after being eliminated. “You still have to rely on your trainer at this point. That was my major mistake this week.”

Alice Warchol is a fitness instructor and freelance health writer.

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