Biggest Loser: New Trainers and Out-of-Shape Athletes

I’ve enjoyed some of the twists with this season of “The Biggest Loser.”

It’s been quite surprising, even shocking, to see some former athletes, once revered for their physical fitness, looking so obese and out of shape. Some viewers have criticized the all-athletes theme, but to me, it serves as a wake-up call. No matter how much speed, stamina, agility and strength you might have had, you can lose it if you overeat and stop exercising. It can happen to anyone.

And it’s easy to see how the pounds could be packed on. A few years ago I interviewed some college football players who needed to eat 4,000 to 5,000 calories a day during the season. My son, who played high school football, said once you get used to eating so much food it can become a habit even when

you’re no longer putting in several hours of workouts each day. And then, if you end up with a sedentary job and a time-strapped schedule like the rest of us, you end up….like the rest of us!

I suspect one reason for the “athletes” theme was because of the potential for dramatic weight loss. Because they were former athletes, they know what it’s like to work out really hard, and there’s probably some muscle memory. So that first week, most of them were dropping pretty big numbers.

Another possible reason for the theme: viewers may remember some these folks from their “glory days,” and thus feel a connection.

Since I’m a tennis player, I was sad to see Zina Garrison booted the first episode. I remember cheering for her (from my living room) during the 1998 Wimbledon final, where she lost to the formidable Martina Navratilova. I’m glad to hear she’s coaching Taylor Townsend and look forward to watching her future matches.

Although the new trainers don’t seem  quite as natural in front of the camera as does Dolvett, they are a welcome change.  Jillian’s bullying tactics were getting on my last nerve. Last summer, she complained to People magazine about the way she was being portrayed on the show. Maybe they didn’t show her “softer” side as much as they could have; but maybe she should have shown it to the cameras more often. If she hadn’t done any screaming and yelling, they couldn’t have filmed it.

In contrast, Jennifer Widerstorm seems to be taking the opposite approach, when she says that she wants to motivate her team from love, not by fear. We’ll see how it works for her as the season goes on.

The “Comeback Canyon” added a new twist to the game, and it gives trainer Bob Harper a different, albeit smaller, role.

As for who will win, I’m rooting for the home team, at least, so far. Utah contestant Scott Mitchell showed his strength and stamina during the first challenge, as the first person to make it up the sand hill. He also seems to have an upbeat attitude, which might keep his teammates from voting him off should the occasion arise.

But you never know, over the years we’ve seen some of the most obnoxious people stay on the show, week after week, helping to get rid of some of the more personable contestants.

There’s been a lot of tears and angst, as contestants deal with their health problems and emotional issues. But it wouldn’t be “The Biggest Loser” without drama!

Other than the usual team competition, I’ve not noticed any individual rivalries, personality conflicts or alliances developing among the contestants. But that can change pretty quickly.

I’d like to hear what other fans are thinking about the season so far!  Any contestants you love? Any you hate? Or any you just love to hate?