I agree with you about Walmart
 

Originally Posted by Wannabeskinny:
Yes you're right, where was the Mom that whole time? Anyway, this whole thing sponsored by WalMart is so predictable anyway, I wouldn't step into a Walmart if you paid me.... $25,000 haha!

I agree with you regarding Walmart.

Maybe Wal-Mart is different in the US (probalby not) but here I bought a box of "chicken breasts" from there and there was hardly anything chicken about them! NO thanks!!!

I completely agree with all these kinds of shows, waaaayyyy too much exercise and just about nothing on calories and nutrition and the struggles that one goes through to not over eat every day of their lives and how that plays out.

There is NO WAY i could even do 1/4 of the exercise that they or BL show does, i don't know how they do it. I'm at goal and slender and i'm having a very hard time going past 1/2 hour of very brisk walking on the treadmill because of my joint problems! It's SO frustrating to see shows like this that make you feel you have to quit your job and exercise half the day away. UGH.

HI,

I wished just once they would address the issue of people who have some exercise limitations. Also they get a bunch of expensive equipment free and that would sure help me. Also the $50,000 they get from walmart is a good motivator . So success is stacked in their favor. I still commend them because they still have to do the work.

I do shop at walmart without apology because compared to our regular stores the savings are just to good to pass up. My social conscience lies in neglected animals. I do wish walmart would change some of their practices-like giving away money to the weight loss people whick is ridiculous in my opinion.
Sheridan

Hi,

I liked this show on ABC more than The Biggest Loser or Ruby. It seems more down to earth to me, and the trainer doesn't yell, he seems nicer and more realistic.

What I would like to see in more of these shows is a shift in the focus from the gyms to other sports: playing tennis, swimming, biking and other activities conducive for weight loss instead of staying in a gym all day.

I found this particular episode to be sad because of the twins' issues. I hope that they can resolve those issues.

Originally Posted by seabiscuit:
Hi,

What I would like to see in more of these shows is a shift in the focus from the gyms to other sports: playing tennis, swimming, biking and other activities conducive for weight loss instead of staying in a gym all day.

Yes you're right, so much attention to the GYM! What about real life activities like grocery shopping on an empty stomach? Or a suddenly surprise party for a coworker with cake? Or memorial day bbq? Or Thanksgiving day? or the day you got in a huge fight with your best friend? And what about those other activities you could do like seabiscuit mentions?

^ thats a really good point!! Its funny - the parts I always really perk up and pay attention to on these shows are the meal/food parts. I feel like it really negates just how very important nutrition is is any weight loss journey. Kinda perpetuates that notion that you can eat whatever and just hop on the treadmill for an extra hour to earn that brownie. Which can be true, but long lasting health is soooooo much more than eternal deprivation balanced unrealistic workouts.

You brought up all the qualms I have with shows like this wannabeskinny. I have watched the show, and while I am very happy for the people who have lost weight on it, and I admire their effort...the shows intro used to say something like, "Trainer Chris so-and-so transforms the lives of eight super-obese." WTF? Is that correct English? The only other group of people I have heard referenced to as a medical condition they possess are lepers. I am a person...not an obese, thankyouverymuch. lol :P Also, the trainer seems to enjoy making the contestants achievements seem like his own...also evidenced in the intro comment.

Wannabeskinny,

Thanks for your positive comments! I feel that these weight loss shows are helpful but I think that some of the 'reality TV' is a far cry from actual reality as you pointed out. I can't help but wonder what happens to these contestants after the show is over and their life goes back to 'normal.' They have lived their life in a 'vacuum' so to speak because so much of their life is broadcasted by mass media and it must be difficult for them with their life, starting over in many ways.

I think that if these shows were more realistic perhaps people wouldn't gain back a lot of the weight that they take off during the process. I hear some people from some weight loss shows gain some back, which I think is completely understandable but upsetting.

Take care.

I've never watched The Biggest Loser, but I started watching this Extreme Weight Loss show last year (I think?) & it does help me feel motivated to stick with my efforts. It helps me feel like, if they can do it, I can do it too. I think because this season's first episode was about two people losing weight, they didn't have as much time to focus on the day to day stuff or nutritional aspects. I definitely remember the show talking about nutrition in the past, though, as well as the hours a day these people work out & how they've had to take time off of their jobs to focus on it. Of course quitting one's job & working out 4 hours a day isn't realistic or justifiable to those of us who aren't on a television show, but usually the people that come on the show have lost all hope and are desperate to make changes immediately. And, sometimes, health issues bring the need for rapid weight loss for them.

The show isn't perfect, but I like watching it for motivation. I like Chris, the little cutie, because he is, essentially, a counselor on top of being a trainer. He pays attention to his clients' emotional & mental needs as well as their physical needs & I appreciate that.

How did you all like the show tonight? I just saw the last 5 minutes where she weighed in and lost 159 lbs (in a year WOW) I was watching the Black Hawks (yes hockey lol).. Did the lady have any troubles? It looked like her parents were kinda like deer in the head lights. Were they supportive? OHHH let me know... I will try and catch it on demand.. I too feel like sometimes I can accomplish what they do (on a slower scale) but know that I can do it!! and Yes Keep Moving.. Chris is a little Cutie Patootie!!!

I really enjoyed last night's show. She did struggle a bit because her family wasn't being as supportive as she would have liked (they still bought junk into the house) but later she realized that she had the strength to combat that obstacle and they also were more supportive and very sweet people. She looked amazing at the end and her intense efforts were so motivating.

She was supposed to get surgery to remove the skin once she hit her goal weight but they never showed it. I thought they should have because the skin alone probably weighed quite a bit.

I only watched the last hour but again only saw lots of exercise exercise exercise. Gee, with a toddler and a job I doubt I could do so much exercise. What are these people eating???? Anything?