Not the Biggest Loser’s Biggest Fan
I haven’t watched Biggest Loser in years. I remember catching part of an episode where Jillian Michaels was screaming at an extremely overweight man to give her more time on the treadmill, when he looked pale and ready to pass out. I thought to myself that she was teaching that man nothing but to hate exercise, to have inflated expectations, and to dread working out again.
I didn’t watch it again until last night, after I read so many blogs saying how motivating it was to watch.
Hmmm. I saw maybe one or two contestants who seem to be taking it seriously, but mostly I saw a lot of whining, more waterworks than Niagara Falls, and a lot of “I can’t”. It grated my nerves. These people have the luxury of devoting their days full time to working out and losing weight, and this is the best they are doing with it?
One woman in particular seemed to devote more energy to obsessing about another contestant, Julio, and complaining about him than to her own weight loss needs. In typical human fashion, she bitched about him to a buddy and to the camera, yet to him, she sweetly offered to help if he needed it. Why not be straightforward and tell him she doesn’t think he is working hard enough, instead of badmouthing him to everyone else within earshot? It was petty, catty, and childish. I see enough of that kind of crap from people I have the misfortune to deal with in everyday life; I don’t need to watch TV for that nonsense!
I was disappointed in the show and in the contestants. People who lost 4 or 6 pounds in one week were heartbroken, because contestants over 400 pounds were losing 19 pounds in one week. Me? I’d be thrilled to see 6 pounds gone in one week! But I am aware that 1 or 2 pounds a week is healthier and more real. If the show is motivating to others, that is great, and I’m glad it’s available for them. Personally I couldn’t stand it and thought most contestants needed a sound spanking than a trainer or food plan.
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I caught bits and pieces of it last night. I was motivated by it several years ago, but it’s majorly disappointing now. NOW the contestants seem to be larger than ever and whinier than ever. It’s not even a realistic scenario anymore.
It’s more like “Let’s take the biggest people we can find (who can safely do the work) and make them lose lots of weight as quickly as possible. GAG! What happened to “I’m trying to get into shape and would like a shove in the right direction”? The people (from what little I’ve seen) this season are going from zero to Jillian in no time flat, and they’re having a hard time with it. Well DUH! Not even interesting, in my opinion.
I do enjoy the Biggest Loser workout DVD series, in which past contestants work out with Bob and other trainers, but they’re not whining, they’re smiling.
I used to love the BL, but anymore it is all about the drama. Sick of watching Jillian scream at people and the language. Thankfully, they bleep it. Also, who wants to watch someone vomit? Gross.
You have to be a regular watcher to truly grasp the goals each trainer has. It’s not that easy to watch in the beginning, but IMO if everyone here had a Jillian or Bob to yell at them they would have much more success.
I dont watch tv so I have no clue as to what the lastest is on the biggest loser. I was amused by your blog though.
I did read yesteriday online how the winners of the show were doing–only a few are still doing great weight wise. How sad…all that hard work.
Have a great day.
I’d rather have a Bob than a Jillian
He is quieter but came across as every bit as strict, last night anyway. I love one or two of Jillian’s workout DVD’s but still find moments when I’d like to see one of the people working out tell her off 
I’m not watching the show hon. I used to the first few season but I’m more hooked on cable shows. WAREHOUSE 13 baby and THE UNIVERSE!
I watched last night, I know what you mean.
ok this is what bothers me…they are given this lecture by this chef (I have no idea who he is) and when they come to the quiz some of them really struggled! If I had a lecture on eating right and even exercise I would pay attention and absorb everything I could like a sponge! Heck I might even take notes…lol
I agree the girl who kept saying the one guy was slacking bothered me. To mention it once (it was an opinion) was ok but to focus on it was not…I would focus to make sure that I was doing everything right not what he was not doing right!
I watch it for inspiration, motivation and ideas. See I tend to block out the screaming during last chance workout…instead I watch what exercises they are doing/how/why ect and wonder if I could do a similar routine at home…
i was watching older episodes the other day…and wow most people there were losing 6 pounds …4 pounds…and they were the best back then..now on the new season…if they dont lose 10 pounds all the time..they act so dumb!!!! that is not healthy…all i hear them do is bitch bitch bitch!!!! like dagny i now only watch for ideas!
I don’t watch it, I haven’t watched it ever really other than while flipping a season or two ago and staying on that channel for about 5 minutes. I cannot stand that Jillian person. I could NOT stand someone yelling at me the way she does. I’d just have to punch her in the face and be done with it. I don’t know, maybe some people need yelling but I certainly don’t.
I’ve never really watched it.
I love Jillian’s workout videos but she is a hardass.
I am really into Melrose Place now! Addictive!!!!
I loved every other season but this one so far. ehhh not my thing. i will give it a few more weeks to see if i am going to like it. i do not mind the complaining the crying grades on me a bit but I see why..
I am so not a Jillian fan. To be honest I cannot stand her. Oh man so many people here love her not I. Anyway I see how you do not like this season.. maybe at the end you would cause it becomes much better
my favorite part of the show is the end when they show the transformation..
Oh I am getting more and more irritated by the big numbers too. and I overheard bob say to a contestant stick to your 1200 calories. I do not get it they work out 8 hrs a day and are well let;s face is very large and only eating 1200 calories???? how do they not fall over. makes me wonder what suppliments they are taking
Awww! its funny it took me until season four to like the show. Jillians abrasiveness reminds me of bootcamp, which I kinda like. When Bob gets pissed it seems scripted because he’s usually the serene one. Overall, this year’s show isnt grabbing me much but I do love to see the transformations and I do get a lot of tips, so I will keep tuning in. I think they are getting heavier contestants so the numbers will be big.
Yeah, Kerstin I’m with you on the calorie thing! I even said to Chris, why are these huge people only eating 1200 calories… and at another point I heard either Bob or Jill saying something about you have to burn more calories than you take in.. so these guys are only eating 1200 calories and they are burning what? 3000 calories? have to be to be dropping that much weight!!! As much as I’d love to get on the show and be able to work out all day like they do.. I definitely don’t think it’s realistic either. I’m like Dagny, I like watching for the tips, for workout ideas, etc…
i agree, i watched the episode and frankly i was not impressed. it seems like the show is going downhill. the trainers are getting nastier, they made these poor out of shape contestants kill themselves by running a mile. how absurd! I was a major fan but i hope they can pull this out of the toilet. I dont like the whining much either, a little too much drama. i think it is starting to get a little irresponsible and doing too much crazy stuff for ratings. - good thought, someone needs to say something about this.
This season it seems like Bob & Jillian are monsters. lol Both meaner than they ever have been and thats saying alot.
I am a devoted BL watcher. I dont know why..maybe I like a little drama on TV..lol