Tonight the newest season of The Biggest Loser premiered. And, as I always do, I tuned in, ready to watch and ready to be inspired. This season had a few changes. Not only was there a new trainer, Kim Lyons, there were also 50 starting contestants (one from each state). Trainer Bob was there as always, ready to cheer and motivate his team to victory.
It’s difficult to watch The Biggest Loser because it brings up all of my own emotions. I feel the pain of the contestants. I feel their sadness, their desire to lose weight, their inner sense of failure. It breaks my heart for them because I know how they feel—I am them.
The saddest part tonight was not seeing the contestants step on the scale for the first time; it was watching the contestants who were sent home, without even being given the chance to stay (only 14 contestants stayed). I watched their faces turn from hope to sadness, and watched them drop tears of fear and doubt.
Will those sent home succeed? Sure, they’ll get a diet plan before they leave the ranch. They’ll also have access to Biggest Loser online tools and a gym, but will it be enough? Will they reach their goals? Will those on the show give it their all and justify being chosen? Guess I’ll have to watch to find out. In the meantime, I’m just glad I didn’t have to get into bike shorts and a sports bra to weigh myself this morning. I give them credit for daring to expose themselves in a way that few have the courage to do. It can’t be easy. In fact, I’m certain it’s downright difficult.
I’ll be waiting anxiously for the next episode. In the meantime, where’s my treadmill?