…and again, and again, and again.
First I would like to draw a comparison so you can see for yourself what make sense…and what doesn’t.
So you can see what is a quick fix, dangerous, unmotivating, fuel of incorrect concepts about fitness, and what is now apparently infecting the out of shape and overweight youth of the world as well.
Exihibit A
Mom in her mid 40’s who enrolled in a Biggest Loser Challenge at her local gym for 8 weeks. First what the “program” consisted of:
- Ridiculously difficult weekly physical challenges
- Calorie depletion
- High Volume, single joint exercises
- No rhyme or reason, progression or teaching
- Training for symtoms – exhaustion, Calorie burn read outs on cardio equipment, sweating, etc.
- A “final challenge” that had nothing to do with any other workout during the 8 weeks.
- No long term strategies
Results:
- 7 pounds lost on the scale
- 14.5 inches lost
- Could not wait for it to be over
- Sore knees, right shoulder and lower back
- Does’t want to stop exercising but “needs a break”
- No hope or strategy on how to continue in a manageable way
Exhibit B
Mom of 2 in her late 40’s with a foot problem and no exercise experience.
The Program
- 45 minute fitness bootcamp class 2-3 times per week depending on how busy her life is that particular week.
- Cut out the bad snacks and concentrate on eating “clean”. In her words, “I didn’t have to change much at all”.
The Results (so far)
- Has dropped a size and half in 16 weeks
- Loves working out
- Has more energy that she can remember
- Feels stronger than ever
- Doesn’t ever want to stop
- Can’t believe she could have so much fun getting in shape
These are not made up examples. These two women are very real and these experiences, though short descriptions, are accurate and very real as well.
What makes more sense to you?
The only thing worse in my opinion than the show itself, is the attempts to duplicate it while putting a different spin on it.
Now it has come to my attention that there is a gym in New Jersey promoting a Biggest Loser program to its members, the community and kids. The big draw is actual contestants from the show that will work with people and I guess add inspiration.
Are the instructors qualified to work with kids?
Do they understand the inherent differences from a neuro-motor aspect that kids 9-13 years old (age range of promotion by this gym) have compared to adults?
Will it be more sets and reps, single joint movements and high volume workouts setting them up for failure or perhaps repetitive motion injuries?
Will it teach these kids or “train” them into the ground?
Will it keep them coming back for more or will they be glad when its over.
How many fun games will be played with these kids that actually promote things like spatial awareness, balance, proprioception, kinestic differentiation, reactivity, self esteem and more?
The more I learn about how the Biggest Loser is feeding the part of our culture that yearns for those quick results, the more I have to shed the truth about fitness.
The physical culture of society is in crisis.
Products, shows, diets and magic machines that promote the headlines that are created to hit our emotional hot buttons do not help. They make the situation worse. 8 week challenges are fine. 36 sessions are terrific. Then what? Is the outcome a more active, self confident individual? Is the outcome all about the numbers?
Childhood obesity is not the problem. It is a symptom.
Good intentions aside – please, please don’t put this on our kids as well. Just because it feels good does not mean it is the right thing to do.
Don’t be a loser. Think long term. Win.
Dave
www.homeofficeworkouts.com
“Fast, Repeatable, Efficient, Effective”
