I have always been a big fan of The Biggest Loser because I love seeing the transformation of the contestants. They work hard and make great changes in their lives.
This season however, a couple things are bothering me:
–Is the humiliation really that necessary? Last week Jillian screamed in a contestants face (on day one) and reduced her to a puddle of tears. I’m not expecting hand holding, but yelling in someone’s face, especially on their first day, just isn’t motivating. Had this person not been on the show, they probably never exercise again.
This weeks dose of humiliation was the slip and slide challenge. Most of the contestants already have poor body image, do we need to show them sliding face-first down a water slide in their bathing suits? I felt embarrassed for them, I can only imagine how self conscious they must have felt during this challenge.
–Product placement is a little much. I get it that Subway, Ziploc, and Brita, etc. are sponsors. What I don’t like is the fake way the contestants seem forced to promote them. According to this article though, Jillian acknowledges that the sponsors are necessary as they help fund the show.
Despite these complaints, I’m still a big fan and will continue to watch. I haven’t decided on a favorite to win yet, have you?
I was very excited to learn that the couple voted off last week, (Adam and Stacey), live near me! The Washington Post ran their story and revealed how they exercised SIX to EIGHT hours per day while at the ranch. Yikes!
Despite being voted off, they have continued to change their eating and lifestyle habits. Stacey says:
“We’ve figured out how to balance work, parenting and exercise,” Stacey Capers said. “We are very happy with our results.”
Good for them! If I ever see them around town, I will definitely have to ask them about their experience training with Bob and Jillian.
Is anyone else watching this season? Thoughts?
{ 23 comments }
I love the BL. I have decided that Tuesday evenings or whatever day I get the time to watch it (we record on DVR…yeah, I get to FF thru commercials) will be my weakly therapy, let it out time. I have cried on and off thru both episodes. For someone facing a lot of weight to lose and the emotional issues it carries, watching this show can really bring out some feelings and emotions I tend to bury.
I do agree with you about Jillian being a bit rough. I also noticed the product emphasis too…..especially at the store….like with Jenny o.
Despite all that, I will still watch the show too. The excessive exercise is obviously not doable for a busy mommy!
Annettes last blog post..Not a Normal Tuesday Post
I’m a huge fan of the show, and I’ve only seen the first episode, but I feel like the producers almost told them to be more in their face this season. Heck, even Bob is acting differently. It almost seems like it’s only a matter of time before one of those contestants snap, doesn’t it? To stand on a treadmill and to be told that you’ll stand there and walk or die?! Um…is this really about health? It make me second guess my love for the show for sure.
It’s just such a good concept. I just hate that they’re making it all Hollywood and over the top…
Fit Bottomed Girlss last blog post..Oh, to be a Morning Person…
I watch the show and I whole-heartedly agree with everything you said.
I had heard about the amount of time that the contestants worked out last season from one of the “fat camp girls”…she knew it was more than would be long-term sustainable but acknowledged that for the contest it was worth it. But even two hours a day seems un-sustainable — especially when you have two small children and are commuting up 66!
Slacker Mamas last blog post..girls just wanna have fun
Am SO GLAD to hear that they’re continuing to have a new lifestyle. When the show first started I had massive doubts about it… I was sure it wouldn’t be a lifestyle change.
Product placement can sometimes be rather over the top. And I don’t like excessive amounts of humility; its usually uncalled for. But at the same time, its good to get out of our shells and be forced to try something we normally would never do because we’re too embarrassed of our bodies… it can really help our body image. Not sure if HUMILIATION is the best way about that, though!
Sagans last blog post..Today I turn 20!
I agree with Fit Bottomed Girl; I’m sure the producers are trying to bolster ratings by upping the humiliation factor.
I’ve been watching “Dancing With The Stars.” Yes, I admit it. But Warren Sapp is GREAT and Chloris Leachman is adorable!
I totally agree. Last week I was actually cringing everytime Jillian screamed at that old guy, who turned out to be, you know, SICK. Cripes, she could have made him have a heart attack right there on that treadmill. I did a lot of cringing, and it really, really turned me off, so I only caught bits and pieces of it last night flipping from another channel. I’m not sure I’ll watch again.
We used to watch it….it seems to be so staged and hyped now. No interest any longer.
ms last blog post..Daily Life Challenge
I agree!
I was rooting for the hometown Boston boys, but alas, they’re done.
I fully admit to having a girl-crush on Jillian. I’m in the midst of the 30-Day Shred. She’s kicking my ass.
Oh, and I met Fitarella last night!
Trenches of Mommyhoods last blog post..Thinking Happy Thoughts…
slackermama, I agree–I don’t know how they still get 2 hr workouts in while they are commuting to/from etc. Do they live near you? Maybe we should find them and ask?
Trenches–how exciting that you met Fitarella!!
I also love Jillian and the 30 day shred, but she seems so angry this season?
I was very impressed with the Boston boys after photos. They have a tough road with their family influence.
Peggasus-that was awful wasn’t it? I was so worried he WAS going to have a heart attack!
FBG: totally agree that is has been hyped up Hollywood style. It got great ratings before, why ruin it?
Amen to everything you just said. I don’t watch the show but anything involving public humiliation just makes me wonder about the sick state of our society who gets such a rush from watching that. First 4 shows of American Idol, anyone? *ouch*
I keep forgetting to tune into that show this season…I watched a lot of the last season. The product placement is definitely annoying, though, since they’re so blatant about it.
Interesting article about the local couple!
Zandrias last blog post..Can You Spot the Big Black Dog?
I stopped watching the show because I do not like the yelling and public humiliation these contestants go through. Besides I think it is getting a little too scripted for my taste.
But for this season, I have been getting a lot of public releases on this show via email for my blog. I know they want us to help promote the show, but I really do not need an email every week asking me to.
asithis last blog post..Wax on, Wax off – Wax on Fruits and Vegetables
The product placement is annoying. Last night they were way too fake in their “excitement” about the zip lock steam bags.
I met Jillian Michaels at a Blogher event last year. She admitted that she has an “on camera” and “off camera” persona and that her team hates working out on the days the camera is there because they know she is going to be mean. Since it is an act, and obviously not necessary to get results if she doesn’t do it all the time, I guess it is just for “entertainment” value?
The main complaint I have with the show is that they don’t really explain often enough that they are working out 6-8 hours a day. I am sure there are plenty of frustrated viewers wondering why they don’t get those huge losses each week.
Forgot to set my DVR, but hopefully will remember in the future. Though if there is alot of yelling and humiliation, I may not bother. *sigh* I saw that article too – 6 to 8 hours? Oy!
Missicats last blog post..Name that Kitten!
Ah the product placement, I totally agree!! Each time one would come on husband would shout, Commercial! This has been driving us nuts for a while in a lot of shows, even on HGTV and TLC, those home shows. I understand why they do it but I wish they would be a little more subtle lol.
As for Jillian, I don’t get bothered by it. Husband and I laugh and say she is going to have a coronary though! I know it is all Hollywood and they do this in all shows, so we kind of expect it when we watch BL.
I didn’t know they worked out for so long at a time though.
I love the show and am always amazed at the end, when they are transformed and healthy, and I always cry too lol.
I’m new here, but I SO AGREE. I haven’t watched this season, but the last few were starting to get so bad with product placement. I’m sure the sponsors are necessary. Matter of fact, I don’t even care if they put a plug for them in the show. It’s the fakey way that Bob and some contestant would discuss vitamins or Extra gum like it just came up in conversation.
Sarah at themommyloguess last blog post..Works for Me Wednesday — Toy Chaos
I couldn’t agree more. The yelling and humiliation is a bit much. In fact, it’s a huge turn off for me and I end up changing the channel.
Momisodess last blog post..Confessions
I enjoy watching Biggest Loser because I find it motivating to get off my butt and do something good for myself. I also love seeing the before and after pictures…but I am with you…the humiliation is not necessary! Those women would not weigh any different wearing shirts that covered their tummys but still showed their shape. The water slide challenge was also a bit cruel.
I would like to know more about what exactly they are doing to get those results. I can work my butt off and monitor calories and still only average 1.5 lbs per week. The show is also a little frustrating when I look at how much they can lose in just a week and I can’t even post that number in a month!
Normal to Natalies last blog post..Tell All Tuesday – Week 24
Ugh. I can’t even watch anymore. I have always had a crush on Bob and love the inspirational aspects of the show. It just seems like it’s really moved away from the core idea of the show. (the reason it was cool to begin with)
I think I MIGHT just et my updates through you!!
(p.s. give Napoleon my best
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