Dear Jillian Michaels,
Congratulations on the success The Biggest Loser has had … 10 seasons and counting.
There is nothing more gratifying than helping people work towards and achieve their goals. There is nothing better than helping people transform their lives. And you get to witness people doing this in BIG, meaningful ways.
Lose 100+ pounds?
Reverse, even ELIMINATE disease?
Compete to win hundreds of thousands of dollars?
Yep, those are life changers.
But the contestants on the show represent only a small fraction of the people who need to lose weight. And so while you have your work cut out for you with several 400+ lb individuals on the show this season, all of us in the fitness industry have a huge responsibility.
But this is where we don’t think you’re helping.
One of the things we’ve learned from working in obesity research and our work with all shapes and sizes of women, is that people who believe in themselves accomplish HUGE things. Push clients, for sure…
…make them work as hard as they possibly can…
but above all empower them.
With that said, we were appalled at how you represented the fitness profession.
Screaming repeatedly in someone’s face doesn’t empower them.
Yelling at women (and men) who are morbidly obese, telling them they are essentially worthless and full of useless excuses doesn’t empower them.
Demeaning people and belittling them is not an effective training strategy.
We get it – it’s TV. And it is reality TV at that –where hype and over the top sells.
But we take issue with the “reality” term here. Nothing is real-life about it.
- Extreme dietary practices?
- Exercising 4-6 hours a day?
- Being isolated from family, friends and work?
A few (hopefully) MIGHT be successful long-term. More will be successful short-term. And others will sacrifice whatever is left of their self-esteem because they were voted off and “failed” to become “The Biggest Loser.”
And can we talk about the training sessions?
It doesn’t take an expert to know that people shouldn’t vomit when working out. That’s NOT a sign of a good workout – but of one that is poorly designed and innapropriate. Can it happen when working out? Sure…but it’s surely not something we’d encourage. You can take them out of their comfort zone without lunch ending up on the floor. And as far as motivating the masses? You’ve probably lost them on that one.
Who would want to go to a gym if they expected to throw up and get degraded? It isn’t necessary for results. Is it necessary for ratings? It must be.
What it really takes to be permanently successfully is a major mindset shift. But this mindset shift has to come from within the person. Not an external source, and surely not an external source who comes in the form of degrading comments. Teach people they are worth investing in themselves rather than beating them down.
Research shows people who are overweight or obese already have a lower self esteem; repeatedly suggesting they are "f’n lazy and worthless" isn’t supporting anything.
We hope the show can do what it’s intended to do. Help people in a positive way.
We have a major worldwide epidemic. 2/3 of Americans are overweight or obese. This is also a major epidemic in other countries around the world.
We’re not suggesting tip toeing through the tulips and pussyfooting around the issue. It’s a serious issue. And people need to take responsibility for THEMSELVES!
Excuses won’t get you anywhere.
Blaming personal health issues on others won’t help anything.
But supportive environments encourage permanent success. Positive reinforcement helps create habits.
So Jillian, please continue to push people to be their best. Please continue to join the good fight and help people transform their lives. But remember, you are supposed to be a qualified trainer. Not an actor. While reality TV sells, it doesn’t mean you have to sell out.
Don’t give qualified health professionals a bad wrap for the sake of making a reality TV show.
I do of course understand we only see the edited parts of the show … and I also understand that anyone who doesn’t want to watch it can turn it off. I did. I just don’t want people who struggle with their weight to get the wrong idea of what it takes to be successful.
Sincerely,
The Team at Mohr Results
PS: Maybe we’re off and people do find her personality warm and supportive. Please let us know what you think!
September 18th, 2009 at 2:18 pm
Chris and Kara,
I felt compelled to write to you about this individual.
I believe Chris may know who I am.One of many NESTA graduates and one of many of his nutrition coach program.
We’ve spoke on the phone before.
I’ve been personal training for nearly 10 years now. I’ve dealt with many individuals who exceeded 350+ IB marker. Jillian probably has very good intentions and is probably dictated to some degree “how” to train on TV considering its reality tv.
I have also seen how she speaks to her clients..
That stuff WOULD NEVER fly in the REAL WORLD! EVER! I don’t care what anyone says. People have a tough enough time losing the fat and getting healthier. People need to be encouraged and supported, not insulted. I have a feeling, while she is well intended, shes really a drill sargent in reality.
To me honestly, she may be in good shape, but doesn’t the the true fitness pro an justice by acting like that.
If she did that , say in a traditional gym or in someones home, she’d be out of business REAL soon!
On top of the trainers quality on the show, there are some things on the show I don’t understand. Granted the title of the show is the biggest loser, so its about body weight.
Do they ever test body fat??
Why is anyone, training for 4-6 hours if they are obese! Athletes train like that not obese people! Talk about OVERTRAINING!
Did anyone test their aerobic capacity? muscular endurance? or is it just jump on the treadmill, run until you puke and thats great, good workout!
Chris, honestly, there are a lot of trainers out there . Some better than others. Some are very qualified on paper, but as you can see, when it comes to the other side of the trainers job, motivaiton and encouragement, they fall way short.
In fact I once worked with a trainer who had a MA in Exercise science and he looked good too..BUT he got so many complains from clients that he was eventually let go. His problem was that he was a competitive bodybuilder. He knew HIS body well, but he didnt understand that you cant train your average joe like you would a body builder. No way.
Not only that, his fashion was similar to Jillians. Using profanities to encourage.
You can be in the clients face and push them and motivate them and still have a fun, effective and enjoyable workout. Minus the vomit! Your general public doesnt care nor wants profanities. That is a sure way to lose a client, BUT maybe a great way of getting ratings!
I would not put up with that. I asked a client of mine once, would you train with someone who called you worthless. She said absolutely not. That makes me feel terrible and I would have hired you to make me feel good, to push me, but understand HER LIMITS and respect them! Vomit is not understanding someones limites.
Chris, the whole show has good intentions, but the way they go about it is obsurd.
Either its the ratings controlling the way they train, or these guys missed the boat on proper program design, assessment and application..who knows.
Im sure Jillian is knowledgeable, but I would not be surprised if she HAS to modify her style for TV.
Sincerely,
Phil Nicolaou
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Mo Reply:
July 9th, 2010 at 12:29 pm
People don’t be HATERS! Vomit is how bad she wants this! it seems to be that all you need to do is see the HUGH smiles/acomplishments post the weight loss to know how happy they are that someone was there to push them HARD otherwise they wouldnt do (if they didnt need her push they wouldnt need her, some people cant be motivated at home thats why GOD make people like Jillian… to help those who need that extra push! Thank God for Jillian!!! THANK GOD!
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September 18th, 2009 at 2:43 pm
Let’s face it…Jillian & the Biggest Loser empire aren’t really interested in helping to empower people or make a lasting change.
They’re only interested in creating TV that sells.
I’ve only met Ms. Michaels once so I have no real knowledge of her as a person, but shining the spotlight on an approach to fitness that not only doesn’t work in the ‘real world’ but also stands to potentially harm those attempting to follow it without a team of medical professionals following their every move doesn’t speak well of her as a professional.
I saw a portion of a segment she did recently on a morning show discussing youth fitness and while I don’t think she suggested spewing profanity at them or leading them through vomit inducing workouts, her advice was still not what people need if we’re going to exact lasting change.
Hopefully, in time the Biggest Loser and Jillian will embrace an approach to weight loss that resembles something that viewers could actually follow with success rather than the current approach that is closer to a prison camp than it is to anything a credible professional would prescribe.
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September 18th, 2009 at 3:09 pm
The producers of the Biggest Loser called asking me to be one of the trainers back in the 2nd (or 3rd?) season of the show when they had the short-lived notion of having trainers with more respectable credentials (if I say so myself
on the show.
I, and apparently several others, refused to get involved with the show due to the training “programs” and unhealthy habits they promoted.
The next plan was to audition dozens of trainers to see which two made for the “best TV.” They later succumbed to the letters from fans asking for more of Jillian and Bob.
Their latest recruitment tactic is to look for “personalities who happen to be trainers, not trainers with personalities.”
Clearly, their goal is to make a TV show that’s popular. I’ve seen absolutely no regard for short-term health or long-term results.
I’ve thought from the very beginning that absolutely everything about the show is an embarrassment to the fitness industry.
- Stephen Holt
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Allison Pachsasa Reply:
December 3rd, 2010 at 6:07 am
I agree with Stephen about the recruitment of trainers for this show. That is evident by the fact that Kim Lyons didn’t last on the show. She was a lot more compassionate and it seemed, couldn’t stomach the tactics they wanted her to use.
I haven’t watched the show in a long time but happened to just the other day with my in-laws as they munched on pretzels, soda and m&ms. I sat there appalled at the way obese people were trained and so concerned for their long term well-being. I get that they signed up for it and they’ve seen the show before so they’re aware of what they’ll be put through. However it is a completely unrealistic representation of a healthy road to a healthy lifestyle. It is entirely too extreme. While it can be inspiring, many sitting there watching it and fantasizing about being thin and healthy, know that they could never train like that and therefore abandon any attempt because the goals and means presented are unattainable.
With that said, I can’t take away from that fact that it has brought a lot of attention to the obesity epidemic in this country and has inspired many weight loss groups across the country-who are not put in a camp every day focused on only weight loss and are “fighting the good fight” for a healthy lifestyle.
Stay Healthy, Stay Happy!
Allison
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September 18th, 2009 at 3:25 pm
Stephen,
The show is a joke, to be quite frank.
Id like to have ANY decent trainer who had some sort of respected credential to come on here and say that the way they train these people is SAFE and EFFICENT!
The way Jillian even trains on the show would get her sued in reality!
The public should watch the show with caution.
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September 18th, 2009 at 3:27 pm
let me rephrase that..
the intention of the show is a good one, the way it is actually shown and what goes on during the time it is on, is a joke! A joke in the sense that is b.s.
there are people out there that wont hire a trainer because they see what shes like and there are people out there that like the concept of the show and admire the people for their life changes..but know that a GOOD trainer is NOTHING like what is on that show
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September 18th, 2009 at 3:47 pm
I confess that after glancing at this show once & declaring it ridiculous, I took a second look after so many friends secretly confessed their addiction. So then I got addicted to it, too — the first time I tuned in long enough to see those numbers on the scale.
Honestly, I can’t stand Bob or Jillian. I get a vibe that their pop psychology and “care” for the contestants is so transparent and shallow I want to puke like I’ve just done a two-for-one “last chance workout” after pissing one of them off.
That season premiere with an f-bomb here and an f-bomb there did seem a bit over the top. I don’t remember so much blatant profanity in seasons past. I’d say some marketing guru saw that Bob’s outburst last season at Joelle got a bazillion hits on Youtube or TBL Web site or some such and so decided that they should go off on contestants more.
(And it is more about money than health, obviously. Every episode makes me want to bust my Brita pitcher and boycott Subway and Extra gum forever: enough already with the same product placements every week! You are NOT sneaky or clever!)
Now, my devil’s advocate spiel is: While I appreciate and probably should prefer your approach, I can relate so much more to those contestants and their preference for that kind of training (and $250,000) – at least that kind of an introduction to training.
If I can’t logically convince myself to eat sensibly and exercise and I’m accustomed to being treated, just in general or randomly, in a degrading manner and like I’m mentally inferior (welcome to obesity), then I might finally get to the point where I WANT someone to by god MAKE me do it. Obviously logic and trying to motivate myself hasn’t gotten the job done, so let’s get more drastic. It makes a certain kind of sense to me; and I could be a contestant on the show, pounds-wise.
It is just a reality TV show. But even if I can’t live on the ranch and devote myself entirely to nutrition and fitness and get jaw-dropping results that quickly, that show does motivate me. Just seeing their transformations is inspiring. You have to be able to relate to going from invisible (to a great degree) to realizing that dream of looking like a “normal” person.
I can’t stop watching.
And I’m excited to root for the hometown Coach Mo!
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Sherry Reply:
September 21st, 2009 at 7:06 am
I agree that dropping the F bomb is totally unnecessary, and can’t understand how that motiviates anyone. I have caught the show on and off for the last few years. In an attempt to make the next season more dramatic than the last, they are bringing on heavier people. I am afraid that someone will be seriously injured or die before they realize they are going to far just for ratings.
On the other hand, in seasons past I have found the show to be motiviating. (If the obese poeple can lose this much weight then surely I can lose weight too.) I wish that this show was sponsored by Oprah, and Dr’s Phil and Oz, and maybe it would have a healtier more realistic approach.
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September 18th, 2009 at 7:54 pm
I have watched the show but I have never been a fan of it because of their training approaches. I’ve always questioned the dramatic weight losses and the severe fluid restrictions at the weigh-ins. I knew it was a matter of time before someone ended up in the hospital; and unfortunately, it is only a matter of time before something catastrophic happens. Jillian’s behaviour (and Bob’s for that matter) on the season premier was despicable; from her extreme training approaches to her foul mouth (but unfortunately, she is probably a shining example to many trainers around the world). Quite frankly, this behaviour sickens me. As an educator, I spend numerous hours teaching adolescent boys and girls about verbal, emotional, and psychological abuse; in the eyes of an impressionable adolescent, this TV show now legitimizes those behaviours. I think this show does more overall harm than good.
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September 18th, 2009 at 8:16 pm
I had enjoyed the show at it’s superficial value for the past 7 seasons, impressed by the stamina of the contestants. I even liked Jillian with her pushy ways.
But the season permiere on Tuesday … ? I have the season set to tape (as usual – skipping the commercials and never buying Subway, the gum or using Brita since I found the water in their pitcher turns green from algae anyway! – but frankly, unless the “trainers” start behaving decently and respecting the contestants, I’m stopping the taping after next week!
Being a tough trainer does not mean screaming like a staff sergeant breaking people down before building them back up. These people are not in the army!
Besides, applauding weight loss in week one … these people lost water weight, intestinal build-up, and not a lot of fat. % of weight lost? What about fat-loss you morons! Losing weight is dead easy: just chop off an arm!
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September 18th, 2009 at 8:20 pm
I totally agree. I was just talking to some of my clients about the over training on this show. it makes me mad. The show is telling America that this is the way to get in shape. Not according to my education as a trainer. My clients lose weight and look great. I have never had one of them fall on the treadmill of exhaustion or have to go the hospital right after a session. It would be great to work out 8 hours a day but no one I know has that kind of time. I know it is a competition but every time I have watched the show I end up turning it off because it goes against my beliefs as a trainer. The language on the show is pathetic and I do not think I would keep one of my clients if I ever spoke to them with that method of motivation. My clients may lose the weight over the period of a year, but they are not gaining it back. There are proven methods that work and I for one will stay with the methods that work on a permanent basis.
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September 19th, 2009 at 3:54 am
you are absolutely RIGHT !!!
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September 19th, 2009 at 7:15 am
Could it be Jillian herself never dealt with obesity which is why she is training from a drill sargent view.It different when a person has been in someone else shoes how treat and help them achieve their goals. I do not know Jillians background…Im just saying.
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Sam Reply:
September 19th, 2009 at 1:40 pm
Jillian was an overweight teenager weighing in at 175 lbs on her 5’2 frame. Her parents put her in martial arts and it changed her life. While I don’t agree with her current tactics, and I’m led to believe she is encouraged to do that, what she is trying to do is to get the contestants to see why they are overweight and why they stay overweight. She helps them confront their reall issues. The show is shown in a 1-2 hour segment for the entire week. Most of the contestants absolutely love her, so why is that? NBC has shown her softer side, not much, but I have a feeling that she is not like that 24/7 and that she is encouraged to be like that for TV. I mean what happened when jillian wasn’t on the show and they brought on Kim Lyons. Kim was great, she was more compassionate and encouraging but they ended up bringing Jillian back, why? Contestants weren’t losing as much weight with Kim or Bob and fans loved Jillian. So again I don’t agree with how she goes about it but her contestants lose the most weight, do better at home on their own and more of her contestants keep it off as opposed to the other trainers. I’m a personal trainer and I would never talk to clients like that nor would I encourage them to overtrain but I don’t get too many clients that need to lose 200 plus pounds and when I do I have a very hard time trying to get them to change many of their bad habits when I only spend 1-3 hours per week with them. I worked in a medical weight loss center and saw many morbidly obese patients come in who desperately wanted to change their lives but most of them fail and if the Biggest Loser is the only way they will lose the weight then go for it. My mom is 100+ pounds overweight, well almost my whole family is to be honest. Yes, it is genetic (I have to work a lot harder to stay in shape than a lot of people) but it is also bad habits they can’t break. I was taught those habits and I fight those urges everday. It does not get easier for me b/c that is how I was raised. If I could get one of my family members to go on the show and get yelled at in order to lose the weight and feel how good it feels to be in great shape I would sign them up quickly. Believe me, I’m very close to everyone in my family and as much as they want to lose weight they can’t give up their habits. There are 20 people in my family who are overweight and 2 who are not. They have all tried everything and fail. For people like that, something like the Biggest Loser is the only way they will lose weight. Have you watched all the shows on Discovery Health or TLC? These people have tried everything including surgery and still fail. Granted the Biggest Loser’s approach may not be safe, it may be extreme but how safe are the contestants life to begin with? Overtraining or 2 dozen doughnuts at one sitting? I think the people watching realize that it is not a realistic approach to losing weight. How many fans have lost weight by watching the show? Tons of people and they didn’t lose it by working out 4 hours per day. You do see the contestants go home and struggle and lose 1-2 pounds per week. I think it has a lot of helpful information about eating. I am in great shape and I can’t watch the show sitting on my couch. I watch it while running on the treadmill or elliptical. More than 30% of America is overweight despite the increase of gyms, weight loss centers, personal trainers, etc… It is an extreme situation and some people need extreme help. I do hope the show realizes they need to back off a little with the f bombs and yelling but I’ve seen a lot of good results from the show and since I’ve personally lived the life of obese families and watch my loved ones destroy their lives I can’t argue with the good the show has done. The show has sparked biggest loser programs in almost every city. These programs aren’t military style, yell in your face, lose unrealistic weight programs, they are realistic programs with realistic goals and the people that do these programs are inspired by the show and just that inspiration helps them stick with the program.
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Sam Reply:
September 19th, 2009 at 1:58 pm
I forgot to mention that the 2 people that weren’t overweight are me and my cousin and the reason is that when we were overweight teenagers we made a pact that we were going to learn how to eat healthy, exercise regularly and we vowed that we would never be overweight again and we would break the cycle by not teaching are kids the bad habits we were taught. We have succeeded at this 18 years going. We are both very nice and encouraging people and we have both encourage and helped many people over the years to change their lives but we have been unsuccessful with our own family even by being examples ourselves. We both know how hard it is and people that have not gone through it really don’t understand. I’ve come across many trainers how are very nice to their clients but behind their backs say stuff like, “If they would just stop eating those doughnuts they wouldn’t be so fat” or “I’m tired of these fat asses excuses they give me”. I struggle everyday, it is embedded in my mind that food is my friend and that I can only be happy if I’m eating cookies or cake. So I understand that for some the only chance they might have is being away from their family, living somewhere they can not cheat and possibly being yelled at in order for me to learn food is not the reason I live.
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September 19th, 2009 at 8:31 am
I agree with what has been said before. I personally think the producers took them aside and basically asked them to sell their souls for the sake of fame. I remember a few years back they had a 3rd trainer (Kim Johnson I believe) and she was more of the wholesome, caring attractive trainer. Obviously that didn’t last because it has been a two person show since then. Unfortunately we live in a society were degredation and sin sells. I also don’t agree with the fasting/dehydration on weigh in days. I didn’t realize they were using the boxing/mma approach to someone’s weight. They must fail to realize that all fighters don’t fight at they weight they weigh in, although I firmly believe they know exactly what they are doing.
Losing 5 lbs for one week doesn’t sell. It’s gotta be double digit weight loss. Shame on Biggest Loser!!!
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September 19th, 2009 at 8:46 am
I’ve never posted here before but this discussion is too good to pass up.
Like Paula, I am addicted to The Biggest Loser. I only started watching it 3 seasons ago but I was hooked right away. I wasn’t quite as big as the contestants, but I was close.
I credit this show for motivating me to start working out and make solid changes in my life. It was the spring following my first season watching that I participated in Adventure Boot Camp. For the year following Boot Camp I maintained a strict regimen of working out 5 or 6 days a week, first at the YMCA, then at LAC. My weight/fat loss was slow (darn my Italian genes!) but I never gained anything back. From the start my focus was on fitness, not fatness.
I’m a CrossFit athlete now (since June) and fat loss is finally beginning to happen for me. I lift real weight (165 lb deadlift a few weeks ago…a PR) and push myself to my limit in every workout. My gym has a rule that if you puke during a workout you get a free T-shirt…I’m still waiting for mine.
From my experience, high intensity training IS the key to success, but pukeing is not required. At my gym we have a coach/trainer with us for every workout and yes, sometimes he yells…but this is not in any way degrading…it’s simply encouragement at high decibels.
He DOES NOT EVER swear at his clients and respect is at the forefront in everything he does. But he also does not give “false” encouragement. By this I mean, he does not tell me I did good job if I didn’t. If my form is bad in a lift he tells me so…he stops me, for my own good, and makes the correction. If I’m wimping out or babying myself he calls me out on it. At the end of a workout, if he thinks I didn’t give it my all, he lets me know. I’ve discovered that I need that level of honesty and I’m thriving on it. I think some people need a more intense, in your face kind of training to get the most out of a program.
As for The Biggest Loser, I agree that the expletives are unnecessary and I wish Jillian and Bob would not use them. I also agree they (or any trainer) should never resort to degradation under any circumstances. But as for the training regimen, while I disagree with the durations, I have to say I think the intensity is right on…even for obese people.
I hope everyone who posted here will also submit their thoughts to the show. The producers will listen if enough people protest to the profanity and degradation. I’m going to send my email right now…what about you?
Darienne
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September 19th, 2009 at 9:03 am
Jillian\’s behavior was over the top on Tuesday\’s show, and I cannot imagine being treated in such a manner by anyone! There is nothing empowering about being screamed at and cussed at, and she definitely crossed the line. I also was stunned that they kept urging the woman who collapsed near the finish line of the one mile run to finish. Her eyes were rolling in the back of head, and she could not even stand. She and another man ended up going to the hospital after the run, which should be a clue that they were being pushed too hard, too soon. Thank God, Chris and Kara do not operate like this!
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September 19th, 2009 at 9:09 am
I hope your letter arrives and is acknowledged. As a Trainer myself this show is making it difficult to educate and train people (who need it) difficult. Maybe we should write 60 Minutes or Oprah and ask them to take a closer look at this reality show, along with former participants who have not signed confidentiality contracts and let the viewing public go behind the scenes and really see what is happening. Unfortunately it will probably take a death or serious debilitating accident before this happens. Where will Jillian and Bob be then?
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September 19th, 2009 at 9:44 am
I’ve been watching this show for a really long time, but never really took it all that seriously. It’s entertaining and somewhat motivating to watch these people make these amazing transformations, but I never really found the gym/workout sessions to be all that compelling. Personally, watching massively overweight people sweating bullets and vomiting all over the gym just isn’t my thing, but maybe this is how they plan to make the workouts more entertaining/better TV?
I will also say that there is probably a huge psychological thing at play here. Many people who reach that level of obesity or are unhappy with the results of years of poor nutritional and physical choices have massive self-esteem issues. They come on the show and just say how much they hate themselves for what they’ve done to their bodies and how their weight affects them so negatively in so many ways. People may be checking into the Biggest Loser ranch just for the experience of having Jillian or Bob scream at them, call them worthless, etc., etc., because these trainers are physical manifestations of the negative self-talk going on in ad infinitum in these contestants’ heads. It’s why people go on Dr. Phil – they get a payoff from playing the victim/martyr role and submitting to verbal abuse from those who feel like “authority figures”. I’ve heard Jillian explain/defend her behavior in past seasons by saying that she feels that she has to be more powerful than the negative talk in these people’s heads – breaking them down so she can build them back up – and she only has a limited amount of time to achieve this. However, I’ve watched a few episodes of the Last 10 Pounds Boot Camp on Fine Living and haven’t seen any of the f-bombs or screaming that you find on the Biggest Loser, and the results are just as compelling, if not more, and the time is even more limited and the struggle to lose the weight is even harder, especially since the people on the show aren’t off on some random ranch, but in their own communities and homes.
I also agree with Michael’s comment that the extreme weight losses that we see in some contestants week to week bothers me. I don’t care how many doctors are watching you – when people who already have massively compromised heath and are more than likely on a variety of medications are pushed beyond their limits to the point of dehydration, exhaustion, injury, vomiting (the two contestants from the first episode of this season are far from being the first to visit the hospital), and then are dropping huge percentages of weight on a weekly basis, that just cannot be good for your body. At. All.
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September 19th, 2009 at 9:59 am
I went to the ACE convention last year in Las Vegas. There the 2 keynote speakers where Biggest Loser participants. After they spoke, everyone was just in awe and gave them a big round of applause. I calmly asked them the question, “You guys had to work out 6+ hours a day. You said this was your job. How can you call this “reality” since most people have to sit down and have access to donuts all day?”. Needless to say, they gave a heartless answer and left. I felt cheated as an exercise professional. I made it known that I learned nothing new I could use with my clients, unless they wanted to quit their job and pay me to train them 6 hours a day!
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Kevin F Reply:
September 19th, 2009 at 2:19 pm
Great letter Chris & Kara – I sincerely hope you send it to her as well as the producers of the show and NBC execs. I’m sure they have some idea about what they are portraying, but it certainly wouldn’t hurt to keep telling them again and again.
I don’t watch the show regularly, but my wife does. She usually saves an episode or calls me into the room to see a segment that she knows I’d be particularly interested in as I am a physical therapist. I’m referring to some of the insane exercise modifications (or excessive volume of exercising) the trainers are usually having the contestants do. Walking lunges with heavy dumbells going from bosu ball to bosu ball comes to mind from a few seasons ago. I believe it was from this particular “exercise” that a contestant suffered a stress fracture in his fibula.
I can only wonder what they don’t show or don’t allow contestants to talk about (during or after the show) when it comes to injuries, particularly the overuse injuries. All that excessive weight puts a lot of stress on those joints and most of these people went from doing little-to-no activity to doing excessive amounts of activity (intensity and volume). I’d bet money there’s plenty of back pain, shoulder pain, and knee pain (among others) that we don’t find out about. This is what happens when it comes to doing exercises that are WAY BEYOND a person’s physical capabilities.
One last thing, and someone alluded to this earlier. With the many close calls they’ve had with people having to go to the hospital, it sure seems like it’s not a matter of “if” but a matter of “when” someone will die of a stroke or heart attack b/c they were made to exercise way beyond their capacity. That’s when the show will go away.
Kevin, PT, CSCS
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September 19th, 2009 at 12:47 pm
Never watched it–never will. Why would I watch THAT when I can read THIS?
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September 19th, 2009 at 12:48 pm
I think that Hollywood has had too great an effect on her and her training methods. Positive feed back and encouragement don’t make for good sound bites and it is all about showbiz!
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September 19th, 2009 at 12:49 pm
Well said, Drs. Mohr.
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September 19th, 2009 at 12:52 pm
I feel the show is more for entertainment than helping/encouraging people to lose weight safely. Brow beating people to go a little bit more, does not promote a healthy psychological approach to weight loss. One of the many reasons people gain so much weight is partly due to low self esteem, depression, etc. Being told you are worthless, in my opinion, was enough for me to lose interest in the show.
We as the American public are looking for quick fixes for our weight problem, but we know it took us a long time to get the weight on and in turn it will take a long time to get it off. Thanks to you all for your blogs and encouragement for losing weight.
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September 19th, 2009 at 1:12 pm
As a trainer and phsycial therapist I find nothing in their methods redeeming and the risks with the training always seem to exceed the reward – hence 2 in the hopsital on episode one. Unofrtunately the public loves to root for the underdog and NBC plays this up by seeking out heavier contestants each and every season and pushing the limits.
I have never really followed the show and have no plans to start now. I applaud you and Kara for taking a stand on your blog.
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September 19th, 2009 at 1:18 pm
WORD!!!
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September 19th, 2009 at 2:09 pm
Totally agree with all that has been said so far…what really irks me is trying to educate and talk to my clients after they have watched this show…very frustrating to get them to believe YOU over what they see on TV…. I’m still waiting for someone to drop dead on the show…it scares me to watch it so I haven’t seen any shows this year ..!:)
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September 19th, 2009 at 2:10 pm
I agree whole heartedly about this. I didn’t see it–I don’t have to see it, just hearing about it makes me crazy!!!
This show has made me crazy for along time!!!!
I,m in the profession and I always wish there’s was something we could do about the sensationalism of TV.
I have clients that follow this show. One who struggles herself and one who does but doesn’t need to.
But until we can start to see the light in our great country–this will continue. Something has to change!! We have to change!!
There is no quick fix–feeling good is the first requisite of happiness and the rest falls into place–do you think that will sell???
Thanks for all you do–Carol Miller
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September 19th, 2009 at 3:34 pm
I guess being an Australian I miss out on JIllian. That being said we do have an Australian version, which on a basic level seems okay. The question I have is why do they have to incessantly yell and get in the face of the contestants. Clearly it is TV so the TV producers want in your face drama for the show to succeed.
My personal thought is yelling or shouting is a useful tool if used very rarely, it is much better to speak quietly and concisely to encourage the trainee.
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September 19th, 2009 at 3:40 pm
I have seen this show once while channel surfing and could not figure it out, saw no purpose, let alone reality, and have never had any desire to watch it since. The whole concept of ‘reality shows’ are a challenge for me to understand and the concept is a complete oxymoron. Actually, the closest I get to reality shows are America’s Funniest Videos, Extreme Home Makeover and Dancing With the Stars. I absolutely agree that this show completely exploits overweight people and portrays professional trainers in a horrible light. Empower, encourage, help us achieve our best…that is what you do and that is what raises you above the crowd. Reality shows are damaging at best and this one takes the cake-excuse the pun. As long as people continue to ‘tune in’, Jillian will continue to receive a check and the cameras will keep rolling. You have empowered and changed the lives of a ‘nation’ of FIT CHICKS. Let’s send a message to the people responsible for the show…lead the charge…we will follow…we’re ready.
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September 19th, 2009 at 4:21 pm
I had watched the biggest loser episode this year for the first time, and it will be my last. It was appalling to see how the contestants were treatd. Two people went to hospital, numerous people puked and the profanity. This is helping people get healthy? I was an obese person who used a personal trainer and he pushed hard and was very vocal in a positive way. He knew how to build my self esteem which was very low by encouaging, motivating, to want to take care of myself. Degrading, telling people thtey are worthless when the most likely already feel worthless is not motivate to want to take of their health. The biggest loser gives the wrong impression about losing weight and getting healthy. Ggetting healthy is hard work, but it also a positive fun experience.
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September 19th, 2009 at 4:56 pm
Thank you for this post! As a life coach specializing in weight-loss, I don’t think this show helps anyone struggling and frustrated with their weight. As a personal trainer, shame on her.
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September 19th, 2009 at 5:47 pm
Hi Chris & Kara! Just wanted to comment and say NO WAY in H-E Double Hockey sticks would I have EVER come back to camp if I had been screamed at and cussed at and told I was worthless! The ONLY reason I came back was because I was determined and I felt like you were REALLY trying to help me and encourage me to not only exercise on a regular basis but eat healthy. NO PERSON should ever be humiliated to lose weight, much less by their trainer and WORSE on NATIONAL TV! I am not a fan of reality TV anyway and not a fan of Jillian’s either. I have seen 2 episodes. One she was mean, and another where she pushed everyone in her group to work out hard except ONE man who felt she did not care. I know it is TV, but it is supposed to be “real”. I thought the same thing you mentioned in the letter when I watched it for the first time. 4-6 hours of working out a day is not “reality” and I doubt losing so much weight at once is very healthy either. And “Let’s vote you off because you lost only 15 pounds this week!”? Well Thank God for Mohr Results and Encouraging Trainers!!
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September 19th, 2009 at 6:20 pm
I have only ever seen a couple of episodes of The Biggest Loser. Being someone who has almost always been overweight, I felt like the contenstants on the show had won a lottery- to be able to be pulled out of their lives and given the time, attention and support to really change their lives- what a gift! Like a rehab for being overweight. I even thought about applying for the show… but I’d never make it on tv. But TBL did help me change my life. I knew I needed to make changes, and I knew I couldn’t do it without support. In my search to find an experience similar to TBL I began investigating boot camps… and that led me to Mohr Results! So, thanks, TBL!
What keeps me coming back to Mohr Results is the incredibly positive, empowering vibe. I love the trainers, their expertise and their constant encouragement. I love that campers cheer each other on and celebrate everyone’s success. And all this positive energy has given me the biggest reason I love Mohr Results… the fact that the person who pushes me the most… to work harder, go faster, do one more… is me.
And that’s a true life change- and I feel like I won a lottery.
So, when I hear about what happens on The Biggest Loser I sort of feel bad for the contestants. They might experience a major life overhaul- but they have to go through a lot of pain and humiliation to get there. My transformation may happen a little more slowly- but I am proud of the every single step I take.
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September 19th, 2009 at 6:49 pm
I completely agree with both of you. Jillian Michaels is not a fitness professional–because a true fiteness professional would not have done that. No matter what the producers of the show wanted. In essence, Jillian Michaels is the Biggest Loser for the demoralizing treatment of someone who clearly just wanted to better themselves.
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September 20th, 2009 at 5:22 am
I did turn this show on once, and I turned it off again after about 5 minutes. I have not watched it since and I wont ever watch it again. I think all of reality tv is no good anyhow. If people would get up off their couches and work out instead of watch this crap on tv, they would be a lot healthier. If they must watch, then at least walk on the treadmill or jog in place, maybe a mini trampoline, anything to get moving instead of being a couch potato.
Tracy
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September 20th, 2009 at 8:28 am
What happens if someone dies during one of the exercises when are they being degraded in front of a national audience?
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Sherry Reply:
September 21st, 2009 at 6:51 am
It will be edited out!
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Mo Reply:
July 9th, 2010 at 12:32 pm
wow! you sure are mad that they loose all that weight and you can’t. Im sorry you are so bitter Mike.
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Mike Reply:
July 9th, 2010 at 3:06 pm
Mo,
A couple of things.
1) I am not “mad” -(dogs get mad)
2) I am not bitter -All the power to those who lose fat on that show – there are better and more positive ways
3) I never said anything about not being able to not lose weight nor the need to
4) I was quite serious about my comment because of the nature of the way the show is it is a possiblity – Obesity + Stress = Heart Attack
5) Perfect timing for your comment Mo as I just finished a workout.
Gotta love the burn!
Mike
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September 20th, 2009 at 9:26 am
Chris and Kara, your letter is perfect! I say send it!!! along with a cc letter to the NBC Producers!
When I watched the first couple of seasons of The Biggest Loser, I thought that it was great to see these participants working hard at weight loss, instead of going for a quick fix such as gastric bypass surgery, etc. I never liked Jillian’s style of training, however. I thought Bob was more of a positive, compassionate, and encouraging trainer.
As the seasons of TBL went on, the contestants became heavier, the trainers used more negative reinforcement, and the drama increased. What a let down. I also kept wondering why Cheryl, the show’s registered dietitian, wasn’t being shown on air speaking with the participants. I started to also be concerned with the fact that overweight people at home were watching this show and thinking that if they worked out on the treadmill and didn’t get off unless they “puke, faint, or die”, that they were getting the wrong message!
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September 20th, 2009 at 2:28 pm
Chris and Kara,
You are right on target with your comments on The Biggest Loser letter you wrote. I watched one program when it first came out and was appalled. I thought this can\’t be and began doing research on the program and did find out the contestants were not treated that way in private and that they are continually being tested and monitored. This may or may not be true but it didn\’t change how I still feel about the program. In fact may of the reality shows today are a disgrace to our intelligence and I say loudly and clearly BAN ALL THE REALITY SHOWS. Thank you!
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September 20th, 2009 at 3:10 pm
Well, I do have to say that I actually watch The Biggest Loser and agree with many/most of the comments already posted. I will say that I was rather shocked at Jillian’s rudeness to her clients so far this season. I know she has this certain “style” and even as a boot camp instructor myself, I would never scream those sorts of things–but as others have said, it IS TV! I think Bob is a gentler type of trainer for sure, but it even seems as he has been doing more yelling lately. People that watch the show definitely need to keep in mind that this “reality” tv thing is certainly not reality and what they need to focus on is not losing 20 pounds in a week, but changing their lives so they can lose whatever weight needed in a safe way, and make changes that will make them healthier and happier individuals: and I am sure being yelled at would not fall under the “happy” category.
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September 20th, 2009 at 6:01 pm
Chris and Kara,
Kuddos to both of you for bringing this situation to the forefront. No need to go into detail about what is wrong with the show (several people have already covered that above). As a fitness professional, I just have a hard time with the whole concept of how the media portrays her as an expert. This so-called expert sold herself down the river a long time ago. Did you know that she now has an entire line of weight-loss products, which include of course her very own fat burner, a detox pill and many others. This type of thing coupled with her extreme attitude have a negative influence on our profession. I understand the whole concept of catering the show to what viewers want to see, but don”t drag down the personal training industry in the process. Instead, put Jillian on late night tv doing infomercials with Tony Little and Body by Jake. That would be worth watching.
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September 21st, 2009 at 4:11 am
Chris and Kara,
This show is quite intriguing to me. I feel like it sends inaccurate messages to people trying to lose weight – exercising to the point of injury, isolating themselves for weeks, providing a kitchen filled with healthy foods, etc.
I find that the show increases the idea that weight loss is a quick-fix goal. However, a healthy body and mind is a lifelong journey. Further, is it really appropropriate for health professionals to fill participants’ minds with negativity?
I feel like positive empowerment for both the mind and body is the only way to succeed as both a health professional and a participant.
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September 21st, 2009 at 7:14 am
Chris and Kara,
I think you guys sent a powerful message. A lot of things that I don’t agree with on TV are done and people usually just say “oh well” that’s TV. Thanks for sticking up for us and I definitely agree. Most people that are in the mindframe that “I need to lose weight” are already self-conscious of the fact that they “need to lose weight”. We don’t need any help or deteriating statments to make us feel even worse.
OK, let’s get to 50 so we can get those Fat Loss strategies!
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September 21st, 2009 at 8:09 am
WOW, I have really enjoyed reading all of these posts, plus the ones on Facebook, etc. Seems like we ALL feel the same way. I did a work-out DVD of Jillian\’s the other day, 30-day-shred, must say it was a pleasant experience. It is a shame, b/c she seems to be a very good trainer. My impression is this language etc seems to be a change this season on BL, for ratings. Jillian was never that obnoxious, and Bob certainly wasn\’t. Now they are like a pitt-bull tag team! This is going to scare people that actually need personal trainers! And her yelling in people\’s face \"don\’t give me that victim B–S—\"…did you watch the opening?? Some of those people have been serious victims in their lives, like lady that lost her whole family in a car accident, and 476 lbs girl whose Mother was heroine addict and she grew up in foster care…….Jillian screaming in your face is not gonna heal that!! What the hell are they thinking?? Guess they have all of us talking about it, though, which may be the whole spin………….
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September 21st, 2009 at 10:19 am
I agree with your letter and most of the comments that have been posted. Today I read this article in Good Housekeeping magazine by Geneen Roth, an author and speaker on the issue of emotional eating, which brought to mind this post. I thought I\’d share what she said about treating people, especially overweight people, with shame: \"I can say with absolute certainty that shame does not ever, under any circumstance, lead to long-lasting change. Shame only leads to more shame, more hiding, more sneaking, more bingeing.\" I realize that using the shame tactic on this show is for ratings, but I think it\’s a shame that they can\’t take the higher road. As a former Mohr bootcamp participant who is overweight and is working toward my inner slimmer self, I\’m glad I given the tool of empowerment because that\’s what I need. I feel enough shame being overweight as I\’m sure those contestants do and while the show\’s extreme tactic might work in the short-term, I doubt they\’ll work in the long term.
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September 21st, 2009 at 11:53 am
The people on B.L. have stepped out of their comfort zone, their homes, and put themselves on the line, emotionally and physically. Without people like them that are willing to take that risk, there would be no show. In the past seasons, I liked that there were two different trainers, Bob and Jillian, with two different personalities and approaches to motivating the entrants. Some of the entrants chose Jillian because they need that type of personality to motivate them; others chose Bob because of his motivational tactics. Along with different motivations also comes different workout philosophies, which I believe is what all of us in the fitness industry agree on….you cannot take someone who has never worked out, that has 100′s of extra pounds weighing on their organs and skeletal system and start them out on a 1 mile run!
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September 21st, 2009 at 11:55 am
Greetings to all of you;
I am a firm believer that somewhere along the way, a lot of the “motivation” concepts have created a myriad of situations such as the ones you see on this show and around you in boot camps, etc.
Consequently, the person is not the person of interest, but the person that you and I may cause even greater problems in the beginning and pray that they stay long enough to be assisted.
First, we should find out about the person and their situations, then determine what our abilities are to help them or refer them. Second, a comprehensive analysis should be completed, and third, combine the assessments to determine a plan of action.
Just like the industry is at fault with this concept of reality tv, etc, so too is the concept of quick, fast, and in a hurry, that has plagued so many people for so long.
My challenge to us is to become more than a 3 – day certified personal trainer, go beyond this and find out all you can about the body of men, women, and children. Never consider yourself an expert, but truly ready to learn something new each day.
Whether it is this show or not, until we fully educate and make people more aware of months and sometimes years worth of training agreements, they will settle for the easy ways out.
GOD BLESS
Reggie
fitness@helloworld.com
fitness@vmdirect.com
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September 21st, 2009 at 1:34 pm
This is great post! Good job guys!
The bottom line is maybe less than 10% will respond to being yelled, and screamed at. Most people would run for the hills. As a professional trainer, I always teach other fitness pros to use positive reinforcement. That is because it is the most effective in changing behavior.
We also don’t know how much of the Biggest Loser is scripted. Hollywood has a tendency to script some of these reality shows. You know – ratings. People want to see over the top drama. It all comes down to the almight dollar. If people are not watching the “Biggest Loser,” then the producers, and all, will not get a big paycheck. Therefore, they need to script crazy stuff into it.
The big question I have is this show motivating people, or actually intimidating people? Most people might think it is entertaining, but would they really sign up to be beat up emotionally, and physically by Jillian?
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September 21st, 2009 at 1:42 pm
I stumbled upon this posting when browsing twitter, and was a bit taken back. Not taking anything away from your thoughts in the letter and of the replies posted, as everybody is fully allowed free speech. Which is why I figured I’d share mine:
The woman is not an idiot that they pulled off the street to stand in front of a camera. Not that I feel that she needs defending, as she is more than capable of defending herself, she is highly certified in her field and has been practicing fitness health methods for centuries (give or take). Biggest Loser is a reality show, yes. And as televsion goes, there has got to be TONS of editing that takes place. They cannot show everything that occurs. It’s only common sense that the network is going to air clips that they deem supportive to what makes ideal television ratings.
So she yells and swears. There are worse things in the world than somebody that yells. Like an obese nation for example. In the current season, one woman is nearly 470 lbs. Taking it easy and sugar-coating her state of health is not going to help the situation. How do you think she got to that point? Life is tough. Take the power yourself (because nobody is going to do it for you) and change your situation.
Different people operate and learn in different styles. She trains in her style. Bob trains in his. Somebody else trains in their own. My guess is that one essential tip to fitness success, is that you find the trainer that best suits your own style. If you are turned off by the language or her style of training, than don’t watch the freaking show. Many of her past team members proclaim love for the work and knowledge that they acquired from her. If you actually listen to what she says, she is working to EMPOWER people. She cannot do it for them and she KNOWS that.
In conclusion, believe what you want to believe. If it turns you off, then that’s your opinion. Fine. If you believe that she is not helping the fight against a sick world, then you’re mistaken. Because it’s working for me.
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Tracy Reply:
September 21st, 2009 at 3:03 pm
I’m sure there are a handful of people that this method will work for. But most people don’t like to be put down and abused. There are better, healthier ways to lose weight.
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September 21st, 2009 at 1:57 pm
My first reaction as you can read if you scroll up the posts… was shame on her but I have to say “Betsy” brings up a valid point, and that is people pick trainers that motivate them and they like being with, not how many letters/degrees that may come after their name… and that’s okay. The bigger problem I have with Jillian Michaels and the TV program is SAFETY. If you are obese… you might not want to try this at home folks.
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September 21st, 2009 at 4:42 pm
Quite understandable, but I don’t quite deem the technique abusive. I’m just saying, the woman shouldn’t be knocked around so hard. It’s one thing to target the show for its unrealistic showing of “real world” weight loss and editing, and another thing to blame a trainer for those very same perceptions.The very issue is one that alone has been long debated. What type of reinforcement is more productive?
If a person was to look beyond BL, then one would see that she has represented her profession, *in my opinion*, very well. She should be proud of the work that she’s done.
And she I’m sure she goes to sleep at night feeling incredible about that.
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September 21st, 2009 at 6:07 pm
Kudos to you and this blog post. I was disgusted at the treatment of the contestants on last week’s show as well.
Here is another example on how they treat the contestants: I have a college student in my class who interned for the show last year. He was on the fitness/medical staff and said they had weekly arguments with Jillian & Bob bc they were telling the contestants to starve and dehydrate themselves the day before the weekly weigh in to ensure they lost as much weight as possible.
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September 21st, 2009 at 6:13 pm
Hi Chris,
I viewed this show for the first time, because so many of my patients watch the show. I was mortified.
Shaming overweight people on national television is the personification of many of my patients fears:
1. Afraid to see the doctor, for fear of shame…
2. Afraid to join the gym, for fear of people staring and teasing…
3. Afraid to eat in public…
We need more compassion and a focus on healthy, sustainable behaviors that help a person feel good in mind, body and spirit.
Evelyn Tribole, MS, RD
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September 21st, 2009 at 6:19 pm
I am a nutritionist (and also a very amateur personal trainer) and I completely agree with you that the the trainers are out of line in treating their “clients” with such disrespect. People need encouragement and support when making a huge lifestyle shift. Congrats on your ballsy letter. I find that the internet allows the “the people” to tell corporate America what they really think – and hopefully, create some positive changes as a result! Excellent work.
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September 21st, 2009 at 6:32 pm
Hmmmm….. having a client collapsing before the finish line after running a mile down the beach, dehydrated, fatigued, incoherent and then passing out and having to be flown to the hospital?? Sorry, I wouldn’t sleep well at night if I were that trainer. That is not SAFE training and it is physically abusive. If swearing and verbal abuses floats your boat… fine. If not, you can find a different trainer and/or turn off the TV.
Imagine if TV used the opportunity to show more positive and PROVEN systems that would really support people who are obese and over-weight. What if everyone were talking about that? What if it actually began to make an impact on the obesity epidemic. What if everyone were rushing home to watch that? What would that look like? Now that would be inspiring.
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September 21st, 2009 at 8:37 pm
Well there is a general loss of civility in our society that is driven by the media. But we are all responsible for wanting to see the fat lady at the circus. It’s a freak show, and our morbid fascination with “reality” TV is partly to blame. Chris, I applaude your efforts here, but you should hold us responsible for watching. We’re the ones sending the message to the networks to up the ante every time we watch. The more viewers the more advertisers. The more advertisers the more money for the station. Stop watching!
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September 21st, 2009 at 8:49 pm
I blogged about it on two separate seasons, no response. The only thing that will stop the madness is when a contestant dies. It’s almost happened, more than once. And the resulting lawsuit puts the show out of business. No amount of blogging, complaining, etc., will change how the show is run. In fact, this blog post with all its discussion likely increases viewership, due to curiosity, which bumps up ad rates. It’s well intended, but it likely has the reverse effect. I only blogged because I know my clients watch and I’d received some comments in sessions and wanted to give them a standard answer to questions they were having. I stay away from the topic now since it’s kind of selling out my OWN mission to use the show for hits to my own writing.
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September 21st, 2009 at 9:07 pm
Ahh, that was prior to even meeting the trainers. And the sleep remark was only in reference to the last line of the letter, which in my opinion, was a bit much. Nobody knows if and how many people are personally affected by any type of training, except those actually involved. Don’t hate the woman for making money at what she loves doing.
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September 22nd, 2009 at 5:40 am
The whole BL show truly makes me cringe–as do many reality shows. Our western culture has truly kicked sensationalism up a notch with these sorts of programs. And the thing is, many people can’t seem to tear themselves away from the screens. While we cringe, we can’t help but watch. What I’ve found compelling is how many BL contests occur in the workplace, among mommy groups, in families, etc. This is a great effect! I’m not a fan of the show, let alone the trainers’ styles. I really appreciate the “healthy nudges” we receive in boot camp. I certainly need the motivation–but am grateful that I’m not belittled in the process.
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September 22nd, 2009 at 9:05 pm
I think Jillian is an awesome trainer, possibly the best…the 500 lb. woman obviously needs the extra push to succeed. If I enough money, I would absolutely, without a doubt, hire Jillian over any other trainer. I need that extra push as well because I do not have the inner determination that I need to successfully lose the weight I need to lose.
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September 23rd, 2009 at 4:48 am
Hey Shannon, you don’t need a lot of $$ to be a winner, and you certainly don’t have to be on TBL to do it… just keep working on believing in yourself, that you can do it, you are worthy of receiving it, and hopefully knowing that others (myself, and I am sure the team at Mohr) believe that all is possible for you.
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September 23rd, 2009 at 5:56 am
Shannon,
I wholeheartedly disagree with your comment. What Jillian is doing is motivating by putting fear into these people. That will motivate in the short term only. Fear driven motivation is very short lived.
The “best” trainer? What makes you say that? Have you ever worked with a trianer before?
Any trainer that treats their clients like that with verbal abuse is terrible and an insult to the fitness profession. There is nothing good about Jillian. Is she in shape, she would appear to be. But keep in mind, being “fit” goes beyond , way beyond having a nice, toned body . Is she mentall fit?
There is no excuse for her actions. She simply isnt professional at all. In fact, I would even question her experience in program design and simple exercise science..
she may know what shes doing, but if she tried to run her “own” perosnal training business and talked to people like that, she would never last!
So you mean to tell us that if someone were insulting your character and breaking you down , you would want to strive for more??
cursing at you..telling you you are worthless? Thats motivating??!!
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September 23rd, 2009 at 2:07 pm
Phil, do you know Jillian personally? Did you know she had a successful career as a personal trainer before the show? Have you watched the show regularly? I admit the first show of this season was a bit much but that is not the way she is the whole time and if anyone listened to what she was saying she didn\’t insult anyone. Did you know that during the week she does a lot of nice things with the constestants including taking them for a ride on her motorcycle to get them to have some fun? Why is it that the contestants love her so much and continue to do so long after the show? I am a personal trainer and have my masters in exercise science. I would never yell at my clients but I am not training clients who need to lose 300 pounds because not to many people that want to lose 300 pounds hire personal trainers. Jillian or Bob are the last resort for these contestants before they die. My mom, brother, grandma, aunts and uncles all need to lose at least 100 pounds each and I have been supporting and encouraging them for years but they are addicted to food. How many people do you know that are drug addicts or alcoholics that stop b/c people are nice to them? The way most of them quit and become clean are when they recieve tough love or they enter a rehab where people do not coddle them. Food addiction is just as hard to conquer. Believe me I know, I fight it everyday for the past 20 years and it never gets easy. So please stop judging until you\’ve watched a lot of episodes and/or know her personally and/or have really known people who have a severe addiction to food.
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September 24th, 2009 at 7:36 am
Sam,
Nope, I do not know Jillian personally and was not judging her as a person, but as this whole blog is about, judging how she treats people on the show.
I train people 300IBS + and never speak to them that way and yet they are doing just fine. Loosing body fat and becoming healthier.
Being a personal trainer myself with the same credentials as yourself, I dont understand her methods.
You say that she had a sucessful career as a pt before this show. I believe it, BUT did she scream and yell and talk to her clients like dirt?? Doubt it!
I dont watch the show because I think its an absurd way of looking at the obesity pandemic we are facing. Not only that, ok, these people lose weight, yes, BUT are they dropping body fat or do they end up being a skinny fat person??
It sounds as if you are defending her methods on this show. I do believe that she is told to a degree how to act and what will sell. I dont dout shes nice in reality.
Did you ever study life coaching? Wellness coaching? Food psychology??
Food addiction is tough to overcome, but usually it IS a safe haven for something else that is going on in the persons life.
You can’t be addicted to something that you need to survive. Addition to something is almost always a way people have of dealing with the fact that they lack control in something else…
Chances are that these people have had emotional breakdowns and turn to food to cover up or deal with emotional issues..
So im not judging her as a person in reality or that she does nice things. Im sure she is. To be a successful personal trainer requires being good with people among other things.
But I agree with Chris and Kara that the entire shows approach is obsurd.
Ok so what happens once you loose the weight (ever check body fat?? ) did you change your lifestyle habits? or do you go back to eating the way you did.
Do you know that fear based exercise is short lived?? meaning those that exercise and eat the “right” foods out of fear, is not a sustaineable thing to do and will eventually taper off..?
do you know that most diets fail because while people drop the “weight” they dont change their lifestyle and it comes right back within a year or two??
So yes Jillian may be a nice person and she may have had success in the past, but I am certain she didnt succeed as a pt calling people worthless..
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September 25th, 2009 at 11:13 am
Thank you so much for the post! I hate to say this but……I hate that show! I believe it makes my job more difficult than it already is.
Dexter Tenison, MSS
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September 26th, 2009 at 8:07 am
Hey Chris,
Great stuff!
Our buddy Tom Venuto just wrote an article called \"The Biggest Loser Pros And Cons: An In-Depth Review of Television\’s Most Popular Reality Show\"
check it out here buddy:
http://www.burnthefatinnercircle.com/public/614.cfm
Keep up the great work my man.
Kyle Battis
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October 2nd, 2009 at 11:39 am
In Marine Corps basic training, I was called worthless quite a bit. Do I have self esteem issues? Probably. We all do to some degree. I see many people that make it their excuse to stay unmotivated. All the “abuse” I took in the Marines help mold me and push me along? If I had three hundred pounds to lose, I’d want Jillian to train me. Go ahead call me worthless, it just pisses me off and makes me fight harder.
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October 2nd, 2009 at 3:49 pm
Although I agree with what you say, everyone is different and some people do respond very well to tough love. I really don\\\\\\\’t have a problem with it. I have a problem with the constant money chasing behavior of Jillian Michaels and her endorsement deals with Fat burning pills, appetite suppressants, and the most bizarre of all, the colon cleanse. Apparently her body cleanse, is where your life change starts, to quote her:
This is where you start to change your life, to get thinner, stronger, and healthier, shedding excess pounds by changing your eating and exercise habits, and finding the emotional support that will turn failure into success.My new formulations can help you make it all possible. Believe me, you can change your life. I know it, I\\\\\\\’ve lived it, I understand it, and I changed it…YOU CAN TOO!
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October 6th, 2009 at 9:43 am
I have been a group fitness leader, a personal trainer and a cycling instructor (all current professional certifications) for years and I know one thing for sure……my butt would either be fired or sued if I ever treated clients or group participants in the manner that is displayed on “The Biggest Loser”. Number one, I would be violating all guidelines for beginner, deconditioned individuals that are the basis for determining training programs. Number two, while we do become an “ear” to the client’s most personal issues we are not professionals in this field and are not qualified to make assumptions and council based on those assumptions. We certainly DON’T scream, belittle and yell at a client and then later try to tell them that it is for their own good.( We certainly don’t tell a deconditioned client that they can’t get off a treadmill until they pass out or die. Really?) Number three, the blatent wrongs in training practices such as sitting on a leg press while in use or removing handle bars of group fitness bikes as part of the class are soooooo unsafe for clients and only encourage this behaviour in gyms all over North America.
While I can explain why I chose every exercise on the basis of my clients or class’s needs I do feel at times I have to battle theatrics in the gym or class that are encouraged by bad training ideas. I know it is TV and a reality show but most people don’t know what should go on in a gym and this demonstration is misleading. I also worry too it is setting precedent to other trainers as to what are acceptable training techniques.
Clients need to know that weightloss is a lifestyle change and that change does not include screaming, yelling, numerous daily workouts or result in weekly weightloss in the teens. Help us out here in the real world and start to emphasis healthly training practices. (What am I saying? That would not make good TV or make stars.)
Louise Bottenfield
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November 24th, 2009 at 12:45 pm
In response to Louise’s comment, you are right in what you say but really this is TV and TV is entertainment. The more entertainment a TV show can provide the more ratings it will get and the more money will be made. which everything comes down to really. It’s not all bad though. They do actually lose weight which will make a positive impact on their lives.
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December 1st, 2009 at 9:56 pm
That was an awesome letter! I just had to say it. I hear people talking about how much they just love watching that show and how it’s “inspiring”? …I say, “huh?” and then go on a rant (probably sounding a little like Jillian herself) on how much I disagree with it, but your letter said so appropriately. Thanks…I’ll make sure some of the BL fans read it!
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January 21st, 2010 at 9:14 am
ARE YOU KIDDING ME????? FIRST OFF, IF THIS SEEMED TO LOWER THE SELF ESTEEM OF THE OVERWEIGHT, WHY DOES THE BIGEST LOSER CONTINUE TO GET THOUSANDS OF APPLICANTS???? WHY DO THEY STAY ON THE SHOW???? HAVE YOU ASKED ANY OF THE CONTESTANTS HOW THEY FEEL AFTER BEING TREATED SO "POORLY" BY JILLIAN??? HAVE YOU???? HAS ANY ONE OF THEM SAID THEY REGRET IT, OR THAT SHE TOOK THIER SELF ESTEEM FROM THEM??? THIS IS THE BIGGEST CROCK OF CRAP I HAVE EVER HEARD. TO BREAK SOMEONE'S OLD MINDSET AND LIFESTYLE YOU HAVE TO BREAK THEM DOWN AND THEN REBUILD THEM THE PROPER WAY. JILLIAN DOES JUST THAT. AND SHE DOES WHATEVER IT TAKES TO BREAK THEM DOWN…IT IS NESSECARY!!!! SHE IS THEN ALSO THERE TO REBUILD THIER SELF ESTEEM STRONGER THAN EVER…BUT SHE DOESNT DO IT ALONE. THEY REBUILD THERE OWN SELF ESTEEM BY SEEING WHAT ALL THEY CAN ACCOMPLISH. i JUST CANT BELIEVE THIS CRAP. iF THAT CONSTESTAN FROM LAST WEEK WAS REALLY THAT OFFENDED SHE WOULD HAVE LEFT THE SHOW. THIS KIND OF MENTALITY YA'LL HAVE IS WHY FREAKIN 2/3 OF THE WORLD IS OVERWEIGHT. THIS POOR BABY ATTITUDE WON'T SOLVE ANYTHING.
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January 21st, 2010 at 12:03 pm
Stefanie, that is the way you get the message to the obese?? They aren't joining the military they are trying to save their lives by losing hundreds of pounds.
If you believe that this is the way to get someone results, you clearly have never worked in the field. Its TV and their methods are screwed up. Tell me ONE gym in North America where you can see a client being scolded and humiliated in the gym , in front of others or anywhere and they like it?
If you were familiar with "lifestyle change" youd know that instilling fear into someone to change their ways is very short lived. It is not a good way to have long lasting sustained change. THAT IS A FACT! In the short term, sure, but do you know that some of the contestants actually gain the weight back because their lifestyle change NEVER HAPPENED!
Ive been training for 15 years and have seen trainers fired for acting the very way that Jillian acts on that show. Theres motivation and pushing people, but to insult them is bullshit!
Then again its reality tv and it needs ratings to stay on top. Ratings have NOTHING to do with proper program design. ANYTIME you take a severly obese person and make them exercise you will get results initially with ease. After some time it takes more work, more program design and more variety.
Jillian may be a great person and a great personal trainer but there is NO WAY she talkes to her own personal clients that way… its NOT EVEN PROFESSIONAL! But thats what SELLS ON TV…is drama..
No being nice doesnt always work, sometimes you have to be blunt and bold, but that does NOT include insulting someone in REALITY!
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January 21st, 2010 at 12:03 pm
<p>Stefanie, that is the way you get the message to the obese?? They aren't joining the military they are trying to save their lives by losing hundreds of pounds.</p> <p>If you believe that this is the way to get someone results, you clearly have never worked in the field. Its TV and their methods are screwed up. Tell me ONE gym in North America where you can see a client being scolded and humiliated in the gym , in front of others or anywhere and they like it? </p> <p>If you were familiar with "lifestyle change" youd know that instilling fear into someone to change their ways is very short lived. It is not a good way to have long lasting sustained change. THAT IS A FACT! In the short term, sure, but do you know that some of the contestants actually gain the weight back because their lifestyle change NEVER HAPPENED!</p> <p>Ive been training for 15 years and have seen trainers fired for acting the very way that Jillian acts on that show. Theres motivation and pushing people, but to insult them is bullshit!</p> <p>Then again its reality tv and it needs ratings to stay on top. Ratings have NOTHING to do with proper program design. ANYTIME you take a severly obese person and make them exercise you will get results initially with ease. After some time it takes more work, more program design and more variety. </p> <p>Jillian may be a great person and a great personal trainer but there is NO WAY she talkes to her own personal clients that way… its NOT EVEN PROFESSIONAL! But thats what SELLS ON TV…is drama..</p> <p>No being nice doesnt always work, sometimes you have to be blunt and bold, but that does NOT include insulting someone in REALITY! </p>
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February 2nd, 2010 at 9:20 pm
Hello everyone,
While I hear what everyone is saying about Jillian's tactics not being the best. I have to disagree. I am coming from the perspective of the client in need of losing weight. I watched a few minutes of the show when it first aired, and I didn't find anything interesting about it. I have recently started watching the show. I now find it interesting and motivating. The show is no different, but I am. Now that I am ready to get into shape, I enjoy hearing the "pressure" or getting someone's buttons pressed. For people who don't want to get up and get going, it is especially needed. We know we need to lose the weight and are unhealthy, but we obviously have not gotten off our butts to make a change. I have found Jillian's ways to be inspiring, personally. I have been training and pushing myself to make a lifestyle change, as it is not just the physical training that she motivates to change, but eating habits and choices as well. I know the physically trainers get down on her, but I really think it depends on your personality. I wouldn't pay someone to train me by always paying me compliments. I want someone to let me know where my life will be and how my choices effect the people I love. Those are the things that motivate me. I need someone to push me and not just inspire me by whispering sweet nothings. I get it…many people need or desire that type of affirmation. I however, opt for someone to tell it like it is, then let me know what I need to do to change it! Well, that's my 2 cents
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April 22nd, 2010 at 11:04 pm
Well, apparently there are some people who would be willing to pay money to be degraded, insulted, and physically abused (not to be confused with properly trained).
As someone that endured Marine Corps boot camp, there's no way I would pay someone a single cent to punish me mentally. At least when I was at Parris Island I was getting financially compensated.
As far as the show getting thousands of applicants every season, I wonder if the grand prize was dropped to $25,000, how many applicants would they get. Many TV "reality" shows get people willing to be humiliated for cash.
And just because a trainer does not approve of Jillian's tactics, does not mean they're going to take it easy on a client, whisper sweet nothings in their ear, and compliment them for showing up for a session. There are positive ways to push someone, and get long lasting results.
What will happen next on the Biggest Loser? Will Jillian bring donuts, and fries to the gym and throw them at the contestants like some idiot does to members at his own facility? And if the producers tell her to do some stunt even more dangerous than what she has already done, will she be willing to risk the life of a contestant, for ratings?
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June 25th, 2010 at 4:40 am
I bookmarked this web page a while ago because of the informative content and I have never been let down. Continue the quality work.
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July 9th, 2010 at 12:32 pm
wow! you sure are mad that they loose all that weight and you can\’t. Im sorry you are so bitter Mike.
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July 9th, 2010 at 12:33 pm
wow! you sure are mad that they loose all that weight and you can\\\’t. Im sorry you are so bitter Mike.
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October 16th, 2010 at 9:40 pm
All or most of these issues were brought up to Jillian last year when I wrote a feature article on The Biggest Loser for IDEA Fitness Journal. I was lined up to get an interview with Jillian, but in the end was told she was too busy. This after I interviewed Bob Harper and then sent questions via email for Jillian. My questions included points brought up here: how some trainers are concerned about her training style and how she might respond. Her response was to opt out of engaging with other fitness pros in this discussion–or maybe she was just too busy with more complimentary media opps, who knows. When I blogged about it, I got personally attacked by a raving Jillian fan. Bottom line: Last time I checked, Jillian’s credentials could use some updating. As for us in the fitness industry, we just have to do our best and know we’re better than the tactics we might deem questionable on that show.
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December 3rd, 2010 at 6:07 am
I agree with Stephen about the recruitment of trainers for this show. That is evident by the fact that Kim Lyons didn\’t last on the show. She was a lot more compassionate and it seemed, couldn\’t stomach the tactics they wanted her to use.
I haven\’t watched the show in a long time but happened to just the other day with my in-laws as they munched on pretzels, soda and m&ms. I sat there appalled at the way obese people were trained and so concerned for their long term well-being. I get that they signed up for it and they\’ve seen the show before so they\’re aware of what they\’ll be put through. However it is a completely unrealistic representation of a healthy road to a healthy lifestyle. It is entirely too extreme. While it can be inspiring, many sitting there watching it and fantasizing about being thin and healthy, know that they could never train like that and therefore abandon any attempt because the goals and means presented are unattainable.
With that said, I can\’t take away from that fact that it has brought a lot of attention to the obesity epidemic in this country and has inspired many weight loss groups across the country-who are not put in a camp every day focused on only weight loss and are \"fighting the good fight\" for a healthy lifestyle.
Stay Healthy, Stay Happy!
Allison
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February 7th, 2012 at 11:40 am
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