This isn't to say I haven't watched a show or two on the couch in the company of a giant bag of chips. I have. And it isn't to say that I have rushed out during the closing credits to join a gym or online group of at-home participants. Oh, no.
Watching people with all of their vulnerability and traumas and choices right there on the television screen, who are willing to work hard with screaming trainers in the bubble of "The Biggest Loser" ranch somehow motivates me to get up the next day and walk, stretch, drink more water.
Although the show usually makes me tear up (oh, the back stories) and sometimes make me cringe (watching people work out to the point of vomiting will do that to a viewer, I guess), it certainly isn't a magic potion for motivation. But as I watched the contestants emerge from the van and then take on the challenge of running (or walking...or crawling, as the case was for some) a mile, I was overwhelmed by the desire to put my own feet to the pavement.
After all, if a person who weighs several hundred pounds more than I do is up for that challenge, I can certainly be up for it, too. Right? Right.
If that did not speak loudly enough to me, trainer Bob Harper's words did. Sure, he screamed them at a guy with sweat pouring off of him and a lifetime of guilt and habits and emotions literally weighing down on him, but I heard him too.
When Bob said, "This is your life. What are you going to do with it?", it spoke to me. And the first thing I thought was, I am going to make sure I exercise tomorrow.
I've been working out a lot more lately and I've felt the difference in my body and in my energy and stress levels. It feels good, but I know there is more to do. Those words, those people in their own reality show world, gave me one more push.
Do I need a cussing, ranting, finger-pointing-in-the-face Jillian Michaels? Not just yet. Would I take a soothing but firm Bob Harper to tell me to go twelve more laps around my park when I am ready to cool down? Ummm...sure. Why not?
For now, I will take them and what I need in weekly doses. No chips this time, I swear.
Did you tune into the season premiere of "The Biggest Loser"? What did you think? Did it motivate you to get off the couch, start exercising, or ramp up your current routine?
More motivation:
- Bob shared his first of five secrets to workout success with us. This one's all about food and drink.
- Karina reviews "The Biggest Loser" video game
- A look back on our favorite contestant
[photo via NBC.com]
