Why Fitness Pros Criticize 'The Biggest Loser'

When you don't have a ton of weight to lose. These people are seriously over weight, so seeing more than 1-2 lbs of weight loss is normal with the training they are going through. Yes, they are being worked out hard. Yes, Jillian and Bob are hard on them- But my god! Look at the results! Pretty unbelievable.

Of course no one in the normal world should start training like this without the help and permission from a professional, but these people that joined Biggest Loser knew from the beginning what they would be in for. We know that most people over weight are bound to have problems such as joint problems, or heart conditions. So yes, if they are sensing an issue they should seek medical attention right away. But these people on Biggest Loser are monitored only by the best doctors, trainers and nutritionists.

For some reason- I don't think they will be disappointed with the results at the end. I would hope viewers know that what is done in the show isn't showing realistic expectations, which they clearly state in the episodes. It is supposed to open the viewers eyes as to how bad it can get, and how we really need to start living better and healthier lifestyles.

So yea, if you are 400 lbs and have no guidance as to what you should do, I wouldn't recommend you just going for it without the help of a professional. Me as a professional athlete, I am used to training all the time day in and day out- I would let Jillian kick my butt any day!

Justine of CT 2:45PM September 20, 2009

The show is unhealthy emotionally. When you're desperate to lose weight, because you are morbidly obese, I can empathize with wanting to get on a show like this. However, the 'week' is actually more than 7 days. They film early - months before show date starts and one week is not always 'in 7 days'. Think the trainers have good hearts in them, but also have fallen into a caricature of themselves as their reknown has risen favorably. I think Bob is more balanced; think Jillian could use some YOGA just to learn how to get in touch with her own issues. She cusses too easily, in my opinion.

fan from Queens of NY 5:27AM September 19, 2009

I find the program...plus I have one of their work out tapes inspiring.

lisa of MI 9:37PM September 18, 2009

I was one of the trainers who contributed to Amanda Vogel's article and was happy to support our industry and share my opinions and observations of the show.

As a veteran fitness professional and educator it is my professional responsibility to inform and educate not only my participants and clients, but also the public and enthusiasts on what if safe, effective and brings about positive changes that will last a lifetime.

I understand that the show is a contest and the weekly goals are to lose more weight than the other participants or groups, but I still can't wrap my head around the strategies that the television audience is privy to viewing.

Yes, for shock value they leave some very unethical and sadistic training approaches in, but this is in no way appropriate for the professional trainer and client relationship. Being firm and consistent is key, but being abusive, swearing, walking over your client as they are performing exercises or yelling in their face is just plain disrespectful.

There are other methodologies that work just as effectively and all professional fitness trainers know this! We are not military boot camp sergeants trying to break down the client's ego and punish them with push-ups, rather we are seen as compassionate, enthusiastic, innovative, respectful, sensitive and professional on every level.

I do not resonate with the trainers on BL. Irregardless of what is being done behind the scenes to gradually bring participants to the ridiculous levels of daily exercise they perform on the show, it is still inappropriate in my professional eyes.

I don't know too many people who have an extra 3-4 hours in their day to workout at extreme levels to keep their weight off and/or lose weight. Professional athletes, dancers, body builders or competitors maybe, but then again that's their job.

A fitness professionals job is to build a progressive program that follows all national standards and guidelines for each individual client. We take into account the individual's availability, motivation levels, current level of fitness and training experience and their individual health and fitness goals.

There's a lot more to training than what you see on TV. Bottom line: seek the fitness professional not just the fitness TV personality.

Amy Bomar of WA 8:43PM September 18, 2009