The Biggest Loser Part 2

[Guest Prosoft Admin]

Opera singer Olivia Ward has something new to yodel about. The slimmed-down 35-year-old was named winner of season 11 of "The Biggest Loser," edging out her sister to claim victory after shedding 129 pounds in eight months.

For some reason, many Americans are drawn to “The Biggest Loser,” me included.

Maybe we love to see the underdog overcome years of heartache against all odds. 

Maybe it is the American dream to succeed, and we love success stories.

Maybe we are secretly hoping that we can pick up some tips as to how to get or keep our fitness level up. 

Most of us don't have Jillian yelling in our ear to do 5 more reps, or push ourselves, so what can we do on our own?

1.  Check with your doctor: Have a full physical before starting any exercise regimen.

2.  Work with a trainer or a class with a certified instructor or Physical Therapist:  Get in a safe but fun class for your level of fitness. There IS strength in numbers.

3.  Find someone to go with: Get to know someone in class who can be your accountability partner.  Women especially…but men also work well with a buddy system of support (and maybe women like someone to talk to). Try to find someone who is at least as motivated as you, at least most of the time.

4.  Incorporate some sort of weight training, or body weight resistance training into your workout, at least two times per week: More muscle means increased metabolism. (This way you can still have that snack or desert, and you will ward off osteoporosis.)

5.  Consult a nutritionist: Contact a professional or look online for some sensible new eating habits, as the old ones weren’t getting you the results you wanted.

6.  Go SLOWLY for the first 4-6 weeks: Expect a 1.5 % body weight loss per week MAXIMUM.

7.  Understand that you are in it for the long haul! It will take months, even years to undo what probably took you years, possibly decades to produce! This will NOT be a diet plan, but a new way of living!  Embrace it, and enjoy it! Try seeing Rochester by hiking, canoeing, kayaking, biking, or just walking.  It is so beautiful around here and there are a lot of outdoor groups to join, or maybe you can experience it with your workout partner or even by yourself!

There may be aches and pains along the way.  If they persist, ask your doctor about them, or come and see us at Peak Performance Physical Therapy. 

You may have just gone too fast, too soon or you may have some underlying biomechanical issue that is stopping you from reaching your fitness goals.  

We would love to help you with any issues or just encourage you on your fitness journey so that you can truly be the “Biggest Winner”!