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Wednesday, 11 November 2009 18:16 |
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The Biggest Loser started off with positive statements from the contestants about making it to week nine and losing large amounts of weight only for them to be jolted with the news that two contestants would leave the ranch this week. One would be automatically eliminated for having the lowest overall percentage of weight loss and the next two lowest losses would be up for elimination by vote. I thought this would lead the contestants to resort to drastic measures but instead it was both Bob and Jillian. They proceeded to push the contestants harder than ever as if it would produce the impossible- keeping everyone above the red line, although for many of the contestants it did result in great losses . One thing that can be said is that it shows the benefit of having an external incentive beyond the ultimate goal. In the contestants' case it was the goal of staying above the red line, hopefully by at least three spaces.
The first over-training syndrome victim was Danny. The only surprising thing about that was that he has been the only one pointed out so far. Sadly the show did not go into much detail to explain what it is. Basically over-training is a condition of chronic fatigue resulting from exercising at a high intensity over a prolonged period of time. Symptoms include a chronically elevated resting heart rate, a plateau or decline in performance, excessive muscle soreness, reduction in appetite, unwanted or possibly excess weight loss(usually from lean tissue), plus changes in sleep patterns and habits. A person with over-training syndrome is at greater risk for exercise induced injuries, illnesses and a reduction or loss in motivation. The lack of progression and the constant increasingly high intensity workouts, which the contestants have been enduring from day one, are the perfect recipe for bringing on over-training syndrome. Over-training can be prevented by proper periodization of training, something that you do not see on The Biggest Loser.
I disagree with both Bob and Jillian regarding what to do about my pick's condition. Jillian was wrong to bench Danny. He is not an invalid at this stage, just reduce the intensity to give his body a chance to recover. Bob's statement was that he(Danny) could "rest after the finale." With that attitude Danny will be lucky to get to the finale without having been voted out by falling below the yellow line or without being limited by injury.
Later in the show my thoughts about the contestants resorting to extreme measures proved right. The former pink and orange teammates showed the exercise equipment they stole from the gym and put in their rooms to get in an additional 2 hours of exercise each day. It did not pay off because it was Daniel(orange) who lost the smallest percentage of weight, followed by Amanda(pink) then Shay(orange). I guess they haven't realized the importance of getting proper rest in regards to fat loss and fitness.
The last chance workout was two parts this week, although the contestants did not know it ahead of time. Their first last chance workout was a field trip off the ranch to do a trapeze workout. What they did appeared to be more like a suspension workout using a bar instead of individual handles which are normally used. They never did really fly through the air with the greatest of ease as I would guess that they were possibly expecting or fearing. The second last chance workout was just business as usual.
This week my questions about Daniel's former partner from last season, David Lee, were answered and unfortunately he has not gotten hooked on exercise. He told Daniel that he had more important things to do than lose weight. Again, hopefully he'll come around soon.
The best piece of advice on last nights episode was their introduction to Lara Bars. They are the best tasting, healthiest, most nutritious bars on the market. If you have not tried them go get some right now. GO!!
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Hi Aaron! I agree with you about the Lara bars. They ARE delicious! My favorite is the pistachio. By the way, I also agree with you regarding the rest of the article. I miss Tracey, though because I can't joke around about her being a witch any more! 
then sure catch a show or two, you might get hooked.(Disclaimer: I'll take no responsibility for that 
) But if you do watch it promise me it will only be for entertainment, not to get training tips. I'd hate to hear about you getting injured from following some of Jillian's methods!
