Posts Tagged ‘The Biggest Loser’

Prevention announces Healthy TV Awards

- August 12th, 2011

OK, so we all know watching too much TV is unhealthy.

But there are several shows that pack a healthy punch — and they deserve to be recognized.

Introducing Prevention magazine‘s inaugural Healthy TV Awards.

The mag chose a lineup of “shows that deliver the best messages and role models for a healthier lifestyle.”

prevention-healthy-tv-awards-0911-298x232Here are some of the Healthy TV Winners:

• NBC’s The Biggest Loser

• NBC’s Parks and Recreation

• ABC’s Dancing With the Stars

• Fox’s So You Think You Can Dance

Click HERE for all of the shows singled out by Prevention.

What are some of your favourite health-and-fitness-related shows?

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Michaels offers Congress advice on trimming fat budget deficit

- August 2nd, 2011

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Fitness expert Jillian Michaels has a healthy cure for the U.S. deficit/debt crisis.

The star of TV’s The Doctors and The Biggest Loser has written to House Speaker John Boehner and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid urging them to cut out wasteful agricultural subsidies that contribute to the nation’s obesity crisis, one of her PR reps tells me in an email.

The crux of her argument is contained in the following excerpt from the letter: “Some of our government’s current policies and programs actually promote obesity and other diseases by supporting the production and consumption of the very foods that contribute to … health problems.”

Michaels also goes on to note, according to the PR rep, that diets high in meat, cheese, processed foods, and sugar can put people on track to develop Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, obesity, and other costly diseases.

Here’s the full press release:

Health and Wellness Expert Jillian Michaels Urges Congress to Slim Down Bulging Budget Deficit

Five-Step Proposal Saves $383 Billion by Slashing Subsidies for Unhealthy Foods

WASHINGTON — Jillian Michaels wants to put the federal budget on a healthy diet. The no-nonsense health and wellness expert from television’s “The Doctors” is urging Congress to slim down the nation’s bulging budget deficit by making five cuts to food and agricultural programs that promote the production and consumption of unhealthy foods.

The five-step plan, laid out in a report from the nonprofit Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM), could save American taxpayers $383 billion over 10 years — and reduce obesity rates and health care costs for decades to come.

“Cutting subsidies for unhealthful foods would trim the nation’s budget — and Americans’ waistlines,” says Michaels in letters delivered today to House Speaker John Boehner and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid.

Michaels is joining PCRM experts to propose eliminating the agricultural direct payment program, crop insurance, and agricultural pollution clean-up programs, since these programs directly or indirectly support the production and consumption of meat, cheese, sugar, and other unhealthful foods.

PCRM’s proposal also recommends reconfiguring the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly the Food Stamp program, to provide incentives to promote fruits and vegetables and exclude processed meat, candy, and other junk food items from the program.

“Cutting subsidies for cheeseburgers and sodas will mean healthier people and a huge savings in the process,” says PCRM president and nutrition researcher Neal Barnard, M.D.

“SNAP is under threat when more Americans than ever need help. These reforms save SNAP and will serve more people for less money with healthier food.”

The plan’s five major policy changes will save nearly $400 billion in a decade:

Policy Change and Savings (Over 10 Years)

• End Direct Agribusiness Payments: $50 billion

• Privatize Crop Insurance: $70 billion

• Make Factory Farms Clean Up Their  Own Waste: $9 billion

• Reform SNAP (Food Stamps): $240 billion

• Reform Commodity Foods Purchases: $14 billion

• Total short-term savings: $383 billion

The report also recommends prioritizing healthful commodity purchases for school meal programs to fight childhood obesity.

Founded in 1985, the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine is a nonprofit health organization that promotes preventive medicine, conducts clinical research, and encourages higher standards for ethics and effectiveness in research.

And here’s the letter she sent:

Jillian Michaels Letter to Senator Reid

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Biggest Loser’s Bob Harper does it again

- June 13th, 2011

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It seems the “nice trainer” from popular reality weight-loss TV show The Biggest Loser never rests.

Bob Harper is out with yet another DVD.

Here’s the press release slated to be officially issued tomorrow:

BOB HARPER introduces new DVD focused on workouts for beginners

LOS ANGELES (June 14, 2011) — Fitness expert, television star and author, Bob Harper announced today the newest addition to his motivational fitness DVD collection, Beginner’s Weight Loss Transformation, available exclusively online at www.mytrainerbobdvd.com and in stores everywhere on Aug. 2, 2011. Harper’s latest DVD was specifically created for beginners to help introduce a results-centered workout routine.

Beginner’s Weight Loss Transformation is ideal for beginners but also targets those who want to re-invigorate their daily routines.  It contains two workouts for a combined 56 minutes of muscle-building drills that burn fat and build body resistance. The program features Harper’s dynamic workout methods, focusing on cardiovascular conditioning and muscle-toning performance.

The second portion, “The 10-Minute Beginner Abs,” is an abdominal-focused workout that builds endurance with a range of motion for ab-shredding maneuvers that sharpen the core.

“It was important for me to up the ante in this program,” Harper said. “The workout will offer a challenging alternative to traditional beginner workouts, which are often slow-paced and sluggish.”

Beginner’s Weight Loss Transformation introduces cardiovascular training and conditioning into a workout that is easy to follow, yet targets and obliterates fat, offering muscle-refining results often found in more intense routines. Throughout the DVD, Harper passionately motivates viewers to achieve their weight loss and fitness goals.

Beginner’s Weight Loss Transformation is available exclusively at www.mytrainerbobdvd.com. The DVD will be available nationwide in retail stores on Aug. 2, 2011.

About Bob Harper

Bob Harper, the fan favorite, fitness guru of NBC’s worldwide hit, “The Biggest Loser,” is the brilliant force behind countless success stories from people who had previously given up on helping themselves, or had been written off as helpless by others. The success of the show has led to Harper’s own DVDs, books, workout equipment, supplements, motivational speaking engagements and personal appearances. He has become an authority on wellness through motivating others by applying his “Inside Out” philosophy: a raw, challenging integration of mind, body, and spiritual fitness that pushes one’s mentality and physicality with the intention of reaching a greater sense of accomplishment while powering for a better body and a more enriched life.   Harper is certified with the American Fitness Training of Athletics and with Aerobics and Fitness Association of America.

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Fitness gifts for dear ol’ dad

- June 13th, 2011

Just six more shopping days left until Father’s Day.

Here are some ideas from GoFit, the nation’s leading handheld fitness manufacturer:

%31_multipart%3F2_imageFOR THE WORKAHOLIC: Is Dad bored in the boardroom? When he’s workin’ hard to bring home the bacon, sometimes a gym sesh isn’t going to be in order after a long day on the job. Be a sport and help him work his physique as he burns the midnight oil with the GoFit Core Stability Disk.

As seen on the TODAY SHOW, the Stability Disk is an excellent way for Dad to engage his core while he is stuck sitting in his office chair all day. He can even increase balance and develop stability while he’s at it! The 13-inch GoFit Core Stability Disk is made of easy-to-clean, soft red vinyl and is portable and easy to store.

In addition, the Core Stability Disk is an amazing way to help him reach his fitness goals at home or at the gym. The disk increases the difficulty as your ability improves. The smooth side of the disk is less difficult, whereas the textured “reflexology” side has a higher degree of difficulty, offering a more challenging workout. Firmness is also adjustable. (Needle included. Air pump not included).

PRICE: $24.99. For product info, click HERE.

%31_multipart%3F3_imageFOR THE SPORTS NUT: Can’t peel Pops away from the boob tube when the game is on? If your sports fanatic Dad has given a new meaning to the term coach potato, this gift will assure him that is glory days are NOT behind him. Help him unleash his inner athlete with Yogaletics!

This is not your Mom’s yoga workout people — YOGALETICS is the amazing athlete-specific form of yoga that is sweeping the nation. Developed by the NBA’s premier yoga trainer, Kent Katich, Yogaletics features the same athlete-oriented yoga used with Katich’s high profile clients such as Kevin Love, Jordan Farmar, Blake Griffin, The entire LA Clippers team and more. The physical and mental conditioning of yoga has long been known for its fitness-oriented results but now, with Yogaletics, a revolutionary way to train and excel in every area of fitness and sports performance has been revealed.

Yogaletics is a 90-minute dvd that teaches, endurance, flexibility and strength using a variety of movements in an industrialized athletic setting. Perfect for the former athlete in training, the YOGALETICS regime uses simple workout terms and modern music that’s anything but your average “Om” style yoga.

The Yogaletics product from GoFit comes with Sport-Tac Yoga Mat, Premium Yoga Block, Yoga Sport Straps and Quick Start Yoga Workout DVD developed by Kent Katich.

PRICE: $69.99. For product info, click HERE.

%31_multipart%3F4_imageFOR THE HEAVY LIFTER: Get a grip on the all-new fitness tool for the man who is looking for heavy duty strength training. The all-new ergonomically shaped kettlebell now comes in a 35-lb version for the Dad who wants a full-body workout, minus the sissy lightweights. This is one hefty weight for some full-body burn!

GoFit and acclaimed fitness specialist Bob Harper, star trainer of NBC’s worldwide hit The Biggest Loser, have collaborated to create this revolutionary Contour Kettlebell. Unlike the traditional canonball kettlebell shape it has a unique patent-pending contour shape that is ergonomically designed to wrap around the wrist and forearm, providing a much more comfortable Kettlebell experience.

Each contoured Kettlebell comes with a 30 minute Bob Harper Kettlebell Workout DVD, designed and performed by Bob himself.  The collection is available in 7-35 lbs online at GoFit.net as well as at select Target stores nationwide.

PRICE: $24.99-$99.99 For product info, click HERE.

%31_multipart%3F5_imageFOR THE FREQUENT FLYER: Does your padre leave his fitness at home when he’s on the road? Just because he lives out of a suitcase as he jet-sets across the country on business, doesn’t mean he should neglect his physique in the name of travel.

The perfect solution is in the bag. It’s the ProGym Extreme — a lightweight, gym in a bag with a serious boost. The ProGym Extreme is the train anywhere, anytime; go-to, get-fit product that will substantially increase balance, strength and functionality.

With up to 75lbs of resistance, the ProGym Extreme increases muscle definition and takes resistance training and toning to the next level. The product includes five resistance bands, two handle grips, two door anchors, two ankle straps, a laminated training manual and carry bag that is perfect for travel.

PRICE: $59.99. For product info, click HERE .

%31_multipart%3F6_imageFOR THE WEIGHTLIFT WONDER: If your fit Father likes to pump a little iron when he hits the gym, he might need durable protection to stand up against those heavy weights.

Help Dad take it to the Xtreme with the brand-new Xtreme Training Glove. The unique model features an all-new Articulated Grip and ergonomic gel-padded palm, for the most comfortable and technically-advanced weightlifting glove you can buy.

It also boasts Pittards World Class Leather for added durability to stand up the heaviest of barbells. This weightlifting glove is superior in comfort and quality and even has a stretch mesh back for increased ventilation!

PRICE: $29.99. For product info, CLICK HERE.

%31_multipart%3F7_imageFOR THE STRESSED OUT SPOUSE: Work, kids, wife, bills, the list goes on and on. If the day-to-day grind is affecting your favorite man both MENTALLY and PHYSICALLY, regular stretching will help to relieve those nagging tensions.

Regenerate and revive those tired muscles with the GoFit Foam Roller. Dad can roll away stress and lower back pain as well as improve balance, alignment and stability with the GoFit Foam Roller.

One of the most effective self massage routines he can go through, the Foam Roller can help decrease pain, relieve the stress and tension that’s stored in muscle and create overall body balance. The roller comes in two sizes and targets those hard to reach areas that generate the most stress including back, legs and neck tension.

PRICE: $24.99-$39.99. For product info, CLICK HERE.

All products are available online at leading sporting good retailers across the country (TARGET, Best Buy, Sport Chalet, depending on the product). Please feel free to check out our full line of 200 products at www.gofit.net.

ABOUT GOFIT: Founded in 1999, GoFit has quickly developed into one of the most respected and recognized handheld fitness manufacturers in the nation. GoFit was the first in the industry to pioneer the idea that “knowledge is power” by pairing top-of-the-line products together with innovative educational content.

Today, the company offers over 200 quality, handheld fitness products — ranging from stability balls, yoga mats, power tubes and kettlebells, to weighted resistance, balance and core performance products. GoFit also offers world-class training methods with strategic partnerships from top experts in the business through instructional DVDs and downloadable Ipod workouts on demand.

The brand is distributed worldwide, with over 5,000 leading retailers in the U.S. GoFit has been featured in high profile media outlets including The New York Times, The LA Times, Fitness Magazine, The Today Show, CNBC, E! Entertainment Television, Oxygen, OK! Magazine, and many more.

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Biggest Loser contestant ‘cheats’

- March 24th, 2011

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Pssst … Biggest Loser contestant Lisa Mosley wants to let you in on a little secret.

The 31-year-old single mom who has lost 97 pounds — 60 last season on the popular reality TV show and 37 since returning home from the ranch — points to one particular ingredient in her recipe for continued weight-loss success.

“One thing that I absolutely do wholeheartedly is have a cheat day,” she reveals to yours truly.

“I don’t count my calories. I don’t work out. …”

One day out of the week, she allows herself anything her stomach desires.

“What’s really sad is because you eat so clean, when you have that cheat day, you can only eat (bad) once, maybe twice, because you feel so sick and miserable.”

But it does something for her psyche, she notes.

“It’s like, ‘OK, I’ve got it. Now I’m ready to be clean again for a week.’ ”

Cheat days don’t usually involve a trip to a fast-food joint.

Nor does she usually opt for processed foods.

“I still try to eat healthy,” she explains.

“But if I want a doughnut, I’m going to eat a doughnut. If I want two doughnuts, I’m going to eat two doughnuts. This is my day to not be concerned with it at all. And it has been my saving grace, aside from the Yum Yum Dishes, is being able to completely let go that day and not think about weight loss, not think about working out, not think about any of it.”

It’s a philosophy she practiced while on The Biggest Loser.

“It’s not realistic to say, ‘I’m never gonna eat bad again,’ ” she adds. “Maybe some people are strong enough to do that. I am not.”

Click HERE for my Keeping Fit feature on Mosley.

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