The Biggest Loser

We're in the final count down here . . . just an hour until the new season of The Biggest Loser premiers on NBC. We're not a big TV watching family and when we do, we avoid the major networks and try to opt for the Science Channel and my personal favorite - Discovery Health where I can divert my overwhelming interest in a bedtime snack by watching a gruesome autopsy! But I digress . . .

Okay, my entire family is hooked on The Biggest Loser. Right now the kids are gathering up all their stuffed animals and arranging them around the TV getting ready for screen time. It is inspirational to watch people change their lives through diet and exercise. It is somewhat educational, although a little too much education in the foul language department . . . bleeeeep . . . last season. But most of all I've discovered that they are all in LOVE with Jillian Michaels, the infamous trainer of the "black" team. You know who she is. . . you can't log on to a web-site with out her popping up and asking you what your weight loss goal is.

Last night at the dinner table my son proclaimed that if he could get a wish through the Make a Wish Foundation (which thank God he can NOT!) it would be for just one short workout with Jillian. Now mind you he's 8 - so he does not have the ulterior motives that others might have. He's a purist. For the holidays I bought my love sick family the Jillian Michaels, 30 Day Shred DVD. And let me just put in a plug here in case this blog should find it's way to Jillian and she decides to grant my son his wish. This is no sloucher work out. I have never really held these 20 minute video workouts in high esteem but this thing is the real deal. I workout a considerable amount and I'll even fess up and tell you that I have hired a coach to keep me on the right "track". So, I thought I was getting into decent shape but when I gave it a try Jillian made me feel it for sure. Usually when my family "shreds" I opt for a ride on my stationary bike so I can enjoy the show. But, I'll tell you, this gang is devoted - they shred every day.

So the point of the story is that this show has permeated my house - it's not about me telling them they need to keep moving or turn off the Nintendo or blathering national statistics at them about childhood obesity. They can see it for themselves, they can have fun with it. Mix it up a little. It's entertaining and it's fun. One very cold night in a house with kids who had extra energy to burn my daughter actually came up with the idea of a Biggest Loser "Challenge". Her idea was to see how many times each of us could run up the stairs in our house. Another great workout - that's actually harder than it sounds after the 15th time up!

To wrap it up, and get my stuffed animals set up for show time . . . Jillian, I've given you some air time here. So if this should ever come across your staff's desktop, please accept my thanks for motivating my family. And if you should find it in your heart to grant my son a little extra happiness, feel free to send him an autographed photo!