But, while you enjoy watching other people sweat off the pounds by the minute, keep in mind that entertainment does not equal reality.
Here's what's unrealistic (and even risky) about the show:
- Lack of workout progression. Overweight contestants do sprints, advanced jumps, or haul another person (ALERT - potential back injury!). While this is what we see, the show's producers say that contestants undergo an adaptation phase first. Great!
The problem is that we only see a subset of the actual training that happens. The average viewer might think he should also start by sprinting across the gym with his friend on his back. - Unrealistic time allocation. This is TV, so contestants get to work out with trainers for hours each day. First, it's not realistic for most people. Second, this much exercise all at once is a recipe for burnout. It's like 1980s "crash training" - your body just can't keep it up, so you're more likely to lose gains quickly when you become exhausted after a few weeks or months. It's also more conducive to repetitive-stress injury.
- Extreme exercise selection. Again, this is TV. Some exercises are extreme, dangerous, silly, or just unnecessary. My concern is that this makes viewers think they have to do "extreme" things to get and stay fit. The most effective path to permanent weight loss is a consistent but varied routine of activities you can do correctly.
- Overly-rapid weight loss. The contestants work out a lot, and hard! They also start out with a LOT of extra weight. Generally, weight loss is "reverse exponential" - an obese person loses weight more quickly at first; it's much harder to lose the last 5-10 lbs. The show sensationalizes fast, and BIG, weight loss, because it's interesting to watch! --A good case of "Do not try this at home!"
The main point is, just remember it's TV, and it's a partial picture! Then, enjoy the show.
Could someone explain to me why the fitness woman yells at her clients?Not sure why she finds yelling and basically degrading a person would help push them. It is not like they are in the Marines. I guess my real question is is it effective?
ReplyDeleteI agree that the yelling is unnecessary, and even negative. I think this is just TV drama. I've met one real-life trainer who uses "negative talk" to motivate clients, but I don't believe in it. It's like junk food; it may get some people excited for a few minutes, but long term, the client feels emotionally worse instead of better.
ReplyDeleteI like to empower and encourage people - the exercises I dish out are hard, and they should feel proud for doing them! And athletes that are already very motivated only need a little positive pushing.
- Diana
KILLER advice!
ReplyDelete