Wow, it's hard to believe it's time for a new season - and what a kick off it was! Leave it up to The Biggest Loser to keep mixing things up. Having a challenge to even get a spot on the ranch... that's tough. Seven cities and three people trying out in front of their families, friends, and peers. Not only that, but putting on that sports bra and shorts, or no shirt and shorts - I can tell you from experience - it takes determination to do it. Ashley and I did it as a last minute twist when we did our first weigh-in for Season 9, and that's really where the "rubber meets the road" as they say - am I really ready to lay aside everything to change my life - including my shame and my pride? Am I willing to do what it takes to change? Do I really want it? Do I have what it takes? If the answer is yes, you take off that shirt that has covered you for how many years and don't look back. You stand on that scale ready to face the reality of the number because it's one of the first steps to change!
Season 10's contestants seem to have had many life events that have contributed to their weight gain. Sophia's brother wdied tragically, Adam's mother died at 51, Ada lost two brothers, Anna lost her three-year-old son to cancer, and Lisa lost her brother. Others like Elizabeth, who was in an abusive relationship; Frado, who has already been told he has five years to live in his present state, diabetic and with three children; Ali, who had the band surgery and thought she had "fixed" her weight problem; and Aaron, who has traded his father's alcohol addiction for a food addiction - each have such compelling life stories. Such stories of heartache and heartbreak, stories of people's lives just like you and me.
I related to so many things with so many contestants - I think we all can. So they are ready to put themselves out there, tired of letting the "weight" of their problems continue to "weigh" them down - "weight" they can't afford to carry on their bodies any longer!
What about those challenges! I know a few things about a Steps Challenge - about 850 of them! If you remember last season when all the eliminated contestants came back for a chance to come back on the show, first we had a weigh-in. I'm not bragging - just stating the fact - I landed on top of that board for the highest percent of weight lost, and had it been a straight up weigh-in, I would have won! As Bob says, I showed a little "POWER of the PINK in this house." But it wasn't to be, and I was happy for Victoria, that she actually had a chance to experience life on the ranch. But there was a Steps Challenge for a second person to get back on. We all know that Melissa won, Lance came in second and yes, the Lil Pink Momma came in third. I was so excited that I had done so well, even losing my shoes, that afterwards I stood on my step and hummed the theme of the Olympics with arms raised in the air - I had won bronze! It was a great night, even though I did not make it back on the show; I celebrated my accomplishments, and my victories both on the scale and in what I could do physically! Not bad for 52 years old! Celebrating each victory, each step of accomplishment is something that is emphasized on The Biggest Loser ranch, in the gym and in all areas of your life.
I'm excited to see Season 10 contestants as they take the first steps of their Biggest Loser journey - not just as they begin to lose the physical pounds, but also as they begin to unpack the "weight" of their life issues that brought them to this crossroads. Ashley and I know the hard work facing them in the gym, but also the harder "heart" work that needs to be done! Both are difficult and necessary. Are you ready to begin like these contestants are and we did? I challenge you to consider this, but what if YOU CAN?
Blessings,
Lil Pink Momma
Blog comment responses:
to RealtorCathy: Thanks Cathy! I have a great trainer, Steve Everson, who helped me with good workouts - lots of reps, not heavy weights. You can find him on Facebook - he's started posting workouts! Check it out.
Dr_Anne: I love it! We are never too old to make a change - I know that now. I'm excited about life again and feel great! I'm going zip-lining in a few weeks and can't wait! You CAN do this!
dovermomof5: THANKS!
kimberleyJ: You are right on all counts - it is not an overnight process, but a lifestyle change! Speaking of taking a break from your workouts, try about eight weeks! I had an emergency ruptured hernia surgery and NO workouts - Dr. said none! We all have setbacks so we just have to start again where we are. That is what I'm doing.
Stacey J Wimpy: Great job on the 45 pounds - refocus and lets get moving!
Mindy Kay: Ditto - The Biggest Loser motivates me too as you could see every week last season. I think I cried some every episode and in reality, I was pretty emotional and still am. I cried for the first week of Season 10 too - they really pull on my heartstrings... I thank God for the creators of the show too! Changed my life, my future, and my family! Thanks JD!