NBC.com - The Biggest Loser

BERNIE'S PARTING THOUGHTS

What were the advantages or disadvantages of being paired up with your partner?
The advantages of being paired with Brittany were that we didn't come to campus with our enablers. Both she and I were there for the right reasons to lose weight! We were also able to focus our attention on getting to know one another and that helped us to keep our minds off the grueling pain of the workouts. Overall I couldn't have asked for a better partner, she motivated me through her strength and drive to do my very best!
Thank God for Brittany!!!!

The disadvantages were that we initially had to learn how to be the most effective support systems for each other. It didn't come naturally because we were in fact complete strangers. However in the end we did learn how to be supportive of one another and it turned out to be an awesome pairing!

How did it bring you two closer?
Speaking for myself, having been paired with Brittany was incredible. We had to depend on each other from the get go and that helped us to form a very close bond. We understood that being on the Biggest Loser was going to be a life-changing experience and because we had no prior knowledge of each other's hindrances (or personalities for that matter), it was easier for us to accept the many physical, emotional, and spiritual changes that we underwent while at the ranch. I consider myself very fortunate to have been paired with such an inspiring individual.

What will you miss most about the campus/ranch?
Above all I will miss the many individuals - the cast , trainers, and crew that wholeheartedly supported me in changing my life for the better. Without their love and support, this transformation would have been very difficult. It truly took a village, or in my case, a ranch, to get me back on track and I am eternally grateful to everyone involved.

What is the most important tip the trainers gave you?
The most important tip the trainers provided me was the need to truly care for yourself first. Once you feel healthy and good about yourself you can really be there for the loved ones in your life. The trainers also taught me about the importance of having balance in all aspects of my life, and that lesson began with the simple tip of "calories in vs. calories out"! Without balance we fall, and prior to the show I was definitely in my own little spiral downward! It's amazing how much of a positive impact achieving balance in one's life can improve not only ones health, but overall well being!