Is the Fitness Industry the Biggest Loser?

I was recently reading an article about the popular television show, "The Biggest Loser", in which a wide variety of fitness professionals were interviewed as to their opinions on the show, specifically in the area of its training methods used to achieve the dramatic results seen week after week. I was surprised to read that the bulk of the opinions were negative, which left me to wonder if there was something there or just sour grapes because those interviewed weren't featured in Subway ads and plastered all over Wii games themselves. I have watched the show, and I have the tendency to side with one of the few positive comment in the article (featured in IDEA's Fitness Journal 09/09). Jay Dawes, MS, director of education for the National Strength and Conditioning Association is quoted as saying "There is an art and science to training, and we all practice our art in different manners. Before one can fully evaluate the safety and effectiveness of any training program, you have to see the entire picture and not just a snapshot. The trainers on this show have far greater insight into the current health status, abilities and skills of the contestants than the public. Thus, they use some techniques that would otherwise be considered aggressive in certain populations." I agree completely.

But what does this mean to the average individual who is not a fitness professional? Workouts are not cookie-cutter. Just because you see someone do something on TV or in the gym does not mean it is appropriate for you. And that even goes for exercises we might recommend in this blog. You must find the style and intensity of exercise that suits your own personal goals, as well as personal limitations. Just because your buddy that's 10 years younger or 20 pounds lighter says it's great for them doesn't mean it's great for you. Always consult your own trusted doctor as well as a trusted fitness professional before you embark on your fitness journey. Otherwise, it might be a short one...

Jeremy Park

Also, become a fan of pillarPERFORMANCE on Facebook to join in on a discussion about this topic. (http://www.facebook.com/pages/Encinitas-CA/pillarPERFORMANCE/151809264916)

Cardio workout of the week:
Use the RPE scale (Rate of Perceived Exertion: 1 being minimal effort, 10 being maximal effort)

Choose your cardio style of choice, and then do the following:
3 minute warm-up RPE 4-5
10 circuits of the following:
2 minutes at RPE 7-8
2 minutes at RPE 5-6
3 minutes cool-down RPE 3-4
Total time: 46 minutes

Post your comments to the question "Do you think "The Biggest Loser" is good for the fitness industry, or bad? Also, post any comments to the above cardio workout.

Enjoy!