Becoming the Biggest Loser

Written by Jon Williams

Last week Kyle wrote about junk food and eating choices and told you about some related titles your patrons might find interesting or helpful. With obesity rates at an all-time high, there’s no doubt that health is in the public consciousness like never before. However, diet is only one part of that equation; the other is exercise.

NBC has turned exercise for weight loss into a form of entertainment with its hit reality series The Biggest Loser. Currently in its fourteenth season, this competition features contestants spending several weeks exercising and undergoing a series of physical challenges as they vie for the $250,000 cash prize. They have the opportunity to work out and learn about healthy living under the watchful eyes of celebrity trainers like Bob Harper and Jillian Michaels. My wife is a fitness professional, so this is appointment TV for us each week. If you’ve never seen it, it’s a compelling show; the contestants must deal not only with the physical struggles of losing weight and getting in shape, but also the emotional obstacles that led them to becoming overweight in the first place. With the season finale on March 18, the five remaining competitors have already undergone incredible transformations. Who will take home the prize?

Each trainer on The Biggest Loser brings a distinct approach and personality to the competition, and sometimes it takes a while before one of them (or a combination) can figure out exactly how to get through to someone. Sometimes they can’t get through at all, and those are usually the contestants that go home early. Likewise, not all trainers, and thus all fitness videos, are right for all viewers. Here are some options your patrons may be interested in checking out.

Dancing with the Stars: Another reality series has spawned a series of fitness DVDs. Dance is a popular fitness option because it allows the participant to have fun and forget that they’re exercising. Zumba is another dance fitness craze, similar to belly dance, that is hot right now, as are ballet workouts.

10-Minute Solution: For patrons who are pressed for time—and who isn’t these days?—these videos are a great option. Each DVD contains a selection of complete workouts that can be done in just ten minutes, or combined on days that allow a little extra time.

Sit and Be Fit: For senior citizens and others with physical limitations, finding an exercise routine can be extremely difficult. Here is the answer. With these DVDs, viewers can learn how to exercise even while seated, limiting impact and pressure on joints.

Yoga is another popular fitness routine that can be gentle, with many options for modifications as participants become more advanced. Well-known fitness expert Denise Austin offers one well-rounded program suitable for beginners, while celebrity yogi Mandy Ingber encourages viewers to advance in their practice.

It’s never too early to get started with healthy habits, and with that in mind, there are even workout videos designed for children. Denise Austin offers a yoga video designed with kids in mind, and the Kideosyncrasy series combines music and movement to teach kids that exercise can be fun.

These are just a few of the fitness options Midwest Tape has available for you and your patrons; there are literally thousands more. SmartBrowse ‘fitness’ on our website for a complete list of what we have to offer.