Subscribe
Previous Post
Way back in 2011, we wished that some of TV’s unhealthiest shows, like NBC’s The Biggest Loser, which places much more emphasis on extreme weight loss and dieting, would disappear in the New Year. We didn’t get our wish, and now, The Biggest Loser returned last night for a 13th season of yelling and sweating and the occasional bouts of vomiting. But there’s something missing this season–a female personal trainer for the contestants to choose from. Really, NBC? Way to set your female participants up for success by offering someone they feel comfortable with.
Last spring, it was announced that uber-motivator Jillian Michaels was leaving the show, because she was having a baby. NBC decided to take the opportunity to replace her with tennis star Anna Kournikova, and make some tweaks to the show, like moving toward goals that were more motivated by fitness than by weight. Of course, that part didn’t really last long–dramatic weight loss fetches better ratings–and neither did Anna. Instead, we saw last night, there are two male trainers: the beloved Bob Harper, and returning hearthrob Dolvett Quince. Which means, for the first time since the show debuted, contestants don’t have the choice of a female.
Not featuring a female trainer isn’t just disappointing from a feminist perspective–though it is, because it sort of underscores the message that only men can be motivational and inspirational for people trying to lose weight–it’s also upsetting for the participants in the show, who are given the choice in the first episode to pick a trainer that they think will help them meet their goals.
Picking a personal trainer who will work is a huge step toward success, and to be honest, a lot of women just feel more comfortable and more motivated by another woman. Forcing all of the women on the show–and by the way, there are more female contestants than men–to work out with a man might make some of them uncomfortable, which could hinder their success. But in a season with the theme of “No Excuses”, it’s unlikely their complaints will be given much (pardon the pun) weigh.
While there hasn’t been a lot of research on the topic, there have been a few studies which indicate that, overall, women prefer training with another woman. One very small one that was published in The Sport Journal showed that 4 out of 5 women preferred to work with a female, because they felt more comfortable, and felt that another woman would be more understanding. Additionally, though not as scientific, there have been numerous articles by trainers–both male and female–citing their experience with clients who have excelled with a female trainer.
And what about women watching at home? Doesn’t a female personal trainer on the show motivate audience members by offering a role model? I can’t speak for other women, but Jillian and even Anna felt more encouraging–like what they were doing was attainable. If those women could do it, so could anyone. Watching Bob and Dolvette, I don’t feel the same way. If anything, they appear to be on the show together because they’re attractive–which isn’t exactly the point of the show, nor does it demonstrate very much respect for the profession.
We’ll see how the rest of the season shakes out, but it’s definitely started out on a sour, sexist note. So far, it’s been a lot of host Allison Sweeney (who has an inspirational weight loss story of her own, but has been relegated to the realm of gatekeeper, rather than motivator) wandering around in a trendy shirtdress and delivering bad news, while Dolvette and Bob yell and the contestants look sad. But I suppose that if it gets even one viewer to make a change toward a healthier life, it can’t be that bad? I just wish it was doing a better job of reaching its female audience.
Images: NBC
I do not agree with your take on the show and I hate when a choice that is made has to be about one thing/person verses another (here man vs. woman). TV shows have to continue to change and adjust to feedback and what is happening in the world of the viewers. If I remember correctly, viewers were falling off each season so changes were needed and I think Jillian deciding to leave made them look at drastic changes.
If Jillian had stayed on, obviously there would be no discussion, but let’s look at what happened. Jillian said she was out and the creators felt that they needed another woman so they put in Anna. Immediately I didn’t like that because I am of the mindset that just because she is an athlete doesn’t make her a good fit to train people, let alone Biggest Loser contestants. I immediately liked Dolvett because he is an actual trainer and has helped others lose weight. I did research on both of them after it was announced they were the new trainers.
Now go to the first show. I can see where you’re coming from in that women can feel more comfortable with women but who did everyone want….Bob. Who did they pick next? Dolvett. Looking at the season and how Anna and Dolvett trained, I was hoping they’d drop Anna and keep Dolvett so when the new season was announced with this change I was thrilled. Now I’m not saying Anna isn’t a good person and a great athlete, I just don’t think she’s a trainer.
I believe that change is hard for all of us, but in the end what matters is who has the skills to train and help these people be successful in weight loss for the rest of their lives, not have a man and a woman trainer.
I really disliked Anna but was surprised to find out she’s been a certified personal trainer for a while. I don’t think she was unqualified to be a trainer, but perhaps her demographic is those already skinny and just trying to look good in a swimsuit. She wasn’t relatable.
I respectfully disagree with most of the content of this article. For one thing, The Biggest Loser has changed hundreds (if not thousands) of lives. As someone who has struggled with weight my whole life, I am – without fail – ALWAYS inspired and moved every time I watch the show. I’m not a particularly emotional person, but somehow I find myself sobbing at some point in every episode. To me, it’s not about how fast people lose the weight, nor the challenges and prizes; it’s the message that no matter how hopeless you may feel, no matter if your 300, 400, or even 500 pounds, you can turn your life around and get healthy and not feel worthless, sad, isolated or any of the other feelings that can come with being obese.
As far as the gender of the trainers? Sure – as a woman, it would be nice to have a female trainer. But being on the Biggest Loser is such an incredible opportunity that if I got selected to be on there, I wouldn’t care if my trainer was a mute street performer in a monkey suit. This is EXACTLY why they’re calling this the season of “No excuses”. Your job isn’t to like your trainer – your job is work your butt off, leave your hang-ups at the door and make the most of an amazing opportunity.
As for the rapid weight loss, I think most people who watch the show understand that it’s because the contestants work out several hours a day, and that most people trying to lose weight in everyday life will need to be more patient in dropping the pounds unless their schedule allows them to work out 6 hours a day. Besides, it’s not like the contestants are being given diet pills or starved into weight loss. They are given proper nutrtition, hydration, exercise plans and sleep. Essentially, they are doing the same thing one would do at home to lose the weight, only at a more intense level.
All the best to those of you who are struggling with your weight, and much respect to the BL contestants who are brave enough to fight this battle on national tv.