A local take on the TV's "Biggest Loser" contest won't include any yelling or crying, which pops out a lot on reality show, but there won't be any shortage of intensity, one of the contest's trainers said.
"We're not in the business of acting like drill instructors from the Marine Corps and breaking people down, but we are going to use positive reinforcements to really get these people motivated," said Brian Brewer, a local personal trainer. "We want them to want to be here and to not dread the workouts."
Chattanooga area personal trainers Kristen and Kevin Harvey are organizing a free 10-week weight-loss competition for Chattanooga area residents, starting Oct. 4.
The Chattanooga's Biggest Loser Contest will select 12 contestants based on video submissions that are due Thursday, said Dr. Kristen Harvey, who runs Ignite Fitness in Chattanooga with her husband. The Harveys and two other personal trainers will lead the contestants in workouts and serve as the contest's judging panel, she said.
The video selection won't be primarily based on weight, she said.
"It's really about their story, how committed they are. We want to get people who are really serious about getting results, that really need this contest," she said.
The 12 contestants will receive personal training and group training sessions, as well as health screenings and a personalized nutrition program.
Those who aren't chosen to participate as one of the 12 contestants can still take part in free weekly workouts and register for an online contest at chattanoogabiggestloser.com, where they can track their progress.
Contestants will weigh in weekly, and each week the two contestants who have lost the lowest proportion of their body weight will be up for elimination, Dr. Harvey said.
At an opening orientation event on Oct. 4, local plastic surgeon Dr. Mark Brzezienski will give a presentation on plastic surgery options for those who have lost a significant amount of weight and are dealing with loose skin or other concerns that can't be addressed through exercise.
With Halloween and Thanksgiving coming up, now is a good time to get motivated to make healthy lifestyle changes, Mr. Brewer said.
"We're coming up on two tough times of year where people really just blow it. This is a way of them saying, 'Hey, maybe this year will be different,'" he said.
UPCOMING COVERAGE
Today
* BlueCross BlueShield's work environment is specially designed for those who want to be physically fit. Business.
Coming Thursday
* A local woman who has shed more than 100 pounds shares how she did it. News.
Coming Friday
What do football players eat before a game? Sports.
ONLINE
Follow the progress of Chattanooga's Biggest Loser contestants at timesfreepress.com starting Oct. 4
TO COMPETE
To register as a Chattanooga's Biggest Loser contestant, visit chattanoogabiggestloser.com or call 423-718-8758.
Health care reporter Emily Bregel has worked at the Chattanooga Times Free Press since July 2006. She previously covered banking and wrote for the Life section. Emily, a native of Baltimore, Md., earned a bachelor’s degree in American Studies from Columbia University. She received a first-place award for feature writing from the East Tennessee Society of Professional Journalists’ Golden Press Card Contest for a 2009 article about a boy with a congenital heart defect. She ...
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