Maybe I'm just a skeptic....

[Tri Girl]

When I first became active about 8 years ago, if I thought I had to start out at that level, I never would have taken that first step into the gym- and I wasn't nearly as heavy or out of shape as they appear to be.
I wonder if the show encourages people to get moving, or intimidates them?

Have you ever watched the AMC show Heavy? I've seen previews, but have never watched it. It seems like it does a better job of being realistic about life changes, not just short-term huge weight loss (but I don't know- I've never actually seen it).

[indysteel]

When I first became active about 8 years ago, if I thought I had to start out at that level, I never would have taken that first step into the gym- and I wasn't nearly as heavy or out of shape as they appear to be.
I wonder if the show encourages people to get moving, or intimidates them?

Have you ever watched the AMC show Heavy? I've seen previews, but have never watched it. It seems like it does a better job of being realistic about life changes, not just short-term huge weight loss (but I don't know- I've never actually seen it).

I've watched several episodes of Heavy. I like it far better than TBL. It follows two people per episode, and you really get some insight into their lives. They spend the first month of their journey at a facilty where they work with personal trainers, dieticians and therapists. The workouts look hard, but they do seem to more geared to their size and conditions. After that month, they are sent home, where they continue to work with a trainer. If they struggle at home (and many do), they return to the facility. At the end of six months, they graduate witha final weigh in. There have been some extraordinary results. The show really focuses more on the emotional aspects of their journey. What led them to be obese in the first place, what issues they need to confront to recover, and what changes need to be made in their family dynamic to be successful. Many of them have obsese partners, children and extended families. I think the show tries not to be as exploitave as TBL, but it IS still reality tv.

[emily_in_nc]

I've watched several episodes of Heavy. I like it far better than TBL. It follows two people per episode, and you really get some insight into their lives. They spend the first month of their journey at a facilty where they work with personal trainers, dieticians and therapists. The workouts look hard, but they do seem to more geared to their size and conditions. After that month, they are sent home, where they continue to work with a trainer. If they struggle at home (and many do), they return to the facility. At the end of six months, they graduate witha final weigh in. There have been some extraordinary results. The show really focuses more on the emotional aspects of their journey. What led them to be obese in the first place, what issues they need to confront to recover, and what changes need to be made in their family dynamic to be successful. Many of them have obsese partners, children and extended families. I think the show tries not to be as exploitave as TBL, but it IS still reality tv.

+1 -- I think "Heavy" is far more realistic, thoughtful, and "deep" than TBL. Instead of it being all about competition and a "game", it seems to be about people making real changes in their lives, in more than just diet and exercise. It's well done and often very touching and/or heart-wrenching.

Monday nights at 10pm (EST) on A&E, for any who are interested.

[indysteel]

+1 -- I think "Heavy" is far more realistic, thoughtful, and "deep" than TBL. Instead of it being all about competition and a "game", it seems to be about people making real changes in their lives, in more than just diet and exercise. It's well done and often very touching and/or heart-wrenching.

Monday nights at 10pm (EST) on A&E, for any who are interested.

The last one I saw really got me. The woman who shaved her head was just so brave in my book. I loved her. I cheered for her when she finally realized that she was worth putting first for a change. I hope she's still doing well; she looked fantastic.

[emily_in_nc]

The last one I saw really got me. The woman who shaved her head was just so brave in my book. I loved her. I cheered for her when she finally realized that she was worth putting first for a change. I hope she's still doing well; she looked fantastic.

She was awesome! She brought tears to my eyes. That's what I like about this show. It's not strategy and alliances, as TBL can be at times, it's stories of human beings trying to improve themselves in a variety of ways, along with their bodies. Even though I am very fortunate that I am not overweight, I still find this show inspiring, as we all have areas of our lives that need work.

[TsPoet]

haven't seen the show - but are you sure it isn't 12 min miles? = 5 mph? That's my trot on a treadmill speed. that is also the units my treadmill reads.

[zoom-zoom]

haven't seen the show - but are you sure it isn't 12 min miles? = 5 mph? That's my trot on a treadmill speed. that is also the units my treadmill reads.

This is what I suspect, as well. BIG dif. between 12 min/mi. and 12mph. When I first started running my miles were 12-13 min/mile...and I wasn't more than 15#s overweight. This seems a WAY more likely scenario.