You know you watch it, and you know you love it.
NBC’s the Biggest Loser is the kind of show that can not only suck you in for a hour, they can keep you watching for two. We love the drama of seeing people on the brink of death-by-burgers brought back to life before our very eyes over a season of grueling workouts that people in size 4’s won’t attempt.
We love the emotional breakthroughs. If you’ve watched this season, you’ve seen one of the contestants deal with deeply rooted emotional trauma from her past and her family life. She’s shed the weight she’s been carrying on her shoulders and the weight around her waist at the same time…. and she’s put up big numbers.
Bob and Jillian are the poster-children for personal training. You watch and wonder which style you’d prefer… the hard-nosed, get-in-your-face, break-you-without-thinking-twice style of Jillian, or the Hallmark-like encouragement, hugs, blood, sweat, and tears style of Bob.
I watch the personal, emotional, and physical health of these participants change over their experience and it makes me think of the World Race.
True story, some racers lose weight. Also true story, some racers absolutely don’t lose weight.
But weight-loss isn’t the connecting point for these two entities. It’s the fact that true transformation comes from brokenness and an understanding of the deeper issues and bigger picture that ultimately got you into habits you didn’t want, and living a lifestyle opposite of what you (or God for that matter) desire for your life.
There’s a whisper of something more… a better life…. something different.
There’s no Bob or Jillian on the World Race. We don’t have somebody yelling at participants to break and cry for the orphans. Our personal trainer is called Africa. Some find their breakthrough through the style of brokenness brought through life and ministry in Africa, and some prefer the style of Asia, Europe, or Central America.
Around the World Race we always talk about how you can’t change the world until you’re changed yourself. I see that in the show because they know these people aren’t going to fully embrace a healthy lifestyle until they deal with the issues that made them eat… and eat… and eat in the first place. But in both cases, you know the end result won’t stick if the deeper
things aren’t uncovered and dealt with, and if you don’t keep going even
when you get to the end of yourself.
Tonight is the finale of this season’s show, and they’ll name the Biggest Loser. They’re about to finish their race. The true test is going back to normal and continuing to live a lifestyle that reflects all they’ve been experiencing on the weight-loss ranch. It’s just like the transition WR’ers have to make when they return home as alumni.
This is where my part of the big picture kicks in. As the alumni coordinator, it’s my job to keep all of our “big losers” eating healthy, working out, and paying it forward to others who need the same transformational experience in their lives. I love it, and it’s tough.
Since I’m talking about it, and you’re reading about it… why don’t you just say a prayer for all the WR Alumni right now? If you know one, maybe send them a note of encouragement. If you are one, maybe reflect on your personal journey and evaluate if you’re gaining back any of that excess weight you worked hard to lose on the race?
So yeah, I’m excited to watch tonight. If you’re a fan of the World Race, perhaps you should start tuning into the Biggest Loser. If you’re a fan of the Biggest Loser, maybe take a peak at the World Race. If you’re already a fan of both… leave a comment and tell me how you see any similarities, differences, or just put a note about whatever…
