Lisa Johnson has written a commentary about the new additions/changes to the “Biggest Loser” reality show. In case you aren’t familiar with Lisa Johnson, here’s a snippet about her from her blog– and website.
Lisa Johnson is highly regarded in the American fitness industry. She runs an award-winning Pilates studio and has quickly established herself as a writer of integrity on all things fitness. As a trainer who is “in the trenches” working daily with people, Lisa brings a unique perspective to her fitness writing. She is not only an active fitness professional but also knows how to translate even the most complex movement to the average Jane.
Lisa Johnson in other words is a serious fitness trainer and Pilates instructor and I read her column in Pilates Style magazine avidly. (pilates junkie that I am– I can’t help myself). She’s got plenty of ‘street cred” and her most recent blog talks about TV show “Biggest Loser“, changing up the formula– with some good things and probably one of the biggest mistakes this show could make- loss of credibility.
I am running parts of Lisa’s post here and suggest that you read it in its’ entirety on her blog
The rumor has been going around that it’s Brett and my anonymous tipster confirmed that was true. He’s a martial artist and a personal trainer who has trained some Victoria’s Secret models. His bio states that he is an award-winning group fitness instructor and nationally recognized personal trainer with certifications in Personal Training, Nutrition and Lifestyle Coaching, Metabolic Typing™ Nutrition, C.H.E.K. Holistic Exercise Kinesiology, Hatha Yoga, and Prenatal/Postpartum conditioning.
That’s not too bad of a list. I’ll be checking on it further … it doesn’t list specifically what his personal trainer certifications are, so I’d like to find out more about that.
It appears, however, she has zippo for certifications. I can’t find one single reference to a fitness certification anywhere. I also couldn’t find a reference to her being a personal trainer anywhere. I don’t know if she’s ever had clients in real life.
If you listen to the voice of the new female trainer on the promo for season 11 as well as Cara’s acting promo tape, it sure sounds and looks like the same person to me. Ditto for Brett; I listened to a TV interview and compared it to the “BL” promo. Their body types, bios, and voices all match. I think I’ve got it right this time. By the way, I thought Brett’s cueing was good; he had good pacing, used breathwork well, and corrected form. All good signs.
I think Lisa Johnson is spot-on in determining who are the two new additions. I listened and watched the trailer (shown below) several times and I am certain Lisa has it nailed!! Here’s why this blog is here and why it’s relevant–from Lisa Johnson’s perspective:
How do you feel about Cara, who potentially doesn’t have ANY certifications to speak of working with a morbidly obese population?
Jillian Michaels and Bob Harper are the main trainers. Allison Sweeney is host of this show. Now Cara Castronova and Brett Hoebel are part of a competition between Jillian and Bob by splitting the “Loser recruits” into two teams: one for Bob and Jillian and the other for Cara and Brett.
Here’s a bit from the series teaser about what’s happening with the show
I would be very concerned that the producers of the show would choose someone for her boxing skill without having her provide training certification. She could be the world’s greatest female boxer but that doesn’t mean she’s qualified to teach others to box, and more specifically as Lisa suggested, to deal with the morbidly obese. If you don’t have the education and certifications, someone could be given the wrong information and could result in serious injury– or worse.
As an avid fitness person who spent over a year in the late ’90’s reviewing over 150 exercise videos and interviewing a slew of top fitness pros with tons of certifications (and most had IDEA awards), I never claim to be a fitness pro. While I have tried most fitness trends — some I mastered, some I didn’t; I have a substantial fitness regimen that gets tweaked pretty regularly. I know a ton of physical therapists and talk to them about workouts and the suitability for my body and it’s limitations as well as fitness pros. There is no “one size fits all” workout. As a consumer, it’s my due diligence to check that out but those who are newbies in getting fit, had injuries (count me among them), and could be very obese, need special care and instruction. You don’t toss them into the ring with a boxing pro and expect them to compete- because it’s not a competition. It’s a learning experience.
I suggest that you read Lisa Johnson’s blog post about Biggest Loser and maybe think about what’s going on with this show?
Looking for a good fitness resource in the blogosphere or the web? Lisa Johnson is a good person to start with and I would highly recommend making her blog part of your online reading list. I certainly will be
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Stevie Wilson, LA-Story.com
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I tried to post my comment on Lisa Johnson’s blog. However, only after I wrote to her about a posting in which someone commented most inappropriately did she actually respect my views and post my one comment. I am not so sure I would rate anything she says. Just my opinion.