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Want to lose a few pounds? Why not make it interesting by gathering up some friends and making a fun contest out of it? Just read this guide to learn how to start a Biggest Loser competition.
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Introduction
- The Biggest Loser is one of the most intensely beloved reality shows on television today. Chronicling the extreme weight loss experiences of its severely obese contestants, the show highlights the ups and downs of dieting and exercise, and demonstrates that determination and willpower can help even the heaviest people shed pounds. If you have been inspired by The Biggest Loser, you may want to think about starting a competition of your own. Here is a guide to help you get started.
Step 1: Recruit
- The first step is to find people to join your competition. Friends and family members are a good place to start. You can also ask around your workplace to see if any of your colleagues might be interested. If you can't find enough motivated people in your own circle, you may want to enlist the help of the Internet. You will need to find people local to your home town, so that they will be able to participate in weigh-ins.
- Remember in your recruiting that weight loss is a touchy subject for many people. You do not want to insult anyone by insinuating that they are fat. If you already know that an individual is interested in dropping some pounds, it is probably safe to approach them with your idea. If not, it is wise to make a broad, general announcement to a group rather than to single anyone out and suggest that they go on a diet with you.
Step 2: Choose a Plan
- You may choose to either let the players pick their own diets, or to find a plan for the whole group to follow. Remember to honor individuals' diet restrictions, such as vegetarianism or kosher habits. Some popular diet plans are:
- The South Beach Diet
- Weight Watchers
- NutriSystem
- The Mediterranean Diet
- A low glycemic diet
- A whole foods diet
- Remember to include an exercise regimen in your plan. Choose a practical routine that includes working out several times a week. A combination of aerobics and strength training is optimal.
Step 3: Set Rules
- What do you want the winner to get? If you are setting a cash prize, determine how much money everyone will put into the pot at the beginning of the competition. Then outline the basic rules. You may choose to ban diet pills, or enforce specific exercise sessions. You may want to hold special contests, and give the winners a lead of a pound or two for the week. Will you eliminate players weekly, as they do on the show? Plan how long you want the competition to run, and set your final weigh-in date.
Step 4: Keep Score
- You will need to keep careful score in order to fairly judge the competition. Schedule weekly weigh-ins at a designated player's home, and weigh all competitors in front of the group. It is a good idea to keep the same weigh-in day and time every week throughout the competition, so that people can plan their schedules accordingly. Everyone should also be encouraged to keep track of all scores, so that there is no room for cheating.
Conclusion
- Starting your own Biggest Loser challenge can be a fun way to lose some weight and encourage your friends to do the same. Just remember to take time to set the rules in the beginning, and judge everyone fairly and consistently. Try not to take the competition too seriously -- you are all friends, and should be there to support each other above all else.
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