Season 12 of “The Biggest Loser” premiered on Tuesday, September 20, 2011 and introduced a few changes, most notably the absence of Jillian Michaels. Probably one of the toughest trainers in the world, she left the show last season in search of new opportunities. At last season’s finale, viewers learned that tennis player Anna Kournikova would replace her. Anna and “Biggest Loser” veteran trainer Bob Harper were joined by Dolvett Quince, an IFFA- and ISSA-certified personal trainer and owner of Body Sculptor, Inc.
The season opener started with the 15 new contestants being dropped in the middle of the desert, all wearing shirts displaying their ages. Suddenly, Allison pulled up in military vehicle and told the contestants to line up according to their ages. The three trainers joined them in the desert, riding in military helicopters.
Three are many compelling stories among the new batch. Bonnie from Mississippi survived Hurricane Katrina and lost her husband to cancer. Antone, a former NFL football player as a lineman for the Philadelphia Eagles, wanted to lose the weight for his children. He also said he could no longer run and was moved by the death of other football players at young ages. You can read other contestants stories on “The Biggest Loser” website.
The first challenge consisted of picking team trainers. All team members have to make it a mile down the desert holding a pole to the trainer of their choice. Most people wanted Bob. The Middle Team made it across the finish line first, getting Bob. The Young Team picked Dolvett, which left the Anna with the Older Team. Anna ran to meet her team to make sure they crossed the finish line. At the end of the show, all players, even if they’ve been eliminated, will return to the desert and run a marathon. The winner of the marathon becomes an automatic finalist.
The trainers asserted their authority over the contestants’ bodies when their arrived for their first workout on the ranch. The gym featured pictures of “Biggest Loser” success stories. Dolvett went into trainer mode, sounding like a drill sergeant as his team walked on the treadmill. Bob singled Antone out, working him harder because he was a former athlete. Anna sounded sweet, but she made her older team work. One of Anna’s team members, Johnny, actually walked out but came back when he thought of his family.
Becky learned that her dad, who suffered from congestive heart failure, died after 3 o’clock in the morning. She worked out in the gym before leaving and spending a few days with her family. Becky returned because she wants to avoid the serious health problems that plagued her father.
The contestants did a lot of moaning and groaning during their last-chance workout. Dolvett focused on Patrick, the team member who wears his lack of confidence on his face and his body. Becky returned just in time for her punishment before the first weigh-in. Anna and most of her team were in tears because she came back to the ranch. I have to say that Becky does not look 50 years old. She should glow inside and outside when she gets healthy.
The Older Team had the lowest percentage of weight loss. While some may attribute the low numbers to their ages, I thought there was more to it. The older contestants actually had lower starting weights than the younger contestants. In the negotiation room, Debbie voiced her annoyance with Bonnie’s constant waterworks, erupting in a mini argument.
The elimination was between Bonnie and Debbie; both lost the least weight this week. Debbie went home. The truth is, she complained a lot during the workouts. As of the show’s taping, she weighed 215 lbs., even working out with her children and grandchildren.
Overall, I was satisfied with the season premiere of “The Biggest Loser.” I thought Anna should have been a little tougher on her team. I’m glad the show added a trainer like Dolvett, someone with a lot more professional experience who could match Bob. I hope Anna reevaluates her training technique in the coming weeks.
Team Rankings
Middle Team (Bob)
Jennifer (39) 330 lbs. 311 lbs. 19 lbs.
John (40) 445 lbs. 408 lbs. 37 lbs.
Sunny (41) 277 lbs. 261 lbs. 16 lbs.
Antone (44) 447 lbs. 415 lbs. 32 lbs.
Joe (46) 348 lbs. 326 lbs. 22 lbs.
Total weight loss: 126 lbs. 6.82 percent
Young Team (Dolvett)
Courtney (24) 270 lbs. 254 lbs. 16 lbs.
Patrick (25) 387 lbs. 367 lbs. 20 lbs.
Jessica (26) 254 lbs. 239 lbs. 15 lbs.
Ramon (27) 355 lbs. 338 lbs. 17 lbs.
Vinny (27) 426 lbs. 405 lbs. 21 lbs.
Total weight loss: 89 lbs. 5.26 percent
Older Team (Anna)
Becky (50) 238 lbs. 228 lbs. 10 lbs.
Debbie (60) 239 lbs. 233 lbs. 6 lbs.
Mike (61) 309 lbs. 297 lbs. 12 lbs.
Bonnie (63) 254 lbs. 250 lbs. 4 lbs.
Johnny (65) 328 lbs. 311 lbs. 17 lbs.
Total weight loss: 49 lbs. 3.58 percent
Source:
http://www.nbc.com/the-biggest-loser/