Could you be the next big loser?

If you’re into reality TV, it’s unlikely you’ve missed The Biggest Loser, a TV show that has become a hit in both the US and the UK. It follows contestants determined to turn their lives around by losing a dramatic amount of weight. The winner, who lost the most, wins a cash prize at the end of the series, but the moral of the story with this show is that all the contestants are winners as they have improved their health, appearance, and lifestyle.

There are thousands of applications to appear on The Biggest Loser, but viewers don’t have to look with envy at the contestants’ accomplishments and wish they were on the show. Don’t watch the show from the comfort of your couch, with a calorie-laden plate of fish and chips in front of you. Instead, why not be inspired by the changes you see that can happen? There are no magic pills that the contestants take, they just exercise hard and eat healthy to change their lives, and you can do the same.

Joining a gym is an important first step when deciding to follow in the footsteps of those featured in the Biggest Loser program. Their continued dedication to exercise is evident, and you can get some of the expert advice they receive by joining a gym and talking to the advisors there. They can tailor a plan to their goals, and many gyms have optional weekly weigh-in sessions that will provide further motivation to work hard.

To really emulate The Biggest Loser program, weigh yourself at the same time each week and gather a group of friends with similar weight loss goals to add the competitive yet supportive element. Another reason to get your friends involved is that it can help you get a discount on your gym membership. By teaming up with a friend and getting a joint membership, or by referring friends, you can save a lot of money and help your friends get fit at the same time.

Look online for healthy eating plans that you can follow, as the food element of this challenge is just as important as the exercise component. Start a daily system of what you’re eating and what exercise you’re doing to keep track of how many calories you’re burning and how quickly you can expect to reach your goals.

Keep in mind that The Biggest Loser participates in the program full-time, and you’ll have to fit your gym visits around work and home life, so don’t expect results as quick as the program. However, there is no reason why you can’t have the same success over a longer period of time, so be realistic and decide your time frame before you start.

At the end of the series on The Biggest Loser, the contestants are rewarded with a makeover and new clothes to show off their fantastic new bodies. This is another element of the show that you may want to recreate in your own fitness plan. Having a reward for when you reach your goal can help keep you motivated and give you more reasons to work hard. A shopping spree when you reach your goal weight will not only give you an extra boost, it will provide you with much-needed new clothes when your old ones are falling off due to your fantastic weight loss.