I watched a show tonight that highlighted a young girl (in her late teens, early 20s) who spent several months sequestered over the summer between high school and college with a personal trainer to lose weight. In the footsteps of her parents, she had been overweight all of her life, had horrible eating habits and did not exercise at all. Through grueling workouts, the trainer pushed her to the point of pain and crying with a goal of running a 10 minute mile (running at 6 mph for a mile). She does lose weight, accomplishes a 10 minute mile, and feels good about her accomplishments – but I question the judgment of the premise. Goals are great and very necessary – but crying during workouts and unrealistic (possibly dangerous) challenges do not make sense. Successful, lifetime weight management does not take torturous workouts and running foot races. Successful, lifetime weight management takes thought, consistent behavior modification, planning, visualization, determination and brains. Running competitions definitely have their place, but should not be the focus of initial weight loss or successful, lifetime weight management. Personal trainers and chef prepared meals are great for those who can afford – but even Oprah has shown the world that LOTS OF MONEY does not make a lasting, lifetime impact on weight management.
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