Defending the Biggest Loser Approach

There has been a lot of flack across the social media with the latest season of The Biggest Loser-Australia.

Tweets and posts on Facebook about torturing kids for ratings. People saying that the contestants must sign a clause to be dehumanised on TV. Comments about The Biggest Loser becoming a freak show when they bring out the bigger contestants, and that watching fat people on TV is not entertaining. I'm sure with every season comes a new barrage of haters.

The Biggest Loser is currently being show by Channel Ten in Australia, and you should check this preview out here if you are not sure what I am talking about.

I am standing up for their approach,

While watching this season, as well as previous ones, I have seen the trainers push the contestants to reach their potential. They are not degrading the contestants and name-calling. They are truthful in what it takes to get results. They are truthful and honest about how the contestants came to be in their current situation. They know all of the excuses and whinges to slow down or give up, and hear it all of the time. They are not there to pretend, or give these people a break; that is not their job. They are not there to make friends. 

They are there to share their expertise, get results and be professional in their role as a trainer.

These contestants put their hand up for the show because they knew they needed help.

The selectors chose these particular contestants because they were prime candidates to improve their lives.

Just as putting on weight does not happen overnight, the process of losing yourself, your self-worth and confidence is a gradual process.

The facade that a person will put up to say they are happy with life or that they accept that this is the way life is for them, is never their ideal situation or their lifetime dream.

The family and friends of these people may tell them from time to time that they need to get off their bum, that they need to eat better or look after themselves, but mostly, they bite their tongue, or the arguments turn into disapproving looks over time. 

When people approach a personal trainer or go to the extreme of applying for a national TV weight loss show, they are asking for help. 

They need help with their eating schedule and choices. 

They need help with food portions and selection.

They need help keeping motivated. 

They need help with their mindset, confidence and self-worth. 

They need help with exercise routines, techniques and equipment use.

They need help to see that their decisions and the way they choose to live affects a wide range of people.

They need help seeing the truth behind the consequences of poor eating habits, loss self esteem and inactivity. 

They need to know there are options.

They need to know they are capable, to do more than they think, to achieve their dreams.

They need to be told what to do, a push to keep going, and the encouraging words.

They need goals to aim for and rewards.

Many are asking for help in one of these areas; but many need help in all of these areas.

2013 The Biggest Loser, Australia Trainers Shannon, Michelle and The Commando

If the task was easy, there would be no contestants, no trainers, and certainly no show.

This year, there is the added challenge of dealing with family issues between the contestants being the child and their parent.

The fact is, obesity is an epidemic. Obesity causes multitudes of health problems. Obesity has detrimental effects on the person and those around them.

There is no doubt that the creators of The Biggest Loser are making money and getting ratings over this show. Whether that is the driving factor behind the show, or why it has survived many seasons; I really, truly don't care.

I do care that this program gives opportunity to people who need it, whether it be the contestants who appear on the screen, or whether it is the people at home who are being inspired by the efforts, motivated by the words, and grossed out by the hard truths.

Bullying: Our Community Makes A Stand in 2012

Bullying in any form, is unacceptable. My community has made a stand against bullying, and I couldn't be more proud.

Bullying may be defined as the activity of repeated, aggressive behaviour intended to hurt another person, physically or mentally. Bullying is characterised by an individual behaving in a certain way to gain power over another person. Many people will be a victim of it at one time or another throughout their lives, and at varying levels.

My personal experiences with bullying at school were horrible at the time. I would like to think that it made me a stronger, more resilient person. Thankfully, neither the bullying nor the resulting effect were as extreme as many. As a parent, I would hope that my children do not have to deal with bullying. I know, that if they were the instigators of the bullying, I would be deeply horrified.

Rally for Respect was held for the first time in October 2012, and will hopefully be a regular event.

The Rally started as an idea of some local High School students, and turned into an impressive event of over 1000 people involving 10 local schools, the students, teachers, and members of the community. Premier Lara Giddings marched amongst the people, along with some other State and local leaders.

The huge assembly of people gathered at Arthurs' Square where they heard the heart-wrenching story from Chloe Cunningham, of her experience with bullying. More of Chloe's story can be seen on the website, Angel's Goal. 

Rally of Respect 2012 brought the subject of bullying out into the open. People were discussing it and telling their own personal tales. The students were hearing about bullying and the consequences everywhere. My children are only 5 and 8, but were proud to be a part of something so important to so many people, and were so excited to bring home their own Rally of Respect wrist band. The media has really taken an interest, so the photos in the paper and the coverage on TV show them that this is an important issue for everyone.

We look forward to the next Rally of Respect.

Please feel free to read more about the Rally:

ABC Hobart article
New Norfolk News blog
The Mercury article
The Examiner article
The Premier of Tamania's media release

Maybe I should lower my expectations?

As if exercise comes naturally for everyone. As if I want to venture out on a cold night. Wouldn't you think that if a group of people are going to sign up for something, they would make an effort to know what time to turn up?

Having organised our dinner earlier than usual so I could digest before going out, I dressed in my netball gear that I had put on the airer in front of the heat pump to make sure it was dry in time. I checked the time once again and made sure that my bag was by the door, money ready, and drink bottle full.

I received a message from a team player on Facebook, letting us all know that, beyond her control, she was too sick to play. These things happen. It is team policy that players let others know if they can not play. Luckily, we had recruited more players than needed for a team for the Winter Roster, knowing that people get sick, as well as having work and family commitments.

The time had come to leave, so I psyched myself up to firstly, go outside in the cold to the car, and then, drive to the Sports Centre to play an hour of Netball in a t-shirt and skirt. This is the commitment I have made. A commitment to my health and fitness, to my team-mates, and to the group of ladies that make up the Winter Roster, including the umpires, the girls scoring, and the Vice-president who opened the Centre and set-up.

Imagine not only our disappointment, but also our frustration that only 3 members of the opposing team had turned up.

To me, this is inexcusable!
Sure we all make mistakes from time to time.
It is quite easy to mix up times.
We have all been there.
But when everyone else goes out of their way to make sure that rosters are distributed, that team members are kept up to date, that Social Media is used wisely, that baby sitters are arranged for children, that time is allowed for travel, that uniforms are ready to wear .... it is hard to smile nicely and forgive a team who have done this several times now.

Am I expecting too much? Do I need to lower my expectations of people? Do you notice more and more disrespect for others lately?

Mothers Group made me the mother I am

I ummed and ahhed abut going to Mother's Group. Like many, I didn't know if it was for me. I was nervous about meeting new people and looking awkward as a new Mum. After talking about it with hubby, he suggested that I go just to suss it out. "You can always not go back if you don't like it."

I wonder now, how I would have coped if I had not gone that first day? Would I have developed the same respect for other parents without my group meetings? Would I have crumbled within the first 6 months, thinking I was the only one experiencing doubt of my abilities? Would I have gone stir-crazy in the house without a weekly outing to look forward to? Would I have found assurance from other sources that my baby was behaving age appropriately? When would I have discovered that my baby had a dislocated hip?

As we got settled at that first meeting, we all looked around, sizing each other up (I'm sure I wasn't the only one!) I wondered how I could live in this rural town all of my life, and have worked here, without knowing any of the other 7 mothers. Introductions were made, and we shared what we wanted  of our birth stories. I remember thinking "Thank God, somebody actually wants to hear the gory details and understands what I'm talking about".

The Mother's Group co-coordinator went through what we could expect from each week with the group. The agenda seemed interesting and there were a few topics I was looking forward to, and others I thought I had a little knowledge of.

The first 10 weeks of the organised program went quickly, and the opportunity to continue to meet as a group was an option. By this stage, we had bonded as a group, finding our similarities and differences, and laughed at our initial hesitations and awkwardness. A few of the Mums drifted away at the end of the scheduled meetings, but those of us that were left agreed that we really looked forward to meeting up.

Importantly, for me and my baby, we had developed strong ties with the group co-ordinator, who was also our Early Development Nurse. She had discovered and pushed the issue of the dislocated hip at the 6 month mark. Her perseverance and expertise was so appreciated.

The group continued to meet. The venue changed as well as the frequency over time. We took turns hosting the gatherings at our houses. The babies were not babies for long, and they loved this chance to socialise and check out other toys. Us Mums loved the chance to have a hot cup of coffee, and talk to other Mums experiencing the joys and battles of parenthood.

At this stage, 8 years on, there are a handful of us that keep in touch. We have watched our children and families grow in that time. We have shared some hardships and made wonderful memories together.

Mother's Group, for me really was something that shaped me as a parent. I still marvel at the idea that you can throw a group of women together who share one common factor, and you end up with a support network and an invaluable source of knowledge to help you through your journey.

Did you join a Mother's Group? What was you experience if you did? If you didn't, what were your reasons?

Scratching your back

In our household, we work with "I'll scratch your back, you scratch mine". It has worked well for us ever since hubby and I got together. We used it to renovate our home, build a family and shape our lives. We encourage it with our children to work together to get something done. It works well in the community too, so I wonder .... why some people can't see beyond themselves to support others and build their own support network?

It is common knowledge that despite being very skilled and competent, there are some things you just can't do yourself. And some things are achieved easier and faster with help. I'm sure the pioneers of every community around the world have used this system successfully, otherwise the barter system would never have been used. To share your skills, knowledge and material objects with others, who in turn can offer you something you need is invaluable. Even in this modern day, the barter system is used as much as ever to get things done, to save money and to make life easier.

It saddens me when there are people with skills that have a selfish attitude about helping others. Sure, you might have worked hard to obtain those skills, but what is the point if nobody gets benefit from that hard work? Some people need more help than others, and that's OK too. I'm a huge believer of "what comes around, goes around", in both the good and the bad sense. In the end, even if the only reward you get is seeing somebody happier, then isn't it worth it?

Just as bad as those who find it hard to give, are those who are takers. There seems to be many of these around. They are absent or conveniently too busy if someone needs a hand, but are too happy to ask for help, and many actually expect it on a regular basis. I'm sorry but this can only go on for so long before you put someones nose out of joint.

We have often been in the situation of "it's not what you know, it's who you know". We have some amazing friends and contacts that we have called on over the years to get a good deal on a product, to do a particular job at mates' rates or offer advice. We like to think that these friends will call on us in return, and many of them have.

So have a look around you. What do you have to offer? Do you have the need for some expertise in exchange for something you have to offer? Are you a giver, a taker, or doing a great job at both? Do you work on this system?

Australian's are blessed - let's keep it that way!

I make no secret of the fact that I love where we live. I think we are truly blessed.
Not that I don't admire the lifestyles and views that other people enjoy, but overall, I think we are where we need to be.
Great towns don't just happen though. They take a lot of nurturing, the right people and planning for the future. The more people that take some interest and pride in where they live, the better it can be.

My daughter and I have participated in Clean Up Australia for the past few years. I love the idea that we are doing our bit to make this a better place to live. I really don't care who dropped the rubbish or why, the fact remains that someone has to pick it up. We can't always thinks that the next person will do it. I also love the idea that it is teaching my daughter to responsible for the world around her.

Clean Up Australia is getting bigger and better every year, but we always need more volunteers and awareness. I think it is great that the children are getting involved through the schools, and businesses now too. And really, what is a couple of hours every year?

So my question for you, on the weekend of Clean Up Australia Day is, have you put your name down? Do you know where to meet in your area? Are you/do you know a tosser?
Get involved and take action!