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March 2011
The UK’s No 1 fitness industry magazine
Trainers hit out at ‘freak show TV’ By Christina Eccles METHODS used by personal trainers on ITV show The Biggest Loser are ‘shocking’, ‘extreme’ and ‘intimidating’, according to fitness professionals who have been following the programme Many gym owners and trainers have spoken out against the show – where overweight contestants compete to be crowned ‘the biggest loser’ – claiming its personal trainers Angie Dowds and Richard Callender could put people off joining a gym. GB Fitness’ Cain Leathem explained: “As an exercise and nutrition professional I find the protocols employed on the sensationalised television programme Biggest Loser shocking and dangerous. Having just walked off a television project because of a similar approach, we qualified professionals should be endorsing safe and efficient practice rather than grabbing dollars and short-lived fame.” Personal trainer Sarah Donohue has also been taking an interest in the show. She added: “I watch it because I watch the trainers, as many others reading your magazine do. I sit there swearing at the TV, then discussing it with my PT the day after. The whole offering of cakes makes it into freak
show TV. And I would hope that Richard and Angie had at least said they ‘didn’t think it was a good idea’, but were overruled by the producers. If they went along with it and didn’t say a word, then there is cause for concern.” But ITV defended the programme – claiming that many viewers have been inspired. A spokesman said: “The Biggest Loser has at its heart the central belief that you can lose weight through a healthy balanced diet and exercise. Trainers Richard and Angie are highly experienced and have used their knowledge to create varied workouts and put systems in place to ensure that contestants are training effectively and safely while encouraging them to keep focused and lose weight. “In doing so, they create a weekly work out of in excess of 40 hours of exercise ranging from low level yoga sessions through to intense circuit sessions. Both the trainers, the production team and the contestants have had overwhelmingly positive feedback from people who have been inspired by the series to start exercising; and contestants past and present continue to use gym workouts as part of their everyday fitness regime.” Special report, Pages 36 & 37
No 210 £3
New report looks at use of internet
The Biggest Loser contestant Wil Graham also revealed his experience of appearing on the programme. Wil told Workout that although the trainers’ approach may not work for everyone, it was right for him. He added: “What one person thrives on, another might fear. For me personally, I genuinely needed the blunt support, honesty and guidance Richard and Ange offered me.”
A NEW report has been published which explores how gyms are using the internet and social media. The 2011 European Health Club Industry Web and Social Media Report looks at how the industry is presently harnessing social media and contains an audit of 50 leading gym brands drawn from 10 countries, including the UK. Oxygen Consulting’s Ray Algar has published the report, which reveals a range of information useful for independent clubs including: guidelines around the effective use of social media case studies interviews from fitness brands already embracing Facebook, Twitter and other social media platforms. The report – which is being sponsored by The Gym Group – is free to Workout readers who can register to receive a copy by visiting www.europeanwebreport.ning.com