Bob Harper on 'Biggest Loser'
Posted by Lorrie Lynch
I'd never watched NBC's The Biggest Loser until this season and then I tuned in only because one day I needed something to keep me going on my treadmill. I slipped in the DVD NBC sent me, set the "weight loss" program on the machine and and whatd'ya know? I got hooked. I'm not the only one. Audiences love Biggest Loser, even in Australia. And that's where our Who's News contributor Gayle Carter, no stranger to working out herself, found Bob Harper (at left), one of the show's two trainers. He and Jillian Michaels, the other trainer, were promoting the show in Australia. We are doing a piece on Bob for the magazine column but he's so full of advice I couldn't get it all in. And he has a new book coming called Are You Ready!
Harper told Gayle he wants to “show people that no matter how much you’ve got to lose, make a game plan starting today. That’s going to be your first big step. For many it’s so overwhelming, when they think 'I have so much weight to lose,' they feel like it’s a lost cause."
He does have some indulgences of his own: "Chocolate and peanut butter...they go together. I’m not going to have it every day, but I work it into my calories and my work outs a few times a week.”
He's proud of having fans from his hometown, Adams, Tenn.: “Oh my gosh. They’re all just so proud, they’re really happy to see my transformation and that’s why I’m so proud of this book. I’m proud of the accomplishment. I feel like even though I’ve never been the overweight kid, I understand what these contestants go through. I go through every single day of every single season. When people tell me of all the bad they feel about themselves — that’s the one thing I’ve learned is to change that inner tape recorder, it’s a big part of my book — it’s soul damaging."
He has worked with some celebs: "I’ve had Ellen [DeGeneres], in particular. She can definitely work on that spiritual side. She got that what I do has a real spiritual side — that’s what I try to do. Recently, Reese Witherspoon called, she wanted to work out, I was like ‘Baby you’re perfect.’ I worked out with her in a class — I never had the privilege to work with her one-on-one — where I taught exercise classes in Nashville at a gym."
(photo by Trae Patton/NBC)
Comments (6)
Bob....YOU ARE SUCH AN AMAZING WRITER!
Hi Bob...I got your book.."Are You Ready" on one night and could not put it down till I finished it the next morning! Every single page made so much sense to me. You have said things in ways that took my attention and never let it go. I felt like a sponge and was truly captured. I can't wait to read it again actually and just so you know...this has NEVER happened to me before! I've never read any book that fast and the way you "spoke" while you wrote kept me interested the entire time. It was like I couldn't wait to turn the next page ...after every page. Your book was the big 'light bulb moment' for me Bob. I've begun my fitness and nutritional program and have achieved success losing weight, increasing my health, strength, physical fitness and just being comfortable. I've not bought a pretty floral summer dress in years, but I'm getting one in a "smaller than me size" to hang up right in my front room! My pretty dress will be my second inspiration as your book is my first. By the way...your book goes with me wherever I go! Thank you for writing it Bob....I can tell that you wrote it from the heart and I felt like you are right here helping me learn. BTW...it's June..pls hurry back on tv as you motivate me beyond words...you keep me going and I'm kinda going through "Bob withdrawel" since the season ended! Thank you for being such a powerful and wonderful motivator..you are indeed a unique person Bob. You have brought the world a book we can all learn from changing the habits of millions.
Good job Bob! :)
With sincere appreciation....Annie
Hi, I'm terribly concerned abou my daughter. Almost 12, 5'8" and around 188#. She battles with me over exercise. She said she wanted Bob's new Yoga DVD,I got it. She does it but only goes through MINOR motions with it. I can't seem to get her motivated. I'm terribly worried. My Mom was morbidly obese and I have battled all my life with my weight. I don't want her to have this to deal with all of her life. I know SHE has to want it. She adores Bob but I just can't get her moving. Yes I do workout regularly and am constantly trying to keep my weight in check.I try to set a good example. I have no idea how I can help her..If I had the money I'd have Bob come and talk to her,but that's not possible. Please HELP!!!!!!
do you have to sweat to get a good workout i think you do . what does bob harper think. osirius@charter.net
hello! i would like to know if there is any possibility to contact bob harper?? i need his advice. i'm an overweight woman whose life is ruined because of her weight, it's impossible for me to exercise because i suffer from kneecap dislocation. whenever i stress, i eat a lot, i can't go on a diet, .......i can't even get pregnant because i fear to gain more weight, i have all kinds of problems every single day, i am depressed, please help me .....
this isnt for me, its for my mom she has been trying to lose weight for years without success the only real time she lose was when she had enougn money for one month of nuturisytem and she loved it she lost fourteen pounds, now i cant afford to buy it for her because i am working two jobs just to survive and my parents will they are on a fixed income now. so she isnt able to do that any more but she just keep gaining and gaining and getting depressed. i know its alot to aske but if you all could give her a few months of nutruasytem it would help so much and i would be so greatful i want my mom around in three years when my son graduates and at this point i just dont see it happening she was in car accident so its hard for her to excerise. i just dont know what to do anymore my email address is weepingwillow_58@yahoo.com and she loves bob but now she just wont go out she is so ashamed thank you very much crystal
hola bob ,soy natalia de argentina.me gusta tu personalidad sos un tipo re bueno y amoroso .ojala algun dia pueda ir a los angeles y conocerte....sos muy lindo.no me pierdo ninguna serie soy re fanatica,aunque no tengo problema de sobrepeso...te quiero mucho ¡¡¡besos y abrazos!!!!chau,naty.