Coffee Chat with Bob Harper
This morning, I had a wonderful opportunity to interview Bob Harper from NBC’s The Biggest Loser. I don’t generally get star- struck, but it was such an honor to be able to speak with this man who has inspired so many people (including myself) to lose weight and take back their health.
CARRIE: After the reunion show, a lot of people were wondering about Erik’s weight gain since the finale. What are your thoughts about his weight now and maintaining it for life.
BOB: I thought Erik looked great. He was athletic, and a comfortable weight for his size. Yes, he gained weight since the finale where he was 193 lbs.
CARRIE: Personally, I thought he was a little on the thin side for the finale.
BOB: Exactly. He looks great now, and at the end of the day, I just hope he held onto everything he was taught on The Biggest Loser. I can only hope as a trainer that I gave him all the tools he needs to carry this weight loss into “real” life. That I taught him everyhing I could. After that, it’s up to him.
CARRIE: At the reuinion, you didn’t have much time to talk about ideas for people at home. When you talk about yoga, how do you recommend that people implement into their current workouts?
BOB: I do yoga for my mind. It helps to center people. Do I recommend that an obese person does nothing but yoga and expects to lose a lot of weight? No. You have to factor in the cardiovascular element in there for significant weight loss. Yoga once a week to start would be a great way to not only stretch your muscles, but it helps you to grow old gracefully. I’m trying to grow old gracefully!
CARRIE: Well, I would say you’re doing a heck of a job with that!
BOB: Ha Ha, thanks.
CARRIE: So, going back to The Biggest Loser, with the change of location and everything, what was your biggest challenge this season?
BOB: My first challenge was the location. I was used to previous seasons being at the palatial ranch, and it was definitely a change to go to the college campus. Much more basic, but having said that, the 24 Hr Fitness gym was the best gym we’ve had so far. It was incredible. Another challenge was that my team had our largest contestant to date, Neil, who topped the scales at 420 lbs. I also had the oldest contestant who was 61 years old, plus girls who weighed close to 300 lbs. It was great to have those people, because it sends the messgae that ‘If they can do it, then I can do it.”
CARRIE: That is wonderful. I can’t wait to see what happens this season.
BOB: It’s going to be great!
CARRIE: Bob, I run a weight loss group online created from people who tried out for The Biggest Loser, and we’ve been criticized for being hardcore, losing too fast etc. How do you respond to those who accuse the show of pushing people too hard, or say that weight lost that fast won’t stay off?
BOB: Well, first, people have to know we are doing an extreme weight loss reality show. So the results are going to be dramatic. And we’ve got medical studies that show with the quick weight loss, you also see an unheard of drop in cholesterol, high blood pressure. People on the show aren’t just losing “weight”, they’re maintaining and building lean muscle mass. They are eating constantly, every 3-4 hours to do that. Out in the “real world”, people are used to seeing a couple of pounds a week. And they should be celebrating that, because it is wonderful to do that.
CARRIE: So, if people are losing more than the standard 2 lbs a week, and are dropping 3, 4, 5… that’s acceptable if they’re doing so in a healthy way, right?
BOB: Yes! Those numbers are fantastic. As long as you are taking care of your body and following a healthy diet and exercise program, more than two pounds a week is not a bad thing at all!
CARRIE: So, Bob, last season, the viewers got to see such an incredible bond between you and your blue team members Marty and Erik. Can we expect to see that kind of connection this season?
BOB: Absolutely! I get so close to my contestants, that’s part of my process. I put the “personal” in “personal trainer”. I can’t help but get so attached to these people when I work with them.
CARRIE: You put your heart and soul into these contestants, spend hours a day motivating, encouraging them. What do you do to take care of Bob?
BOB: That’s a great question! I have my own personal trainer to keep me in the best shape possible. I do yoga for my mind, and I make a conscious effort to really take care of myself. I have to make sure my own well is deep enough that I can pull from it to help the next group.
CARRIE: Did you know Jillian was going to return, or was it a surprise like the previews are showing it to be?
BOB: It was a total surprise! She came walking out and I was like “What? Jillian’s back! Allright!”
CARRIE: With Jillian back, how did that change the dynamic of the show. You got used to working with Kim last season, so adding Jillian to the mix and having 18 contestants instead of 12…. was the pressure and competition amped up?
BOB: Oh, having three teams definitely added the pressure, and increased the groups’ competitive sides. There were more people to try and beat. But you know what the important thing is? This season, they gave 6 more people a chance to be on the show. And that’s what it’s all about. At the end of the day, there is only one Biggest Loser, but everyone gets the opportunity to really chagne their life.
CARRIE: Speaking of changing lives, I know a lot of people watch the show and wonder what they are going to do with their lives. What is your advice to someone sitting on their couch thinking about what to do next?
BOB: There are a lot of online resources for people. They can go to NBC.com and join The Biggest Loser Club Online. It’s kind of like being on the show without being on the show. You can do workouts with me, follow a diet and more.
CARRIE: I’m pretty sure what you’re going to say, but I’m guessing you don’t encourage people to sit around and wait for casting next season if they dont’ make the show?
BOB: Ha ha! Absolutely not!
CARRIE: So can I say that you would tell people that they should do SOMETHING, anything…?
BOB: Exactly. Just do something. Get started now. That’s what the message of the show is all about.
CARRIE: What did you want to tell the fans about the upcoming season? What exciting things do we have in store for us going into Season 4?
BOB: The major difference is the contestants. This year not only did we have the largest contestant at 420 lbs, the oldest contestant at 61, twins, almost 300 lb women…. it was amazing. And people watching at home will get the message that if these folks can do it, so can the ones at home.
CARRIE: That’s all the questions I have for you, Bob. Is there anything else you’d like to share?
BOB: I’m coming out with a book in April called “Are You Ready?”. It deals with the mental and emotional issues of how we gain and lose the weight. More of what got them to where they are, and how to deal with it.
CARRIE: I’m excited to see that book, because we don’t get fat simply because we eat too many Twinkies, there’s a reason for the behavior.
BOB: You’re excactly right! It’s not just about eating or not exercising, but there are so many mental challenges. And you have to be ready. It’s the first question I ask my clients before I will work with them. I ask “Are you ready?” And you better be!
CARRIE: Thanks, Bob for taking the time to chat with me this morning. I’m a long time admirer of both you and the show, and am looking forward to this season!
BOB: You’re welcome, Carrie. It was my pleasure!
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Filed under: Biggest Loser
hey carrie, even though i am just reading this interview with bob - i just wanted to tell you that it was fantastic. the BIGEST LOSER is one of my favorite shows— i actually bought bob’s new book “Are you ready” and am about to go shopping and get evertything ready to “do it his way”. thanks for your interview with bob.
more, more more!!!!! t