Interview with Steve Pfiester, Co-Host and trainer for ABC’s Fat March.
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I had the chance to talk with Steve Pfiester, Co-Host of ABC’s new upcoming weight loss series “Fat March.” We dicussed how he found out about the show and what process he followed to apply. After the series airs we will discuss his expereince with the marchers and tips on fitness. I have included his application video below.
Q. Mark (RealityWanted.com): Steve, can you start by telling my a little bit about your background and especially your background in fitness?
A. Steve Pfiester (Fat March): I guess it was a self esteem issue I had in early high school that started my lifting weights and wrestling. In college I lifted a bit heavier. Soon people stated asking me what I ate how to train properly. At the same time I went to Florida State for exercise science, was teaching aerobics and I was one of the only male instructors. I then realized I had become very passionate about that industry. I started getting people with specific needs, pregnant woman, older adults, etc. I ended up going back to school for Physical Therapy. After I finished school my wife Bonnie and I opened our gym.
Q. Mark (RealityWanted.com): So how did you hear about the casting call for Fat March and tell us what prompted you to apply?
A. Steve Pfiester (Fat March) – In late march I was in our club called Longevity and one day in passing Bonnie said she had received an email and asked me to ask her about it later. I thought the email was about a new exercise part or gym equipment. Later Bonnie told me the email was bout a new reality show looking for a trainer. There wasn’t too much information in the email about the show but we decided to fill out the requested information.
We borrowed a camcorder and made a DVD. Right before we sent it in Bonnie called the producer and placed the video on YouTube to show it to them. The producer said “ It looks great but I want you to answer the following questions.” There were four basic questions on training philosophy and training style. We answered the questions and overnighted revised video.
Q. Mark (RealityWanted) What did it feel like once you found out you landed the role on Fat March?
A. Steve: From the time I first heard about it to today it’s still like you’re on the roller coaster and you’re on the top about to go down. You know it is going to be scary and fun but there is no turning back. I have to hold on and see where things take me. I have faith that I was right guy for the job. I am still on the ride. It is euphoric.
Q. Mark (RealityWanted.com): Tell us a little bit about the casting process, specifically your audition tape, ideas, time spent on getting all this application information together:
A. Steve Pfiester (Fat March) –The first email we received did say they wanted a DVD that shows your personality and triaging style so it did have some parameters on what they wanted to see. Bonnie and I sketched out a bit about what we wanted to do. We filmed my training, cooking my favorite meals, riding my motorcycle, playing with my dogs.
The rough cut of what Bonnie put together probably took an hour but Bonnie is a perfectionist and maybe spent about 12 -15 hours adding music and editing it. The application flowed easily since it was about my training.
Q. Mark (RealityWanted.com): We receive tons of emails from would be reality TV hopefuls on how to apply, what to place on their tape. I often tell them to be themselves. Do you have any suggestions for those who would like to be on TV?
A. The key depends on the show, you cannot fake it. You must be yourself. By far the first thing is be very honest with whomever you’re talking with. Also, you may want to wait until there is a show casting that someone is interested in or passionate about. If you’re a homebody who doesn’t like to be around people don’t lie and say you do. I have only had one reality TV experience. It is very real.
Q. Mark (RealityWanted.com): How long were you away from friends and family during filming?
A. Steve Pfiester (Fat March) – I was gone about 11 ½ weeks.
Q. Mark (RealityWanted.com): What did you leave behind while you were away?
A. Steve Pfiester (Fat March) – I left work, Bonnie, my dogs. I left my full time job. I also left a kick boxing class with 70 – 80 people in it and clients who really depended on me. Leaving my clients and kick boxing students was very hard. I do have an office manager and manager who helped run the gym while I was away.
Q. Mark (RealityWanted.com): What was the most exiting part of being involved with the show?
A. Steve Pfiester (Fat March) – I think the only answer is the fact that I was going to get a chance to help change those 12 lives, I do love the TV part but I know this: If I stay focused on those 12 people which is my primary function to make lifestyle changes everything else will fall into place. I like to change lives. I really feel this way. My club has 3K people. When I focus on taking care of my members and meet their needs the gym does great. My primary focus was to help them make a life style change. I am stoked about how these 12 people and their stories will impact the lives of viewers and show viewers that with small lifestyle changes they can also accomplish their own weight loss goals.
Be sure to catch Steve and the Fat March crew next Monday Aug 6th on ABC
Get on Reality TV Now apply to shows like: Hells Kitchen 4 - Pros Vs Joes 3 - The Trek - Dont Forget The Lyrics - National Bingo Night - Power Of 10
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Find additional Fat March links on sirlinksalot.net
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Filed under: Fat March
Hello Steve,
My name is clara, and I’m the wife of sylvester, we’ve been married for 34 years. We both have struggled with weight loss, and then gaining it back. We both at one time were on jenny craig and lost together over 150 lbs. Sylvester redmond is 57 and his weight is 272 lbs. He takes high blood pressure pills and drives a 18 wheeler. So, as you can see his diet consist of truck stop diners and a hot meal when he’s not out. He retired as a SIAC foot ball umpire in 2006, and his activity to stay in shape has drindled. I know that you can help motivate him to compete with other competitive constestants. We saw the first show on 8/6, and to see the excitement in his face, I decided to do this, if not for me, but him. He’s the father of 3 adult children, that stay on the both of us about our diet.
Our phone number is 404 292 6809, we both hope to hear from someone soon.
Thanking you in advance,
Clara Redmond