Extreme Makeover: Weight Loss Edition review

Is it just me or is Chris Powell, the personal trainer for EMWLE,  the happiest guy alive?

Reality TV

I must tell you, I used to hate TV shows about weight loss. Then came Heavy and I changed my tune. EMWLE is another shining example of what people are capable of. Sure these types of shows are unrealistic. Not everyone has someone to live with them, to be accountable to, to pay for their food and buy them a home gym. Sure, not everyone has the ability to quit their job and work full time on their weight loss, exercising 5 hours a day, 6 days a week.

I think all the negative talk about how unrealistic it is obscures the message though. Maybe you won't lose 250+ lbs this year, but you can start. You can put in what you can and see results. I know, I have. I had 150 lbs to lose and now have 71 lbs to go. I'd like to get to 100 lbs lost by October 19th, my one year anniversary of weight loss. 

Unfortunately though, Chris does not live with me, or encourage me, but in a way, with the show, he's still my cheerleader. At the end of Staci's episode, where he mentioned how busy her life was with two kids, a full time job and being a caretaker for her husband, if she can do it why can't we? What is our excuse. He's right.

Everyday people, accomplishing extraordinary things

The people they chose for the show have all been absolutely incredible sources of inspiration for me. They have overcome so much, they don't make it look easy and effortless, which is at least realistic. It's tough work, and there are rough patches, ups and downs and sometimes, even when you have all those resources at your disposal, you will still falter, because it is difficult, and no one, not even Chris Powell can make it easy and effortless because we are fighting ourselves every step of the way.

The first episode:

Speaking of Chris, I find him to be the most genuine, caring person. He always seems thrilled that he's there to help, he knows he's about to change someone's life forever and you can see the honest to god joy that brings him.

Success!

People have complained that they weigh in on a freight scale, that it's for shock value, that plenty of scales go to 400+ lbs. I guess that's true enough, but really it drives the point home and it's terrifying for people like me who were 150 lbs overweight, to think of that being my future. I do feel like it puts people on a stage, and make sit easy for people to laugh, but I've decided, hell, let them laugh.

These people who have succeeded with Chris's help and are still on their journey are doing one of the most difficult things you can imagine, and they should be applauded for writing him asking for help. Some of us know asking for help is one of the hardest things. They should be applauded for stepping on that scale at all. It's easy to stay in your fat cushy comfort zone, but these people were fed up and strong and now - their lives are changed for the better. 

In the end...

So maybe it's unrealistic and sensational. But at the same time it manages to be genuine and honest. For those of you on the show who have succeeded and are still striving to your goals, I give you a standing ovation because I have walked in those shoes. I know how difficult this journey is, and I have far less to lose. I can't imagine overcoming such seemingly insurmountable odds, but you did it, and every week you inspire me to do the same. Congratulations and thank you!

Your thoughts?