Week 6 of Season 9 on The Biggest Loser took contestants out of their Los Angeles living quarters and into a week at the US Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
Watch the full episode here.
After contestants worked out with Paralympians and Olympic Skiers Julia Mancuso (who treated the ladies to tiaras) and Jeret “Speedy” Peterson, The Biggest Loser competitors got a taste of elite skaters’ off-ice training.
Contestant Miggy was inspired after meeting the athletes: “When you’re overweight or obese, our biggest [obstacle] is just moving. You see these athletes with these different situations, and they do extraordinary things.” She added regarding her own workout, “I’m gonna give it all that I have, and then I’m gonna give it all that I don’t have.”
That's the motto these skaters seem to live by.
J.R. Celski nearly bled to death on the ice when he put his blade through his leg at the Olympic trials.
Scott Hamilton began skating to help overcome his childhood illnesses, only to later in life survive cancer.
Rockney Brubaker won 2 US championships but couldn't claim the title this Olympic year after he had surgery to repair two sports injuries.
Their drive and spirit trumps excuses to succeed at a healthy lifestyle and commendable goals.
J.R. Celski’s Slide Board Challenge
Olympian J.R. Celski was up next to help motivate the group. The short track speed skater surprised competitors with a slide board demonstration and challenge.
A slide board is a faux-ice exercise platform manufactured to simulate the slick surface that requires full use of the body’s core to stay upright. Boards generally measure 6 to 9 feet long, depending upon the need of the athlete. Booties cover shoes in order to eliminate friction, thereby allowing people to perfect their stroking and get an amazing work out.
Celski instructed the challengers to step carefully on the slick board, center their weight, bend their knees, keep their chins up, and forcefully push off one side of the board. Sliding on two feet is fine for those who can’t hold their balance through a full stroke.
Biggest Loser contestants reported that, while setting their pace to be the first one to complete 500 strokes, not only were they out of breath – meaning they had a great cardio workout – but their legs, thighs, calves, feet and glutes hurt.
(Not that anyone on this site needs to be convinced that skating on or off the ice is a phenomenal workout.)
“Lose Nationally, Feed Locally”
Scott Hamilton helped out with their Pound-for-Pound Feed America charity – but not before proving his medal by giving contestants a peek at his back flip on ice and performance personality.
Hamilton donated his time, talent to bring attention to the cause of feeding America’s hungry families.
“We really need to make a bigger impact to bring more food in, to get more food out to people,” Hamilton said. “This is America. This is what it’s all about. Working together at all ages to make a difference. It has to start with you. Not somebody else. You have to make it happen.”
Pledge at www.biggestloser.com.
Rock’s Workout
Back in Los Angeles, contestants met National Pairs Figure Skating Champion Rockney “Rock” Brubaker at the 24 Hour Fitness gym for a “boot camp” class social workout.
“He didn’t look like a figure skater,” trainer Bob described Brubaker. “He looked like a rugby player.”
Rock got The Biggest Loser contenders started on their weekly “last-chance” workouts, a killer gym routine during which they attempt to shed enough weight to stay ahead of the pack in percentage of weekly weight loss.
Watch Rock vocalize coaching comments to keep the group sweating hard.
NBC’s The Biggest Loser airs Tuesdays at 8/7 Central.
Timbre Beck - "Life is a daring adventure or nothing at all." Helen Keller defied all legitimate excuses and lived a full, satisfying life. That's ...
