July 26, 2006

The Final Countdown

Doing the math on your calories adds up to big results.

Maybe Biggest Loser cast member Mark Yesitis should have become an accountant instead of a cop. His strategy for fighting flab is all about math--specifically, calorie counting.

In fact, he says to, "Carry your calorie book with you. It will fit in your purse or pocket." If you forget it, send a text message to yourself on your cell phone.

When it comes to exercising, Mark shows the same kind of vigilance. "For me it's calories in, calories out," he says. "That's why I like cardio machines. The digital readouts tell me exactly how many calories I'm burning with each exercise session. If I want to burn 1,500 calories (which is nearly a half a pound of fat) the machine counts those calories for me. As long as I'm burning more calories during the day than I eat, I'm going to lose weight."

Lastly, he keeps strict tabs on his daily caloric allowance. That means, "If your calories for the day don't allow you to eat an entire piece of cheesecake or something else for dessert at a restaurant, eat half of it. Then pour salt on the rest to avoid temptation."

The point is calorie counting ends all guessing, confusion, and excuses. Soon enough, you'll be watching the numbers on your scales get smaller and smaller.

September 27, 2006

The Early Bird Loses the Pounds

Tune in to The Biggest Loser Wednesday 8/7c on NBC!

Not even sleep stops Suzy Preston from exercising

Suzy Preston inspired millions on the second season of The Biggest Loser. But nothing can stop her now. Not even a few hours of sleep.

At home in Seattle, Suzy still works fulltime. So to keep up her workout schedule, she sets her alarm clock for 4:30 a.m.! That's to get to the gym by 5 a.m.

Together, she and her good friend (and gym buddy) do an hour of cardio. Chatting helps pass the time for Suzy. "The weight training to me is fun," Suzy said. "It doesn't feel like working out." So she uses visiting time with her buddy on the treadmill or Stairmaster or whatever to get through that hour.

Then her gym buddy has to get home, and Suzy goes to get a bit of Breakfast, fruit for example, and some coffee.

Then it's back to the gym at 7 a.m. to work on her weight training. She works with a trainer and they alternate days: upper body one day, lower body the next day. If they've missed some days due to Suzy's schedule, they'll try to touch on all parts.