Create Your Own Biggest Loser Team

Photo: NBC

"The Biggest Loser" contestants have perhaps the best opportunity of their lives to lose all that weight. With a team of doctors, nutritionists, chefs, personal trainers and a gym stocked to the gills with the latest and greatest fitness equipment, how can they not lose weight? The contestants also have each other; a very strong support network that keeps them on track. While you probably can't afford such pricey consultants, there is a way to set up this support network at home. Here's how to create your own team.

Family Support
You will not succeed without family support. There, I said it, and it's true! You need to make sure that the loved ones who share your home will help you to achieve your weight-loss goals. You'll need your spouse to handle the kids while you squeeze in a workout. You'll need the kids to agree to eat healthier and not whine about it. You'll need to get your family on board with living a healthier lifestyle, which means more outings in the park and less Mario Kart marathons in the living room. Sit down and negotiate with your family, tell them you're unhappy with your weight and you need their help to get it off. You'll go from having a group of complainers to a group of cheerleaders.

Friends
Turn to your friends to find workout partners. Maybe a friend is as frustrated with his weight as you and will partner up to lose as a team. Or maybe you have a really fit friend who would love to have you tag along on workouts. Both types can push you further than you'd achieve on your own. Friends are a great source of inspiration and support. They also can be a sounding board outside your family in case you need to complain when the hubby comes home from the store with ice cream.

Group Workouts
There are countless way to work out in a group, "Biggest Loser" style. Do an online search for activities you'd like to do in your town or try and see if there's a meet-up that you can join -- local running groups, boot camps, yoga classes, all sorts of things. Group fitness is a great opportunity to meet like-minded people and helps to keep you honest. As a fitness instructor, I've seen wonderful friendships grow out of two people randomly meeting in an exercise class. On top of a trim tummy, you might just make a fabulous new friend.

Social Media
You're already online or you wouldn't be reading this. Blogs and interactive social media can be a godsend for people looking to stay motivated and to learn more about fitness. Facebook has hundreds of diet groups to join, AOL has a very active community and there are specific online diet communities, such as Weight Watchers and the Sonoma Diet. Surf around until you find a group that suits your style, then start chatting.

Remember, checking in with your doctor before you start an exercise program is always recommended and losing 1 to 2 pounds per week is a lot more realistic than 10. If you have any questions about how to start your own team, please ask in the comments.

For more information on how a friend can make your workout more fun go here.