After watching the trailer for the movie Annapolis and quite a few shows with Gordon Ramsay, it makes me wonder if the current approach BL has towards its contestants is really what they need. In blood and sweat endeavors like exercise and losing weight I find it necessary to maintain a hard edge. Is it possible that when Jillian or Bob take that lovey-dovey approach where they are shoulders to cry on and tell people that they need to 'love themselves first' that is less effective or even counter productive versus other methods?

I remember watching the movie Pearl Harbor where there was a scene where the commanding officer needed volunteers to counter-attack the Japanese in what would be a very dangerous mission. He said simply: "whoever isn't brave enough to accept this mission, please take a step back." This is analogous to Vince Lombardi who used to say whoever wasn’t prepared for hard work and sacrifice could leave now and he wouldn’t stop them. It seems like something like that sets the tone and people find their inner strength, as opposed to leaning upon a motivator.

I was shocked when I first saw a discovery channel special on Navy SEALs training, which is supposed to be an extremely tough process. One of the drill sergeants almost never raised his voice, but instead kind of acted like that devil sitting on your shoulder telling people that they looked tired, and that all their pain and suffering would be over if they just quit (in this case ringing a bell). This is an elimination process, so why not make my job easier, he would say. Or, you’ve come really far but you’re not good enough to go any further.

All the while the soldiers would have a stoic look on their face almost devoid of emotion like they were on a mission. Every time I watch someone on BL (usually a woman, sorry), who cries, cusses, or screams in mid-exercise, I wonder if she could have instead sublimated that energy towards hard work instead. While it’s impressive what the BL contestants accomplish, sometimes it looks like they were kicked and dragged the whole way and what happens when that that external pressure is suddenly removed?

Are you thinking that maybe someone like Richard Simmons would be an excellent addition to the staff?

no. don't mess with the formula.

How about a pretty blonde girl with a nice rack?.....Nope, No one would take her seriously.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Just kidding.....I loved all three trainers and they were all equally talented....no harm, no foul.

I don't think they need different kinds of trainers, but the ones (one in particular) they have need to realize why they are there. Jillian is awesome and always has been. I was a fan of Bob's too until this season. Bob has gotten way too much into the game play mode. He needs to realize his job is to work with the contestants so they lose as much as they can while they are there. Leave the game play to the players. Bob and Jillian need to provide the knowledge, tools, motivation and encouragement. STAY OUT OF THE GAME PLAY!!!

I voted no. If it ain't broke, don't fix it.

No!! They have put the weight on for a reason, if those reasons aren't dealt with they will more than likely put the weight back on. The hard edge is great at times, but I think the balance is important.

People who are heavy already beat themselves up, they don't need more psychological beatings, they need inspiration and encouragement along with the tools for success. Once you start getting fit and confidence starts building, a challenge is more likely to be welcomed.

No, they need someone to beat them and show them that they can do it. If I could leave my job for four months and still have it to come back to I would LOVE LOVE to work out with Jillian. I'm not hard enough on myself, neither are my friends. I'm watching the episode now and see that Paul's friends ARE NOT HIS FRIENDS. They are encouraging him to eat plate after plate of chicken wings and desert. That's not a friend. If they were his friends they would be out taking him from a walk, encouraging him to save his life. I hope when it comes back from commercial Jillian lays into them.

No, I think all three of them are fine.

- Jim

Nope. Love all the trainers. Love their similarities, love their differences, love the fact that they are all human and occasionally goof up and make mistakes. Makes it easier to relate to them. They are all great.

Maybe most fat people don't respond to those other tactics. Remember, many of these people have tried numerous ways to lose weight before. Ain't none of them Navy SEALs. Contestants might need a good kick in the keyster, as well as national humiliation to reach their goal.

I think Neil from this season (white team) is one person who did not thrive from this kind of training, but everyone else seems pretty responsive.

I think it would be an intersting scientific/medical study to see what kind of tactics people successful in their weight loss responded to, and how many other methods they tried first.

Agreed. I only think that maybe the Gray team and Mark would respond to that type of training. There is a fine balance to push someone and offer them support. I think both Jillian and Bob are very good at finding that line for each contestant to maximize their potential.