Rob Robson isnt Jillian Michaels or Bob Harper.
Thats likely a good thing in terms of encouraging people to lose weight.
Robson, a local bodybuilder, and personal trainer and nutritionist at the Ute Mountain Recreation Center in Towaoc, gives constructive criticism to people wanting better bodies.
Since he started a Biggest Loser program Feb. 24 at the Ute Mountain Rec. Center, 34 teams of two people have combined to lose 337 pounds through five weeks.
Robson hasnt downgraded anyone with verbal abuse. Theres no belligerent screaming in a persons face or extremely negative namecalling. He has simply inspired the teams to work hard in the three-month program.
For me, it was a little hard. I havent worked out or exercised since high school, said Shawna Jones, 29, who works for the Ute Mountain Department of Vocational Rehabilitation. Five weeks into it now, its actually going pretty good. Im starting to run, which I hadnt done in a while. Overall, Im eating better. I cleaned out my whole refrigerator and stocked it with healthy, lean food. The only way to lose weight is to work hard.
Cash prize money has also sparked encouragement to the weight losers. Ute Mountain Vocational Rehab has donated the $1,000 first-place team prize money. The rec center is contributing the donation of $500 for the runner-up team winnings. A prize of $400 will be awarded to the top individual loser based on body weight loss percentage. The winning team will have the greatest combined percentage loss, too, based on pounds lost from the beginning weight resulting in the highest percentage. This is measured by Robson through body mass index and body fat composition.
Ute Mountain Diabetes Prevention donated free water bottles and pedometers. With the Biggest Loser program encouraging people to live a healthier lifestyle, that includes trying to regulate type 2 diabetes among Ute Mountain Reservation residents.
Obesity and type 2 diabetes is a real bad problem out here. We want to stop it, Robson said. You can get it under control with weight loss. Thats the main motivation, is to get people out and moving.
Workout routines and diet plans are designed by Robson for the contestants to follow. He trains them on every exercise, from lifting weights to cardiovascular endurance. Then, its up to the losers.
In the end, its all on them, he said.
Jones and her Sassy by Summer teammate, Lisa Upshaw, 33, have greatly enjoyed Biggest Loser. Jones has lost 16 pounds, and Upshaw has shed 10.
Weve been supporting each other during this whole time, Jones said. We work out everyday at the rec center together to make sure we actually put in the hour every single day that we need to work out. Were excited!
Jones hasnt needed the services of her medical inhaler lately due to being in better shape.
Medically and physically for me, its been good, she said. Im not out of breath when I go running or just walking anymore. I think its awesome. Its made me feel really good about myself.
Robsons words of wisdom speak heavily to those who participate. Lets just say the Musclemania, Mr. America and Mr. Universe competitor knows a thing or two.
Im really proud of all of them. I know what theyre going through, said Robson, 43, who exercises daily and diets constantly to maintain his bodybuilder physique.
Results are tallied throughout the three months on a marker board for each team to follow its progress.
With the success so far of Biggest Loser, Robson hopes to run at least two programs per year.
In this program, more people win by losing, which ultimately, wins longer lasting life.
Reach Bobby Abplanalp at bobbya@cortezjournal.com.