The hit TV show, The Biggest Loser, has inspired many office and work groups to start their own versions of the competition to lose weight and get in shape. Many of these friendly workplace contests fail to really provide the motivation and accountability needed to achieve weight loss results. While the intentions are good, sometimes the lack of planning and commitment causes the competition to sink before it has even sailed. There are some tips that can be followed, however, to make your workplace challenge successful. Try out these suggestions and get on your way to becoming “The Biggest Loser” in your office!
You must have teams. The first big rule of creating an office Biggest Loser competition is to create teams. Having a team to be accountable to is very important. If your workplace is like most, snacks and leftovers find their way to a central location where people can munch all day long. Having team members, as well as opposing team members, watching, really keeps your mindless munching at bay. If you are in the competition only for yourself, you will be much more likely to indulge. Being accountable to other people is key.
Make the weigh-in public knowledge. Don’t freak out just yet. You don’t have to post actual weights here, however, whether or not contestants went up or down in weight each week (and how much) should be displayed publicly in the office. This provides yet another aspect of accountability and motivation. Now you are not only accountable to the people participating in The Biggest Loser, but also your coworkers who are not. A chart should be created to track the weekly progress of each team member, with team totals appearing as well. Having the entire office in on the action, not just those participating in the actual weight loss, adds volumes to individual motivation.
Have a witness. One trusted member of the office, preferably one who is not participating in the competition, should serve as a witness for each weigh-in. Participants should weigh-in at the same basic time on the same day each week. The witness can be in charge of recording the results and watching the numbers. This keeps any dishonesty from creeping in, and also adds yet another aspect of accountability as each competitor knows that one person really will see that actual scale number displayed each week. It should also be established whether or not shoes should be removed, etc. before the competition begins.
Something should be at stake. In addition to having team members to keep you accountable, each participant should also have to put something up front in order to join the competition. A monetary amount will usually suffice. Having to pay in $25 or $50 to join will keep those who are not motivated and will quit after 2 weeks out of the competition.
Have a set start and end date. People can only get truly motivated to achieve a goal if they can see the finish line. Have a start date and an end date well established before beginning your Biggest Loser competition. Choose the length of time (8 weeks? 12 weeks?) and what day to get started and stick to it!
The Biggest Loser has been a huge weight loss motivator for many people. Just watching the show may be somewhat inspiring, but actually starting your own Biggest Loser competition at your office or other workplace is a great weight loss tool. Try these tips to get you started and pretty soon your coworkers will be referring to you lovingly as The Biggest Loser!
