Reason #210,504,875,999 I relate to Biggest Loser

Since discovering NBC's Biggest Loser a few years ago, I have been hooked. It's motivation t.v. People bigger than me, in worse shape than me, literally working their butts off and reaching their goals. Even though yes, it's not the most realistic way to lose weight (Um, I've never lost 10 pounds in one week!), it's proof of how hard work and good eating can get you where you want to be.

But before I hired Ms. A, I always cocked my head sideways when I saw the contestants weep at the thought of losing Bob or Jillian and having to work out on their own. I'd tell myself, "But you've already learned what you need to do! Just GO DO IT!"

Well, I am now officially off my sassy horse. Because guess what...the past six weeks without Ms. A have been a disaster.

I didn't eat well. I didn't exercise as much as I should have. The endorphin kick that made me energized and happy completely evaporated. I became the person I was before I trained with her--nervous, scared and miserable.

So when she sent me a text message last week telling me her maternity leave was over, I was ecstatic. We set up an appointment and I had time to think. I admit--I was filled with dread. I knew when I walked back into the gym, Ms. A would make me pay for my six week hiatus.

The thought was a little terrifying. And then it became empowering. In the time I worked with Ms. A, she challenged me like no one ever has. But she never let me hurt myself. She never let me fail. She never let me fall. She believed in me when I didn't believe in myself.

So imagine my disappointment when I had to cancel my appointment with Ms. A this weekend. Why? I went and somehow ruptured a blood vessel in my eye--the day before we were to train. When I should have been in the gym, I was sitting in my optometrist's office making sure the redness in my eye was nothing serious. (Thank goodness, it's not.)

I finally had my workout with Ms. A this morning. First off, can I just say the SIGHT of the woman is an inspiration? She had a baby six weeks ago--and looks amazing. I almost tripped over myself when I saw her. But when we started working out, all of my worst fears came true. I got dizzy and light-headed. I couldn't do some of the things I'd been doing just six weeks ago. So we modified.

But the point was--I finished. I did what she asked me and while I crept out of the gym exhausted, I felt good for the first time in six weeks.

So there you have it...I'm one of those "I worship at the altar of my personal trainer" people. And I absolutely love it.