by Jack Mapes

Going into his sixth Long Beach Loser event, Justin Rudd has done something NBC’s reality show “The Biggest Loser” could never accomplish: a realistic approach to weight loss. Justin’s Long Beach Losers’ competition has a platform for organized team weight loss that challenges real people, with real lives, with no ranch, and all of life’s obstacles.

Giving contestants 12 weeks to drop as many pounds as possible, the competition usually begins late August and ends the week before Thanksgiving. On average, over 800 contestants gather for weekly weigh-ins, paired in teams of five, and compete to split a jackpot that has exceeded more than $50,000. The prize money is divided among the 12 most successful teams and the top 12 individuals.

Sadly, Justin states that 1/3 of the contestants fail to finish the weigh-ins, which is an obvious disqualifier, and is traced to reasons such as a dislike for working out and losing sight of the ultimate weight loss goal. However, all contestants are required up front to pay the fee for the final four weigh in meetings ($5 per weigh in), so the jackpot is not affected for those having the dedication to finish the competition.

When asked what is the most gratifying experience regarding the Long Beach Losers Justin stated, ”I love seeing the confidence in the Losers as they get closer to their weight loss goals.” The increase in confidence and how much the Long Beach Loser program influences that character trait is not to be doubted. After all, the winner of last year’s competition lost 90 pounds in 12 weeks!

Justin also reports that the most common complaint for contestants is that a teammate is not trying hard enough. He usually answers this by informing folks about the habits and strategies of the teams and individuals that have had the most success in the Long Beach Losers. Many follow the trend of group workouts together and choose their teammates through their work, church, or other social settings. The phenomena of knowing your team and not wanting to let your teammates down creates accountability and leads to greater efforts, which leads to better results that leads to a more likely chance of winning the competition.

For more information, contact Justin Rudd at justin@justinrudd.com or visit http://www.justinrudd.com or http://www.longbeachlosers.com.