UPDATE 5/11/11: Brenda reached out to us via our Facebook page and had this to say: “Just wanted to update that story by saying that I DID complete my first marathon on April 30th in 4:50:31! AND I have hit my initial goal weight of 150 now.” Congratulations Brenda on achieving two incredible accomplishments!
Although it’s inspiring to watch the contestants on The Biggest Loser slim down at the ranch, the show’s most important message comes from the at-home winners. They prove that you don’t need the ranch and personal trainers to lose weight. Proof of this inspiration is apparent in the stories from everyday people who have reached their weight-loss goals through The Biggest Loser Club.
Brenda Turnbaugh is one of these success stories, having lost 108 pounds. She joined The Biggest Loser Club in September of 2024, when she weighed 263 pounds. “I could barely make it up and down the stairs to get to my office at work,” Brenda says. “Every night, when I got to my car, I would be huffing and puffing from 2 flights of stairs and a 100-foot walk across a parking lot, and that was the most exercise I got some days.”
Brenda struggled with her weight all her life, and started taking diet pills at the age of 16. Her real problems began after she herniated three disks in her back, leading to multiple surgeries. Brenda turned to food to comfort herself while she recovered, and her weight reached a higher number than it ever had before.
Brenda decided to change all that after watching the premier of The Biggest Loser season six, by signing up for The Biggest Loser Club. “I had my doubts,” she says, “but I was so tired of being tired, so I thought I might as well give this a try.” With The Biggest Loser Club, Brenda found the support she needed to finally take off the pounds. She made friends with other members, who keep her accountable. The expert trainers helped her find exercises that suitable for her fitness level. Today, she’s down to 155 pounds and loves to run. “I have run in many local races and even completed my first half marathon this year. Next year I have every intention of running in a marathon.”
Brenda advocates a moderate approach to the program, arguing that you don’t have to be perfect to have success. “I also live by the 80/20 rule,” she says, “because trying to be perfect 100% of the time is a recipe for disaster. If you stay on plan at least 80% of the time, you will lose weight.”
What to try The Biggest Loser Club for yourself? Sign up here!
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The Biggest Loser Club Review