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PrintBehind the scenes of “The Biggest Loser”
Jenks' Sean Algaier on battling the bulge.
Last fall, Tulsa-area residents sat glued to their television sets as Jenks’ Sean Algaier and Broken Arrow’s Danny Cahill battled the bulge on NBC’s hit show “The Biggest Loser.” Here, Algaier shares a glimpse into the life of a “Biggest Loser” contestant.
How many hours did you work out each day at the ranch?
We worked out five hours with the trainers and about three to four hours on our own. It was grueling, but it was the only job we had there, to work out and get healthy.
What did you do in your “off” time at the ranch?
Does anybody ever swim in that large pool? During off time we slept, ate, slept and slept! And, yes, we did swim in the pool … go to www.hulu.com and search the tag “Sean the funny guy” and watch that video … it shows us swimming in the pool.
How many hours of filming occurred each day?
Filming lasted from 8 a.m. until whenever it was over — sometimes 4 a.m., sometimes midnight. It would just depend on what was happening. Eliminations go late, late, late!
How were you able to leave work for an extended period of time?
I am a youth pastor and I took a sabbatical. It is a very cool thing that I got to take time off. Thanks, bosses; you rock!
What are Bob Harper and Jillian Michaels like off camera?
Even more lovely and wonderful than they are on camera. They care; they are real people. You would be surprised how normal and real they are.
Was Bob or Jillian your favorite and why?
I have no favorites. I love them both for different reasons. Bob is such a compassionate and driven individual. I am so proud of the way he carries himself and how his passion is what drives him to be the best he can be — not for me or for the public, but for himself. I love the man to death. And Jillian, she is incredible! She has this ability to pull the worst and the best out of you all at the same time. I don’t quite know how that is possible, but she is so talented. I am so blessed to have been able to work with them. They truly are fabulous.
Since you left the show, how have you maintained a new healthy lifestyle, especially since Oklahoma is ranked the 44th-heaviest state in the country?
Everything I do is about living a healthy lifestyle. I work out every day at least 90 minutes, be it with a trainer or running or both. I eat very clean, very healthy meals and I count my calories. I work on the “head” part of it as well by talking to a counselor about issues. Oklahoma, listen to me, you are going to die earlier than you should if you don’t get some things straight. If you need help, go find it — a trainer, a psychologist, a counselor — find the help and get back to who you were supposed to be!
What’s the hardest part about being back in the “real world” and continuing to lose weight?
Making the right decisions. Not eating that crazy thing and then regretting it later. And getting to the point where I start working out, cutting out time in my day to burn out some calories.
How much more do you hope to lose?
Fifty pounds, and I am going to be doing it with the help of my trainers, Danny Wilson and Levi Morehead (www.injenkspersonaltrainer.com). I am also starting a bootcamp soon that focuses on every aspect of “you,” called workonme bootcamps.The Web site will come very soon.
Have you kept in touch with past contestants?
Yes, I have. I love all of them. They have been such an awesome testament to what “The Biggest Loser” does. I stay in close contact with Shay, Daniel, Rebecca, Abby, Amanda and Danny.
When did you find out you were going to be a contestant?
I found out straight from Jillian Michaels on May 8 at 4 p.m. central. It was an amazing moment. I cried!
What prompted you to apply for the show?
My wife heard that there was an open casting call for “The Biggest Loser” in Oklahoma City and she turned to her friend and said, “Sean is going to be on that show,” stone-faced. It was freaky, but she knew from the beginning. I went to the open call, they loved me, called me back and the rest is, should we say, history.
Did you have a “turning point” on the show?
Oh, yeah, a huge moment for me was being diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. Thank the Lord it has been reversed and I no longer have Type 2, but it was a massive wakeup call.
What was your favorite “challenge”?
I loved the balance beam challenge, where we got to call home when we got to third base. I just bawled like a baby; we hadn’t talked to anyone at home for weeks at that point.
What’s your favorite exercise?
Running — I can actually do it! It’s crazy; I never thought I would love running.
Favorite healthy meal to cook at home?
I love whole wheat pasta with organic tomato sauce and some great spices and ground turkey. And turkey bacon, ooooh I love turkey bacon.
What is your favorite healthy place to eat in the Tulsa area?
FreshBerry in Jenks. They post calorie content and it’s organic, real and a great place to snack in a healthy manner. Meet me there — I go there all the time.
Is there anything else you’d like to add?
If I — an overweight youth pastor and father from Jenks — can do this, then every other overweight, professional person that is a mother or father can do this as well. It is about putting things into perspective, putting your priorities in line, getting honest with yourself, making good choices and falling in love with yourself. You are so worth it, and when you work on you, you work on all those around you as well. Love yourself enough to start right now.
