by Gina Scarpa

 

This week, on The Biggest Loser, the contestants were divided up into teachers and students.  The students would not get to work out with the trainers at all and would have to take all of their cues from the teachers, who would relay information from Bob and Jillian.  Only the weight of the students would count at the end of the week for elimination.  Sam and Koli won the ability to flip one team and forced Michael to be the student after feeling like he wasn’t taking his time on the ranch seriously.  Michael and his mother Maria had a tough week and fell below the yellow line.  Maria sacrificed herself so that Michael could stay and today, spoke to RealityWanted in an exclusive interview about her decision and her experiences on the show.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: What made you decide to make a change to your life and apply for The Biggest Loser?
A. Maria: Actually, I wasn't the person to apply for The Biggest Loser.  It was my son, Michael.  He then called me to say that they required a family member as a teammate.  I originally was very hesitant because of several things.  I had many responsibilities here at home and then I watched the show and knew how difficult it would be for me.  I wasn't a very strong person physically and mentally.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: What was your reaction when you first saw Michael's weight at that first public weigh in?
A. Maria: When I saw how much Michael weighed, I was very shocked.  I thought he was close to 400 lbs. It was scary.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: You overcame your fear of water on the show. What made you decide to face it and what made you decide to trust Jillian?
A. Maria: She really didn’t give me a choice.  Jillian pulled me into the water.  I can't say that I totally overcame my fear of water that first day.   After weeks of training with a swimming instructor at home, I finally learned how to swim.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: Were you closer to Jillian as a trainer than Bob?
A. Maria: I have to say that they are both very sincere, good people.   I became close with Jillian because she became my trainer. She not only was helping me to get stronger physically and also emotionally.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: Did you take it personally when Sam and Koli decided to switch you at the weigh in so that Michael's weight counted?
A. Maria: No.  I actually thought it was better for us because Michael was losing weight more rapidly than me.  I also had a very bad week.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: Do you feel like Michael was doing everything he could in the gym or did you understand where the others were coming from?
A. Maria: I don't feel the others really had validity to saying Michael did nothing.  He did lose 10 lbs.  How many people do you know that lose double digits every week?  The others didn't.  Our bodies all work differently.  What was Melissa's excuse for gaining 1 lb and then, the next week, losing only 1lb?

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: Bob and Jillian accused the red team of throwing two weigh ins. Did you feel that there was some gameplay going on?
A. Maria: Yes.  Melissa is a big game player.  She knew what she was doing. Lance would never be involved with that scheme.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: Was it an easy choice for you to sacrifice yourself so that Michael could stay?
A. Maria: No question about it.  I went there for Michael in the first place.  I said it before, I would do anything for Michael.   He will always be my baby.  Also, he very badly needed to be on the ranch with no distractions.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: How is your weight loss going now and what are you doing to prepare for the finale?
A. Maria: I am working out daily at the gym with a personal trainer.  I will meet my goal at
the finale!

 

The Biggest Loser airs Tuesdays at 8pm ET on NBC.

 

(Image courtesy of NBC)

 

Follow Gina at twitter.com/ginascarpa

 

For more Biggest Loser links, visit SirLinksALot.net