by David McAlpine

She was resistant in the gym, but her trainer, Anna Kournikova, finally broke through to Debbie Lounds driving her to a 6 pound weight loss in the first week of competition. But her brash attitude and quickness to attack other players caused her team to send her packing. But this 60 year-old, Ann Arbor, Michigan resident isn't down and out, as she told RealityWanted in an exclusive interview.

Q. David, RealityWanted: Why did you apply to be on The Biggest Loser?
A. Debbie: At the beginning of this year after my third divorce I decided to take charge of my life. I stopped smoking and began eating healthier. Being a fan of the show I’d seen the phenomenal results of the contestants and thought even though I’d applied three times before, perhaps this fourth time would be the charm.  It was and I was fortunate enough to be selected as a contestant.

Q. David, RealityWanted: On the ranch, you seemed to be a little resistant--was being on the ranch at all what you expected?
A. Debbie: Not knowing what to expect when I arrived on the ranch I was open to anything which might occur. Having never exercised on a continuous basis and never having a personal trainer I really didn’t know what to expect. I knew being on the ranch and exercising would be “challenging” but not as challenging as it was. I didn’t appreciate until after I left the ranch why Anna was pushing me as she was – it was because she saw in me something I didn’t see in myself.

Q. David, RealityWanted: What was the biggest lesson you took away from your time on the show?
A. Debbie: The biggest lesson I took from the ranch was that I am an athlete! Because I raised three children by myself I knew I was a strong woman/mother – but physically strong? I never thought so until I was away from the ranch. Once I began exercising on a regular basis I realized everything I’d been told was true, I am an athlete!

Q. David, RealityWanted: What surprised you the most about being on the show?
A. Debbie: That everyone connected to the show is totally vested in seeing that every contestant succeed and excel.

Q. David, RealityWanted: What was the hardest part about being on the ranch?
A. Debbie: The pressure and stress of being away from friends and family and focusing on yourself with no distractions.

Q. David, RealityWanted: What was your first reaction when you were voted off?
A. Debbie: That I could and definitely would be able to continue what I’d learned on the ranch from home and succeed at it.

Q. David, RealityWanted: How are you keeping the weight off now?

A. Debbie: I work out 5 to 6 days a week at a cross-fit gym where I also take a spin class. I’m also given “homework” assignments by my trainer – such as walking 3 or 4 hours on one of the weekend days.

Q. David, RealityWanted: How are you training for this big marathon at the end of the season?
A. Debbie: I’m jogging/walking/riding my bike 3 to 4 hours a day at least twice a week. Going up and down the stairs both inside and outside the hospital to strength my legs.  Melissa, my trainer and the people from my job are so supportive, they’re doing all they can to encourage me in this.

The Biggest Loser airs Tuesdays at 8/7c on NBC.

(Photo courtesy of NBC)

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