January of this year, I found myself in the midst of casting for The Biggest Loser and ABC's then unnamed show (Fat March). As a woman who had completely let herself go, from being a fit and toned 150, to a massive 248, I saw the chance to be on these shows as my golden ticket. I could go away for 2-3 months, only worry about taking care of myself, leave the responsibilities of my art business, motherhood, domestic chores behind.

In my heart of hearts, I did not think that there was any other way to lose the weight I had put on in the past 7 years. So what happened? I went along in the casting process, further than many, not as far as some, but enough to make an impact. I didn't want to do it again. It was an emotional roller coaster for sure!

So, casting ends, and those folks who had formed a tight bond during the process decided to band together and create Reality of Weighting. RoW has been a blessing in and of itself, giving each of us the support of others who know exactly what we're going through, and how to help push us further than we gave eachother credit for. The friendships formed as a result are priceless.

Little by little, we're hearing more about the lucky few who have made it on Biggest Loser, and Fat March. After Steve Pfiester was announced as one of the trainers on Fat March, I started speaking with his wife, Bonnie. Bonnie has given us a glimpse into the kind of people she and Steve are, as she has spent time supporting, encouraging, and just hanging out with those of us working to do it on our own. Through her, we all felt a connection with Steve even though he was off filming the show.

Now that he's back, he's taken the time to encourage our group, respond to our questions, and aid those of us who will benefit from his knowledge. In the midst of all the pre-show chaos, the Pfiesters are taking time to make a difference for US.

I feel so blessed to have been part of this whole experience the past 6 months, and even though the show did not choose me as a marcher, I know that it has inspired me to succeed at home. I'm going to watch every Monday (I'm even tivo'ing Hell's Kitchen, just so I can watch it live), to cheer on the contestants, my friend Steve, and Lorrie Henry, the other trainer for the show who I haven't yet had the pleasure to meet.

I am thrilled that Fat March centers around WALKING! Most people can walk, it's not magic, and it proves that you don't have to have the money for a gym or fancy equipment to lose weight. Walk. Get out and move your body. It will change your life.

I also love that every time someone is voted off, the amount of money each person wins drops significantly! So cast members learn how to work as a team, since they have nothing to gain, and lots to lose by seeing people quit or leave. That side of the show will be interesting to watch, and will give all of us reality tv critics something dramatic to look forward to on the "game playing" end!

My gut (much smaller now since casting, lol), tells me that America will fall in love with Fat March, because the people involved are genuinely in it for the right reasons. You might look at Steve and think "Wow, he's hot! He must be some arrogant guy who landed this show to get famous." You'd get one out of two. Yes, he's hot. But take that away, look past the "pretty" and you've got a man who inspires people because he cares, he's empassioned by his craft, and who can see potential in those who have given up on themselves.

But don't take my word for it. Watch the show! Fat March airs on ABC Monday, August 6 at 9pm EST/ 8pm CST. I know I'll be watching, and for those who might miss an episode, I'll do a recap of each week, with interviews and such as well as the season goes along.

In the meantime, why don't you get to know Steve a little better and check out his audition video?

[youtube]http://youtube.com/watch?v=r1m0_VY-l3M[/youtube]

Carrie Falquist is an artist, mother and the group leader for www.realityofweighting.com, an online weight loss support group formed from those who tried out for Fat March and The Biggest Loser. RoW's mission is to share the word that we can all lose weight and get fit on our own