It’s been a little more than two years since we first met Brittany Aberle; she was one of the contestants on Biggest Loser 5, the first Couples season. Just 22-years-old at the time, Brittany had joined Biggest Loser weighing 221 pounds and ready to shed that weight to become, what she called, “steamy hot!”. She spent twelve weeks at the ranch, competing with teammate Bernie Salazar, who she would form a close-knit sibling-like relationship with.
Brittany’s story on the Biggest Loser showed one of the most realistic glimpses of weight loss the show has had. She averaged a two-pound loss each week; while a healthy and recommended average for those at home, it was nothing compared to what her competitors were posting. She called the experience “traumatizing,” as she said throughout the rigorous workouts she would change shirts that were drenched in more sweat than she was losing on the scale. Working with trainer Jillian Michaels, they were able to identify that Brittany had PCOS, a hormonal imbalance that was preventing her weight loss.
Now, Brittany is back in the gym at the Biggest Loser Resort, where she’ll be for a three-week stay. It’s always curious to hear that these weight loss super stars are back at a weight loss camp, and Brittany admits that the maintenance has been the hardest part. And maybe harder in Brittany’s case, as her mysterious inability to lose weight continued. Just weeks ago she finally went back to the doctors for more blood work to see if they could identify any other issues, and they did. This time, insulin resistance is the culprit. Brittany reminds that insulin has a huge influence on digestion and fueling the body. She’s now on medication and says after just one week at the Biggest Loser Resort she posted an eight-pound weight loss, her highest one-week loss since her first week on the Biggest Loser ranch. With relief in her voice she says they finally found an answer, and admits to hugging the trainers at the resort!
Many a Biggest Loser contestant has spent time at the Biggest Loser Resort in Ivins, UT and they all tend to echo what Brittany says, “It’s nothing compared to the ranch, but it’s the closest thing to it.” Plus, there’s no drama! She says the experience is very different in that one is being filmed for a TV show, so you need the results to stay. She’d spend two hours working out with Michaels, get a 20-minute break to eat and then get back to it.
Brittany calls the Resort “more sustainable to living the rest of your life,” saying the program is very professional with a clear routine and schedule each day. Each day’s schedule starts at 6:00 a.m. and goes through 7:00 p.m., and includes three meals prepared by nutritionists and chefs. Then the rest of the day is filled with fitness classes, picturesque hikes and other nutritional classes. Brittany says these are so important, because it teaches the things the “majority of Americans don’t pay attention to,” like counting calories and reading labels.
Brittany says she “hasn’t worked out like this in two years,” as she approaches the two-year anniversary of her Biggest Loser Season 5 Finale. After this, she eludes to having a few things up her sleeve. Possibly more traveling, something Brittany has spent a lot of time doing in the past couple of years, with visits to places including Greece, Switzerland and Prague.
It might interest some fans to know that she and Bernie are still good friends; in fact, they’re about to be cousins-in-law. This summer Bernie is marrying Brittany’s cousin and you can tell she’s thrilled to be able to call this long-time pillar of support family.
Keep up with Brittany on Facebook and Twitter.
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