Ranu's Reviews

Bravo

Debuts Monday, Sept. 6 at 10:15PM

Then Mondays at 10PM

Check out my interview with Jackie Warner, Jeana Keough & others from Thintervention.

I have to admit that I had no idea who the hell Jackie Warner was before I reviewed this show. She is a successful fitness guru who has been on TV, written books and is the main personal trainer on Bravo’s new show called Thintervention. Amazingly I can remember how many pounds of bacon cheeseburgers and fries make up the Eagle Deli challenge in Boston on Man v.Food, but I have no recollection of Ms. Warner’s claim to fame.

The 411

Jackie has selected eight clients to personally train for seven weeks. Now, this isn’t like Biggest Loser where all the contestants are sequestered on a ranch and one gets voted off each week—these people go home at the end of the day! After the seven weeks of training with Jackie and co-trainer Craig Ramsay, the clients are then on their own for six weeks until the final weigh in. Jackie does some major creeping and pops in on the clients at random points of the day when they are home to make sure they are practicing what she taught them.  And this show isn’t all about the physical aspect—there is even a psychologist on board to work with the clients and their food-related issues.

The Good

First off—I love the fact that nobody gets voted off. My biggest turnoff to Biggest Loser (besides the feeling of guilt I experience when I eat Chiptole while watching the show) is the fact that they send people home. Being a fellow fatty, I really feel bad for these people that get sent home after one week when they are crying out for help.  It gives me the impression that the show really doesn’t care about the person.

Thintervention is also a lot more realistic. Anybody can lose weight if they are locked up at a camp and did nothing but exercise all day, but what happens when they go home? If you watched Biggest Loser, you’ve seen when these people go home for a week—they can’t seem to resist the temptations they were removed from at the ranch.

With Thintervention, the clients are home for the entire time. Not only do they learn how to eat properly and exercise, but they apply it to their home life from day one which I believe will reduce their chances of failure once they adjust.

There is one participant on the show that is no stranger to TV (or  Bravo)—former OC Housewife, Jeana Keough. It is interesting to see the journey of a bunch of unknowns, but I found it particularly brave for a former Playboy Playmate to not only be on Thintervention, but to show the public what she looks like in just her bra and panties during the first week!

Plus some of the clients are frigging funny! There are a lot of sexual innuendos and adult humor, so don’t make the mistake I did and watch it with your young child.

Lastly, I can’t believe somebody finally got it right and is addressing the mental part of food addiction in addition to the physical workout. I’ve been on diets and I’ve worked with personal trainers—the one thing I learned—it is definitely more mental than physical. I’ve only seen one episode, but I can see that the group therapy session with Dr. Ramani is something that will benefit the clients and the trainers as well.

OK, one more last thing—I love the no-nonsense approach to the weigh in. No scale numbers randomly jumping all over the place or looks of horror from the trainers before instantly jetting away to a commercial. Simple, quick and drama free weigh-ins—thank you Thintervention.

The Not-So-Good

I’ve delayed this review for two days because I really can’t think of anything negative to say about the show. However, the only thing I will say is about the other trainer, Craig Ramsay. He doesn’t seem to say too much during the first episode. If his role doesn’t increase on the show then I don’t see the value of having him on there.

To DVR or Not to DVR

It is very apropos that Thintervention debuts on Labor Day for the simple fact that you don’t have to labor over whether or not to watch this show—it is a keeper! Out of all the reality weight-loss programs on television, Thintervention is the most realistic and entertaining—you will probably burn a few calories just by laughing at the witty commentary of the clients. Jackie Warner is back with a vengeance and be thankful that the closest she is getting to your living room is on your television screen—now drop and give her 20!

For more info and videos on Thintervention, visit Bravo’s website:

http:///www.bravotv.com/thintervention-with-jackie-warner