Additional Open Casting Call dates have mostly positive but some negative implications for anyone who has already applied for or is thinking of applying for The Biggest Loser. Let’s start with the negative implications of NBC opening up additional Open Casting Calls.

Negatives
If you have already applied to be cast on the show and received a call back or ‘On Camera Interview‘ then you will now have more competition for being cast on the upcoming season of show. This should just make sense since more open casting calls equal more potential contestants equal more competition.

More competition is bad for current applicants right?  Well, if competition from other potential applicants worries you then your probably not going to make it on the show anyway. The casting directors typically cast ‘Type A’ personalities and we tend to think the planet revolves around us – lol!  So actually additional Open Casting Calls are not really a negative if you’ve done a good job with your casting video or have made a great impression on the Casting Directors at an Open Casting Call.

Positives
If you have not yet applied to become a contestant on The Biggest Loser and even if you have applied but did not receive a call back,  right now may be the perfect opportunity to make a great impression. Now is the time to make an impression that stands out above everyone else. Here’s why:

A couple of years back a casting director told me that when NBC – 3-Ball schedules a late Open Casting Call they are obviously looking for additional potential contestants. But it also means they are looking for ‘specific’ people or groups of people.

For example, Casting knows what potential contestants they have. To use a card game analogy they know what cards they have in their hand. Now they just need to ’round out the deck’ so to speak with a few specific cards.

Here’s another way of saying it: Lets hypothetically supposed that NBC is casting for teams and they are missing a Mother – Daughter team. Then additional Open Casting Calls are announced. Well at those additional Open Casting Calls they are looking at everyone but specifically they are looking for a Mother – Daughter team. Make sense? In other words casting may be looking for that final piece of the casting puzzle.

An example of this was the last minute Open Casting Call in the winter of 2008. I remember the day. The weather was horrible, single digits and a snowstorm to boot. I remember that a guy flew all the way from the west coast and ended up being the very first person in line.

Well this ‘last minute’ open casting call ended up casting Mother – Daughter team, Amy and Shellay Cremins and Father – Daughter team Jerry and Colleen Skeabeck all for that upcoming Season 6. In addition Mother – Daughter team Helen Phillips and Shannon Thomas were noticed and eventually were cast for Season 7 and of course Helen ended up the eventual champion of Season 7. That means that 6, count them 6, contestants were cast from one Open Casting Call that happened to be a last second addition to the schedule.

In conclusion, if you are serious about being cast on The Biggest Loser then one of the late or recently added open casting calls could very well be your best opportunity to make it on the show. Check here for the dates of the upcoming casting calls including the one here in Michigan.

Make sure you check out my website for the newsletter andFor the whole series of articles and Casting Call tips:

Also be sure to connect with me on on Facebook and Twitter as I Tweet from the Casting Calls here in Michigan.

Lastly, if you dont get cast you can still Lose Weight Like a Biggest Loser.

Talk to you soon and remember,
There’s a Winner Within You!

Pete Thomas

Pete teaches his summer LIF2 Weight Loss Class in Ann Arbor, MI

Summer Weight Loss Series with local Biggest Loser, Pete Thomas

Originally Posted at AnnArbor.com

Whether you have 10-20 pounds to lose or 100 or more, my goal is to help you Master Your Mind, Manage Your Mouth and Multiply Your Muscles so that you can achieve and maintain your weight-loss goals.

I’m 6’5” and once upon a time I weighed 416 pounds. You don’t get that big by being shy at the dinner table! Now I still eat a ton – about 2,400 calories a day. But thank God I learned the secret to eating the same amount of food, at a fraction of the calories. What’s the secret?

Modification, Not Starvation
“Modification Not Starvation” is one of the key principles of my Lose It Fast, Lose It Forever™ program. It’s pretty simple, really. Take my typical pre-Biggest Loser breakfast:
9 slices of bacon (720 calories)
4 eggs (280 calories)
16 oz grapefruit juice (180 calories)
That’s around 1200 calories for one meal.

Now modify this meal by using 9 slices of turkey bacon, 4 servings of Egg Beaters and 16 oz of Ruby Red Crystal Light to drink, and it comes in around 320 calories. I’m eating the same amount of food but cutting 900 calories!

Take the time to learn this principle and you life will change forever!

Mike Mazurek’s story: A Major Transformation in the Making!
In our last blog post you saw images of those who’ve made a complete transformation. This week, I want to share with you a major transformation in the making! Mike Mazurek is an amazing guy who’s on his journey to transforming his life. He’s made the commitment and he’s seeing results. He even travels 2 hours each way to attend my class and boot camp. He’s on his way and we look forward to the total transformation.

My starting weight was 462. I lost 11 pounds during the first week and when I tracked my normal calorie intake (back in January), it averaged 6,200 calories a day.

Challenges that I had to overcome—First and most importantly I had to realize that I was truly worth the time that it would take to exercise. I have always made excuses that I could not go out and do anything because I did not want to leave my wife and kids at home to do so.

So I purchased an elliptical–which I broke because I weighed more than the 400 pound weight limit. Since starting the program I’ve used the Elliptical once (I finally got it fixed) but I have been doing all my workouts out on the road.

Next I had to realize that even at 460+ pounds I could actually do some exercise and how much I could do. The first step in this realization was when I did the workout at the The Biggest Loser Season 10 Episode #1 taping in Detroit. The next step was that I started to work out at home. I was so excited after Pete started talking about exercise to report to him that I was working out 30 minutes 6 days a week. Pete’s response was essentially that you need to do more. So after this reprimand and attending the first Monday workout, I decided to step it up a notch. I worked out about 1 hour and 45 minutes a day for 6 days. That week I lost 15 Pounds.

From Alma to Ann Arbor-How I ended up in Pete’s program
I have been on every program in the world it seems like—Weight Watchers, The Weigh Down Diet, Medifast (total meal replacement) and several others, most notably the U of M obesity reduction program (600 calories a day)…. They all worked to one extent or another but I never been able to change my lifestyle. I always looked at it as a diet not as a change. But eventually I always fell back.

Let’s rewind to my preparation for the season 9 Biggest Loser casting call. I emailed Pete a couple of times before the casting call, and then I met him while I was there. During our conversation we talked about several different things–including our faith and the LIF2 program. I also talked to him about coming up to Alma to teach the program.

To make a long story short— coming to Alma didn’t end up working out so I tried to just read through the manual and follow it on my own. It went well and I lost about 40 pounds over time, but I did not have any encouragement from teammates so I fell back some. (I was 485 when I started the program on my own in January). So Pete and I talked once again and decided the best approach would be for me to come Ann Arbor and take the class, build a testimony and then teach the class in the future here in Alma. So that is the process that we are working on at the moment. Building a testimony…

A Better Way
I really felt like I was down to very few options for my weight-loss. My doctor was pushing bariatric surgery very hard (too bad the surgeons will not do the surgery until you are less than 400 pounds), but I knew that there was a better way to lose weight, and this is a better way.

The LIF2 program just makes sense. In the first seven weeks I lost 49 pounds. I know that anyone can follow the principles that Pete teaches!

It’s Never Too Late
Yes, it is August, but your health and fitness goals for 2010 are STILL within your reach!

If you’re in the area and up for the challenge, join us for our workouts Saturday morning and Monday evenings. To receive information about the workouts, send us a blank e-mail, or you can check out our events on Facebook. If you have questions, please feel free to e-mail me at questions@winningman.com.

Finally, it doesn’t matter if you’ve tried to lose weight before and failed again and again. You can lose it fast and lose it forever. Take it from me, there’s a Winner Within You!

Pete Thomas is the Season 2 at-home winner of NBC’s “The Biggest Loser.” He is a full-time motivational speaker, teacher, weight-loss coach and consultant. Learn more about Pete at www.WinningMan.com.

Pete's Lose-BIG Boot Camp - Summer 2010

Summer Weight Loss Series with local Biggest Loser, Pete Thomas
Originally Posted at AnnArbor.com

Each week, you can expect a combination of inspiration and education. Each blog will focus on one key concept to help you achieve your health and fitness goals.  We’ll also bring you the personal experience of our students as they blog about their weight-loss journey.

Heart of A Champion 5k-10k

Detroit, MI – July 16, 2010 –

Join Pete Thomas from NBC’s “The Biggest Loser,” and runners from all over Michigan for the 4^th Annual “Ron Winans Heart of a Champion 5K & 10K” charity run/walk.  The race will take place on Saturday, August 14, 2010 at 8:00 a.m. at the Belle Isle Park Remick Band Shell.  The event is sponsored by The Perfecting Community Development Corporation (PCDC) in Detroit, in partnership with the American Heart Association and the Detroit Medical Center.

A trophy is awarded to the winner in each age category, and each runner to cross the finish line will receive a medal. Participants will receive free health screenings by the Detroit Medical Center, a  commemorative T-shirt and heart disease prevention material from the American Heart Association.

 “I’m pleased to be associated with this event,” states Pete Thomas.  “Running and walking improve our cardiovascular health, help to prevent heart disease, and help us to control our weight as well. The “Heart of a Champion 5k-10k”  is a perfect place to start!” 

For the avid runner, the “Ron Winans Heart of a Champion 5K & 10K” serves as a perfect training event for upcoming races—including the Crim Festival of Races and the Detroit Free Press Marathon.

Whether you walk, run or do a combination of both, Pete encourages you to come and bring your entire family to this fun fitness event.  Heart disease is preventable.  So let’s get heart-healthy together!  Registration is $20.  To find out more about the race or to register, visit http: http://www.perfectingchurch.org/ron5.

About Pete Thomas
In 2005, Pete Thomas walked away from the finale of NBC’s “The Biggest Loser”  a winner - and a loser. He won $100,000 for losing the most weight of all contestants that season. What he lost was 185 pounds in nine short months!  Five years later, Pete has kept the weight off and he’s creating other “Biggest Losers” through his teaching and coaching programs.  Pete’s amazing energy, endlessly upbeat tone and extremely positive message have transformed him into a highly skilled TV personality, teacher, certified trainer, and a much sought-after motivational speaker to groups and corporations around the country.  

Pete has appeared on ABC’s The View, The 700 Club, and eXtra as well as being featured in People Magazine, Runner’s World, TV Guide, inTouch Weekly and Real Health. In addition, Pete has completed two full triathlons, a full marathon and several half-marathons since his time on The Biggest Loser.  Pete spreads his “Winning Principles” to organizations nationwide through www.WinningMan.com.  For an interview with Pete Thomas, contact Anita Lane at 646.450.6124.

Click Here to Download a pdf of this Press Release.

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Home is Where the Heart is

The show starts off as each of the contestants return home to hero’s welcome.  The contestants weigh in again in front of their families and then Alison Sweeney magically appears on the scale and informs the contestants that surprise, surprise, there will be an annual ritual for the contestants.  The Biggest Loser Marathon.

As the contestants use different methods to prepare for the Marathon we see each and every struggle that being away from the ranch can bring.  Koli decides to re-locate to Las Vegas and Daris struggles with his eating.  Every contestant struggles with their old environment from one degree or another.

Run Forest Run!

At the Biggest Loser Marathon former contestants and family members join the final four to encourage them to make it through the entire 26.2 miles.  Only The Biggest Loser can take something as boring as a marathon and make it emotional.  Daris smokes the field and finishes in just over 4 hours.

And The Finalist Are:

At the weigh in the contestants lose the following amounts of weight in the 30 days since they last stepped on the scale

Michael loses 23 lbs

Koli loses 13 lbs

Ashley loses 18 lbs

Daris gains +2 lbs and ends up tearfully admitting that his eating struggles have sabotaged his efforts.

Daris and Koli fall below the yellow line and America will vote on which contestant will join Michael and Ashley as a finalist.  You can vote for your favorite by going to http://www.nbc.com/the-biggest-loser/vote/register.shtml

Next week we will have special behind the scenes footage from the special Live Finale of NBC’s The Biggest Loser.  It will be amazing!

Talk to you soon and remember,

There’s A Winner Within You!

Detroit, Mich. – Over a third of Americans are not just overweight, they are obese. The question is, are you ready to change your life?  If so, then here is the first courageous step you need to take. Season 10 of NBC’s hit television show “The Biggest Loser” will be visiting cities all across America and we want to see you, your friends and family all there to make this healthy change. One of our world famous trainers, either Bob Harper or Jillian Michaels, will be in each city to reveal some of the contestants who will be on season 10 of “The Biggest Loser.”

That’s not all: the selected cities will be given a fitness challenge led by either Bob or Jillian and we want as many people there as possible! It is not just about our contestants anymore, it is also about you and the millions of Americans who deserve to change their lives. Although this is not a casting call, our casting team will be there and want to hear your stories. Who knows, you just may be on a future season of the show.

Are you up for it? If so, then we’ll see you at one of the cities listed below. Make sure to wear proper work-out attire with no visible logos. You must be at least 18-years-old in order to participate in the fitness challenge. The first 300 people to show up at each city will get a Biggest Loser t-shirt! There will be a maximum occupancy so make sure to arrive on time!

*If you chose to attend this event, you need to plan on being there for at least 8 hours (eat before you come; bring healthy snacks and water).
*Leave your bags in your car or have someone watch them while you are participating. We are not responsible for your personal items.

Continue to check back for updates, locations, check-in times and more information at nbc.com/casting

Sunday, May 16, 2010
Ford World Headquarters
1 American Road
Dearborn, MI 48126
Check-in is from 6am-9am Be there ON TIME or you will not be permitted
*Look for the “BL10 Ep.1 Line Starts Here” signs

For more information on the casting call go to www.WinningMan.com. For information about the event or to schedule an interview with Pete Thomas, contact Anita at 734-363-8363 or Anita@WinningMan.com

Pete Thomas’ Before and After (& Current) Pictures & Media Kit Info

Tons of Texans

Bob Beats up The Regulars
Bob visits a local 24 Hr Fitness gym and works out the local folk. It was really neat to see him punish some regular sized folk.  I love to see him spread around!

Hotel Hell
Where do you work out when your stuck in a hotel?  In the hotel of course!  Mike, Darris and Ashley work the stairs in the hotel to make sure they get their calories burned.

That’s Bull!
At the State Fair of Texas the contestants have to corral cattle for the coveted prize of immunity.  As usual Sam and Koli combine and assure Koli immunity for the week.  They have this teamwork thing down!

Heartbreak High School
In a preview of Jillian’s upcoming show Losing It (just kidding) Jillian and Abby from Season 8 go to Maybank High School in Texas and in one of the most heart wrenching moments in the shows history. Jillian takes questions from students and one students shares how she does not think she will ever be able to be slim or live her dreams.  It is amazing how the human spirit can be crushed by the mean taunts of others and the excess weight of the flesh.  An encouraging word may be all someone needs to be re-directed toward a life of achievement. Who have you encouraged today?

Where Winners Work
With O’Neal away attending the funeral of his brother with Sunshine, five contestants were left to be pushed to limits they had never gone before. 2 Trainers. 5 Contestants.  It is almost painful to watch.  Naw. not really. I loved seeing it!

Was the Work Enough?
The contestants weigh-in at the American Airlines Center and see their old selves on the big screens. All of the contestants do great on the scale.  Except for O’Neal and Sunshine who had to miss workouts due to the funeral and ultimately both fall below the yellow line. O’Neal requests to be sent home and he is doing amazing at home.  It appears that nothing will keep him from his goals.

Next week is Makeover week.  It should be sweet!

Special kudos to the Governor of Texas, Rick Perry, who is using the Biggest Loser to try and motivate his State to lose weight.   It just makes sense to capitalize on one of the most watched shows in the world to motivate others.

You can win $10,000. just by losing weight. That’s right! We are running our own Weight Loss Challenge!  You can win $10,000.00 by grabbing some team members and signing up over at http://healthywage.com/wellness/contest/biggestloserteam

Talk to you soon and remember,

There’s A Winner Within You!

Food, Food Go Away

Stairway to Heaven
In an ode to childhood games of blocks the contestants have to build a block tower to lift them off the ground up to a metal ladder.  Once they climb the blocks to reach the ladder they then climb even higher up the ladder until they reach their colored flag.  Darius wins this challenge and also receives a 1 pound advantage at the weigh in.  ONeal stumbles and injures his knee and receives a one pound disadvantage.  The pain in his knee does not compare to the pain in his heart as ONeal receives word that his brother has passed away from cancer.

Beauty and the Beach
In a special advertising segment for Danskin and Starter, Pro Volleyball star and Model Gabrielle Reece puts the contestants through a beach workout and then a splash in the ocean.  No one mistakenly called Greenpeace.

Weigh-in Woes
In a very up and down week for the contestants Koli overcomes his calorie binge to lose 3.7% of his weight.  ONeal also has an amazing week by overcoming his knee and his hurt heart and loses 8lbs. However his daughter Sunshine falls below the yellow line with Victoria, both for the first time.

Koli chooses Victoria to be eliminated.  This is expected since she has had the least amount of time to develop relationships on the ranch and gets scolded for her work ethic.  She is looking amazing at home with her Mom Cherita who also looks great.

Next week Jillian and the contestants go to Texas to help the people of one of the most obese states in the Union to change their habits.

Talk to you soon and remember,

There’s A Winner Within You!