Fans of The Biggest Loser show are in for a treat, and this one will not need to be worked off on the treadmill tomorrow morning. Those who are in awe of the radical transformation of ordinary people on the acclaimed weight-loss television program can learn about the fitness plan that enabled them to achieve such dramatic results. In The Biggest Loser Fitness Program, the show’s trainers provide the highlights of the program used on The Biggest Loser campus in a clear, concise, and aesthetically pleasing new book that will inspire everyone to get up from the couch and make a change.

Since the show (and the trainers) stand for the principle that healthy eating and exercise are the key to losing weight and keeping it off, it comes as no surprise that the book does not offer any quick fixes to melt away the pounds. Rather, the book reinforces the basic principles that readers probably already know, namely, that the key to weight-loss success is to eat right, exercise, and build muscle.

What I found most inspirational (as well as entertaining) are the words of wisdom from the past contestants, since these are real people rather than members of a select group that may have access to other resources than ordinary people trying to lose weight. Again, it is not that the contestants offer any groundbreaking advice (such as first-place winner Erik Chopin’s advice to listen to music rather than watching the clock while exercising, or Lezlye Donahue’s advice to wear the right sports bra), but for some reason, when the advice comes from people who understand the struggle, it takes on a different meaning.

The exercise portion of this plan is explained in a user-friendly tone, allowing readers to master the proper form at their own pace. These written instructions are enhanced by the use of photographs of the show’s three trainers - Jillian Michaels, Kim Lyons, and Bob Harper - performing each. This visualization is as helpful a tool as the additional visualization the trainers suggest through a reminder that, through the difficult times, contestants focused on their goal to wear a particular outfit such as a lingerie, a fitted leather jacket, or favorite article of clothing that has not fit in years.

Once readers master the individual exercises, they are instructed to perform them as part of a comprehensive fitness plan. The book does a great job of taking the work out of this process by packaging the exercises into a comprehensive plan, shrinking the photographic illustrations of each exercise into wallet-sized images lined up to show the program in its entirety. The photographs also reference the original page on which the movements were introduced in the event novices need to refer back to it for further instruction.

The chapter on healthy eating fits perfectly in line with the rest of the book, presenting the simple rules on healthy eating that will likely be reminders as opposed to new information. I particularly enjoyed trainer Bob Harper’s tips on how to incorporate fast food into your diet, making small modifications to remove hundreds of calories from meals without removing the enjoyment of dining out with friends.

In short, this book does repackages much of the information that most of us have read about before. However, unlike other books that crowd the shelves designated for diet/fitness, this package is a particularly appealing one due to its photographs of the television we have grown to know and love, as well as its sprinkling of tips from people who have “been there and done that.”

The Biggest Loser Fitness Program is a great book to add to your collection, and the best news is that it is one indulgence that is entirely guilt-free.