General | Registration/Participation | Bally Total Fitness® | The Television Special | Meal Plan | Fitness Plan | Past Participants |
We've received lots of questions about the Discovery Health National Body Challenge, and the following are some answers you might be looking for:
Q: What is National Body Challenge?
A: Discovery Health’s National Body Challenge is a FREE comprehensive fitness and weight-loss challenge that provides the tools and inspiration – online, on television and beyond – to get in shape, shed pounds and find the real, healthier you inside. Open to individuals, groups and families, the National Body Challenge offers the flexibility for participants to make the right choices to meet their personal nutrition and fitness goals.
Q: When is National Body Challenge?
A: Online registration opens on April 13, 2009. Participants can register for the National Body Challenge at www.discoveryhealth.com
Q: Who can join in the National Body Challenge?
A: National Body Challenge is open to individuals, families and groups aged 18 and older. Anyone between the ages of 13 and 18 must receive consent from their parents/legal guardians to proceed with registration.
Q: Does it cost anything to join?
A: Not a thing, it’s entirely FREE!
Q: What do I have to do?
A: Beginning April 13, simply go to www.discoveryhealth.com to register for the National Body Challenge. Once registered, participants will set their personal Challenge goals and create a customized plan to suit their needs.
Q: What will I get if I join National Body Challenge?
A: All registered National Body Challenge participants will receive FREE online access to our customizable meal plan, one-click weight and fitness trackers, extensive information from doctors and health & fitness experts, a free 2 week membership to Bally Total Fitness®, thousands of easy, healthy recipes, personalized fitness plans, support and advice throughout the Challenge and more.
A: The 2 week membership is available for download between April 13, 2009 and May 13, 2009 and can be redeemed between 4/13/09 and 5/11/09 and is valid for 14 consecutive days from date of redemption. To redeem Bally Total Fitness trial membership, must be a U.S. citizen at least 18, not a current member, sign guest register/release and take club tour & presentation prior to using club. No purchase necessary to redeem. Any sale or transfer of this pass is prohibited. Other club rules or restrictions may apply, see individual club for details. Memberships valid at any participating U.S. Bally Total Fitnessâ or Bally Sports ClubsSM hours and facilities may vary. For a list of participating clubs visit ballyfitness.com or discoveryhealth.com. Approximate retail value: $29 depending upon club location. Memberships not redeemable for cash. *
Q: Will I really lose weight on the National Body Challenge?
A: The National Body Challenge is designed to help you lose weight if you are currently overweight. If you are currently consuming more calories than the plan recommends, you're probably eating more than your body needs. Following the plan will help you cut back on calories and increase your physical activity, two proven ways to lose weight. Our experts have also found that journaling your meals and physical activity - have a positive affect on your overall results and we have built daily tracking into the Challenge. Individual results will vary. It is recommended to lose around 1 to 2 pounds per week, for safe, healthy, maintainable weight loss. When starting any new healthy eating and exercise regimen, weight loss may occur faster initially, but should slow to a steady, 1 to 2 lbs per week until the desired weight is achieved. If you are unsure about starting a weight-loss program, you should consult your physician or other qualified health provider before you begin the National Body Challenge.
The National Body Challenge is designed to help you and your family embrace a healthier way of living. The scale isn’t the only measure of good health. The National Body Challenge will help you move more, eat healthier and embrace habits to improve your health now, and in the long term.
Q: How long will it take for me to reach my weight goals? OR When can I expect to see results?
A: Individual results will vary. For most people who are overweight, losing 1 to 2 pounds per week is a reasonable goal. For additional information, we encourage you to seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider.
Q: Is there a National Body Challenge community support network?
A: While you are in the National Body Challenge, you will find support from an online community of expert trainers, nutritionists and your peers – successful Challengers from years past, and others giving it a go for the first time. Community is where you can connect personally with professionals and find support and information from a wide range of people going through the same experiences as you. You can find a wide range of topics in our forums, podcasts and blogs ranging from recipe exchanges, adapting your workouts from the gym to the home gym, to discussions on issues facing specific age groups and much more. Participating as a group increases motivation and provides support, both increasing your chances of successfully reaching your goals.
Q: How do I register for a community?
A: Registration for community is separate from your registration for National Body Challenge. You don’t need to register until you are ready to start posting your own messages. When you do register you will be asked to create a unique username, and password for this process. To register for a community click on the following link: https://community.discoveryhealth.com/users.pl?op=newuserform.
You will be asked to provide a username, email address and password. Please choose your username cautiously. While Community is intended to provide support, you do need to protect your privacy. Have fun and choose something that reflects your personality. Additionally, please use a valid email address, as you will be sent an email confirmation for your registration. Simply click on the link we send you via email to start posting in the National Body Challenge online community.
Remember, registering for the National Body Challenge does not ensure you are registered for Community or vice versa. We encourage you to take the steps to register for both so that you get the most out of your Challenge.
Q: Is my information confidential?
A: We value your privacy, so we keep your information private. When you register for National Body Challenge your personal information is not made available to other users. Except as described in our site’s privacy policy or at the time we request the information, we do not otherwise use, share or otherwise disclose your personally identifiable information to any third parties. We encourage you to read our privacy policy for more information.
Again, registration for our community is separate from your registration for National Body Challenge. Our online Community is HIPPA-protected, and any information you share cannot be used by insurance companies, medical providers, or anyone else. For that reason, registration for community is separate from your registration for National Body Challenge. You don’t need to register until you are ready to start posting your own messages. When you do register you will be asked to create a unique username, and password for this process
Q: Can I participate with friends or family?
We encourage group participation through our community support network. Through National Body Challenge, participants will find support from an online community of expert trainers, nutritionist and their peers. You will also find people who have been successful on the Challenge in previous years. These mentors will help you lead your group, family, or co-workers through your journey.
We’ll also provide simple online toolkits with helpful information you can use to organize a group of friends or family if you want to take the National Body Challenge together. These toolkits will be available for download and sharing when the Challenge begins on April 13, 2009.
Q: I want my whole family to participate. Will there be information geared towards their health and nutrition needs?
A: The core National Body Challenge tools were developed by experts and designed to work with adult metabolism. Parents looking to participate with their kids should first consult a pediatrician
The National Body Challenge website provides nutrition and fitness tools and information developed by experts, and is designed to be customized to the average individual age 18 and over. However, the website does include expert information geared to the whole family, providing customized information to help you motivate your entire family to change their bad habits. Specialized toolkits will help families make the small, consistent changes necessary for better health and fitness – with everything from expert advice on how to exercise with your family, to ideas on how to pack a healthy lunch box. There will also be tools for educators to teach the principles of healthy living to children of all ages. The National Body Challenge community will also feature a family fitness focused trainer, Jonathan Ross.
General | Registration/Participation | Bally Total Fitness® | The Television Special | Meal Plan | Fitness Plan | Past Participants |
A: Visit discoveryhealth.com to register FREE for the National Body Challenge. Once registered, participants will assess their Challenge goals and create a customized plan to suit their needs. Challengers are encouraged to come back daily to receive their daily meal and fitness plans, record their progress and engage with other participants in our community. Expert blogs, articles and video will help Challengers every step of the way.
Q: What will I receive once I register to participate in the National Body Challenge?
A: All registered National Body Challenge participants will receive FREE access to our online customized meal plan with over 1,000 easy to prepare recipes, personalized daily weight and activity trackers, extensive information from doctors and health & fitness experts, a free 30-day membership to Bally Total Fitness®,* an online fitness plan to meet your needs from FitTV trainer Gilad, 24/7 support from successful Challengers, a weekly information packed e-newsletter and much more.
A: As with any diet and fitness plan, we recommend that you seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider. The National Body Challenge website does offer information, tips and tools that are applicable and or adaptable to most every adult. There is also information specific to those who are pregnant or nursing while working to improve their overall health.
Q: Can I participate if I am physically disabled or have a medical condition?
A: As with any diet and fitness plan, we recommend that you seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider. The National Body Challenge website does offer information, tips and tools that are applicable and or adaptable to most every adult. There is also information specific to those who suffer from arthritis, diabetes, and other common medical conditions.
Q: Can residents outside of the U.S participate in the Challenge?
A: The National Body Challenge is designed for U.S. adult residents age 18 and older. We do encourage all adult individuals to go online to www.discoveryhealth.com to explore Discovery Health resources on health and fitness, however we are not able to expand National Body Challenge registration to residents outside of the U.S. at this time.
General | Registration/Participation | Bally Total Fitness® | The Television Special | Meal Plan | Fitness Plan | Past Participants |
Q: There is no Bally Total Fitness location near me — what do I do?
A: Discovery Health went to great lengths to make your experience with The National Body Challenge a full and rich one. If you are in an area where there is no Bally Total Fitness facility, or if you are already a Bally member and are seeking additional cross-training, you can take advantage of many fitness related benefits offered on this website. FitTV fitness expert Gilad has prepared a special National Body Challenge workout plan. In addition there are many additional fitness tips and tools.
General | Registration/Participation | Bally Total Fitness® | The Television Special | Meal Plan | Fitness Plan | Past Participants |
Q: What is the National Body Challenge television special?
A: A special airing of National Body Challenge: Twins airs Thursday, April 23 and Friday, April 24 from 8-10p e/p.
In this special four part series, revisit how four sets of identical – and overweight – twins take on their personal battles of the bulge in the quest for an all-new, healthier way of living. And, after watching be sure to jump online to get updates on how they are doing now and more of their personal stories.
Q: Are there other ways I can participate in the National Body Challenge?
A: Check discoveryhealth.com for information on the many relevant healthy lifestyle and fitness programs found on Discovery Health and Discovery Health’s sister network, FitTV.
For those with access to video on demand (VOD) services from your cable provider, there is extensive inspirational, motivational and informational programs and tips focused on nutrition, weight loss and exercise.
General | Registration/Participation | Bally Total Fitness® | The Television Special | Meal Plan | Fitness Plan | Past Participants |
Q: How much weight will I lose on the meal plan?
A: The National Body Challenge meal plan is designed to help you lose weight if you are currently overweight. For most people, losing 1 to 2 pounds per week is a safe, healthy goal. When starting any new healthy eating and exercise regimen, weight loss may occur faster initially, but should slow to a steady, 1 to 2 lbs per week until the desired weight is achieved.
Q: What is the meal plan based on?
A: The meal plan is based on the most recent 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, issued by the US Department of Health and Human Services and the US Department of Agriculture. These guidelines were determined by using the best scientifically based studies currently available. The meal plan focus is on making healthy choices, daily caloric intake, and getting the most nutrition out of the calories you consume.
The National Body Challenge Meal Plan and its recipes are developed by our content partner, EatingWell and their EatingWell Test Kitchen, overseen by Registered Dietician staff. Note: If you have special needs, food allergies, or a chronic illness, such as celiac disease, it is recommended to follow the advice of your personal physician and registered dietitian. The meal plan screens can be printed and shown to your physician or dietitian to determine if the plan would work in your situation.
Q: Can I follow the meal plan in conjunction with Weight Watchers, Jenny Craig or other diet plans?
A: This plan is designed to be a lifelong nutrition plan. If you are attempting to lose weight and are currently following another diet plan that you have had success with, then you should stick with the current plan. Research suggests that the biggest determinant of weight loss is not a specific diet, per se, but the adherence to a single plan. The National Body Challenge menus can be used to give you different ideas for meals or snacks; increasing the variety of your diet can help you obtain a myriad of nutrients that could otherwise not be obtained when limiting your food choices. You can also add your own favorite foods to the daily menu planner found in your personalized National Body Challenge tool.
Q: Can I follow the meal plan if I have special dietary needs or health concerns?
A: Discovery Health also offers Heart Healthy and Diabetes-Friendly Meal Plans, following recommendations and guidelines from both the American Heart Association and the American Diabetes Association. It is recommended to follow the advice of your personal physician and registered dietitian if you have special needs, food allergies, or a chronic illness, such as celiac disease. The meal plans can be printed and shown to your physician or dietitian to determine if the plan would work in your situation.
Q: Can my entire family follow the meal plan?
A: Establishing and maintaining healthy eating habits is important for any family. Though our meal plan was designed for adults and children from eight years and older, there are plenty of ‘kid-friendly’ recipes in our collection. Our recipes are also created in such a way to make sensible adjustments (substituting steamed carrots for steamed broccoli, for example) easy. With over 1,000 recipes, you are sure to find meals that to satisfy even the hardest to please
Q: What if I find that I only like five or six of the meal choices in the meal plan? Can I still lose weight if I just stick to those choices?
A: Research suggests that individuals fall into a certain pattern of dietary habits and typically eat similar foods on a regular basis. Moreover, studies have suggested that weight loss is often better when less variety is presented to an individual. Try to consume different colored fruits and vegetables to correspond to each of the meals you like; varying the veggies you eat is a great way to get a wide variety of important nutrients. For this year's Challenge, we offer 1,000 recipes online at www.discoveryhealth.com so we hope you will find selections that appeal to you. Additionally, you can also add your own favorite foods to the daily menu planner found in your personalized National Body Challenge tool.
Q: How is this plan different from other diet plans?
A: This plan is based on real foods and common foods. It is not a diet per se, but rather an overall healthy lifestyle plan. It is based on the most recent dietary guidelines to incorporate a variety of healthy whole foods.
Q: If I skip meals, is it okay to fill in with the snacks offered on the plan?
A: It is OK as long as you are meeting your caloric requirements and the snack foods being selected are fruits, vegetables, and other high fiber, quality foods. It is not encouraged to meet your caloric requirements by eating chips, candies, etc.
Q: Can I change my meal plan?
A: Certainly! The meal plans are customizable to adjust to your changing schedules and desires.
All of the over 1,000 recipes in the Challenge contain nutritional information to help you change meals and keep within your recommendations and health goals.
Q: Is there anything in the National Body Challenge for those of us who don’t cook?
A: We recognize that many of our Challengers are, for varying reasons, unable to prepare your own meals on a daily basis. That’s why we’ve included information and tips about eating out, grocery shopping, even fast food dining. The fact that you do not cook should not stop you from committing to healthier eating habits and we encourage you to register FREE at discoveryhealth.com for these resources.
General | Registration/Participation | Bally Total Fitness® | The Television Special | Meal Plan | Fitness Plan | Past Participants |
Q: What is the National Body Challenge Fitness Plan?
A: Our National Body Challenge Fitness Plan was custom designed by Gilad Janklowicz, National Body Challenge’s Senior Workout expert and FitTV’s fitness expert. With workouts for both beginning and intermediate exercisers, each fitness plan includes a series of 13 "Express Workouts," : 10 minutes or less, targeting different muscle groups. There are warm-up and cool-down routines to help you get the most out of the plan.
Gilad has included strengthening and fat-burning exercises to help you improve cardiovascular health, build muscle, and lose fat. You can follow along with Gilad by watching our exclusive online videos, or you can print out text versions and do the workouts where and when it is most convenient. Gilad will also be featured in a daily exercise show “Total Body Sculpt with Gilad” on the Discovery Health Channel every morning at 8 AM e/p
For those with access to video on demand (VOD) services from select cable providers, you will find Gilad’s workouts and other inspirational, motivational and informational programs and tips focused on nutrition, weight loss and exercise.
Remember to consult your personal physician before starting any fitness program.
Q: Who is Gilad?
A: Gilad Janklowicz is a renowned personal trainer, fitness advisor and FitTV fitness expert with many years experience developing fun and healthy fitness plans for people at all fitness levels. Our special National Body Challenge Fitness Plan was custom designed by Gilad for beginning and intermediate exercisers. You can follow along with Gilad by watching our exclusive videos, available only to National Body Challenge registrants at Discovery Health.com, or you can print out text versions and do the workouts where and when it is most convenient. Gilad will also be featured in a daily exercise show “Total Body Sculpt with Gilad” on Discovery Health every morning at 8 AM e/p. You may also find Gilad on demand for select cable providers. Remember to consult your personal physician before starting any fitness program.
Q: What if I don’t want to follow the National Body Challenge Fitness Plan?
A: In addition to the fitness plan, you can keep track of your own activities – like walking the dog, cycling, jogging - by using our Fitness Tracker. This will help you see how you are building strength and burning calories to meet your health and fitness goals. We have also partnered with several national fitness and wellness companies to provide special offers available exclusively for National Body Challenge. For more information on partners including, Bally Total Fitness, please visit our Partner Page.
Q: Who is Eating Well and what is their relationship with the National Body Challenge?
A: Eating Well Media Group is an award-winning national publishing company dedicated to making healthy eating fun and easy through their books, magazine and website. Eating Well's staff of board-certified nutritionists has developed healthy meal plans you can follow while you participate in the National Body Challenge. For more information about Eating Well Media Group and their publications, visit our Partner Page.
General | Registration/Participation | Bally Total Fitness® | The Television Special | Meal Plan | Fitness Plan | Past Participants |
Q: I just completed the recent 2008/2009 Challenge that ended in March. How do I participate in the April Challenge?
A: Should you want to continue and start another eight week Challenge with us, the only thing you need to do is complete your assessment again, choosing a new weight goal (and make other changes if you choose) and you should be all set. Your registration and user data from the previous Challenge is carried over so you can restart again.
Q: I took the National Body Challenge in 2007/2008. Will I need to re-register?
A: If you participated in the 2007/2008 Challenge you will need to re-register for the 2009 National Body Challenge, however, you will be able to log in using your existing username and password. You will then have the opportunity to reset your goals, select your meal and fitness plans, and take advantage of our newly updated daily trackers.
If you participated in the National Body Challenge in 2007/2008, but cannot remember or locate your log in information, we recommend starting anew and creating a new registration account.
* Bally pass terms and conditions:
Please consult your physician before making any changes to your diet or exercise program.
To redeem Bally Total Fitness trial membership, must be a U.S. citizen at least 18, not a current member, sign guest register/release and take club tour & presentation prior to using club. No purchase necessary to redeem. Any sale or transfer of this pass is prohibited. Other club rules or restrictions may apply, see individual club for details. 2-week membership available for download between 4/13/09 and 5/11/09 and can be redeemed between 4/13/09 and 5/11/09 and is valid for 14 consecutive days from date of redemption. Memberships valid at any participating U.S. Bally Total Fitnessâ or Bally Sports ClubsSM hours and facilities may vary. For a list of participating clubs visit ballyfitness.com or discoveryhealth.com. Approximate retail value: $29 depending upon club location. Memberships not redeemable for cash. *Additional charges for some services including Personal Training and Specialty Classes. Memberships must be used during the above dates only and are limited to Club where redeemed. HS-01880, HS-01328, HS-01492, HS-04198, HS-03098, HS-00416, HS-00145, HS-04210, HS-00227, HS-04646, HS02035, HS-00825, HS-00441, HS03367, HS-00537, HS-4979, HS-00442, HS-01258, HS-04234, HS-02620, HS-01626, HS-00587, HS-01515, HS-01257, 970034, 880428, 2007-0018, 880406, 20050235, 880281, 880765, 880275, 880276, 880279, 2000-0008, 970010, 880388, 880390, 880274, 2000-0060, 900035, 880607, 880273, 880401, 930044, 880417, 930043, 880429, 880105, 880269, 880416, 990035, 2000-0007, 880278, 20050169, 880404, 880280, 880606, 880389, 930045 ©2009 Bally Total Fitness Corporation.