Bernie Salazar, a competitor on NBC's "The Biggest Loser," is visiting UNM to give a motivational speech today in Sub Ballroom C.
Salazar began the competition weighing 283 pounds. At the end, he weighed 153.
Salazar said he got his motivation from a desire to start feeling healthier.
"I was not healthy," he said. "Everyday tasks were difficult. More than anything, it was a combination of wanting to match my outside with my inside."
Shelley Rael, clinical nutritionist for UNM's Employee Health Promotion Program, said she is glad to see speakers like Salazar on campus.
"It's somebody like that who has a success story that is inspiring," she said. "It's never too late to start a lifestyle change."
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EHPP and UNM's Recreational Services collaborated this semester to help faculty and staff stay in shape. They developed a program that allows faculty and staff to
customize a fitness presentation for their departments or individual fitness tests and personal training.
Rael said she hopes the new services offered to faculty and staff will meet their fitness needs.
Ashley Fate, president of ASUNM, worked with UNM's Special Events to bring Salazar to campus. She said students and faculty need to examine their lifestyles to be as healthy as possible.
"SSE and ASUNM want to help promote a healthy lifestyle," she said. "It doesn't necessarily have to do with weight."
Salazar said college is one of the best opportunities to shape your life into what you want it to be.
"College is a moment in your life that you can really start organizing your life to the way you want it," he said. "You have to identify your goals and what direction you would like to take your life in. And don't do it drastically. I don't diet; I changed my life."
Salazar said everyone should be encouraged to accomplish their goals, whatever they may be.
"You have to set goals for yourself, continually, whether it's physical or getting a grade in a class," Salazar said.
Bernie Salazar
"The Biggest Loser" contestant
Sub Ballroom C
7:30 p.m.
