Former ‘Biggest Loser’ Trainer Talks Diabetic Fitness

By Dalia Colón -

We all need exercise, and for people with diabetes, physical activity is crucial for blood glucose control.

Problem is, an estimated 60% to 70% of diabetics suffer nerve damage called diabetic neuropathy, according to the American Diabetes Association. Symptoms include tingling, numbness and foot pain.

“Obviously, if your feet hurt you’re not going to feel like exercising,” said Kim Lyons, a nutritionist and former trainer on NBC’s The Biggest Loser.

Kim Lyons says her passion for diabetic fitness "is directly related to The Biggest Loser." (Photo: Cory Sorensen

On the weight-loss show, contestants sometimes argued to Lyons that diabetes kept them from breaking a sweat.

Her response? “Of course you can exercise. That’s why you need to exercise.”

On Saturday, Oct. 1, Lyons will be in Tampa, demonstrating options for pain-free exercise at the Taking Care of Your Diabetes Conference and Health Fair. (For registration details, click here.)

In the meantime, from her Hermosa Beach, Calif. home, Lyons shared with HealthyState.org tips on taking the physical – and let’s face it, mental – pain out of staying fit.

1. Consult your doctor. It’s always a good idea to chat with your physician before starting a workout plan. And if you suspect any possible nerve damage, tell your doc so you can discuss treatment options.

2. Give yourself a check-up from the neck up. “You can’t go into an exercise routine dreading it,” Lyons said. Instead of having a bad attitude about fitness, figure out the type of exercise you’d most enjoy. That may mean gardening instead of hitting the gym.

3. Set specific goals. “You can’t just say, ‘I’m going to exercise,’” Lyons noted. “You have to say, ‘I’m going to exercise for 20 minutes a day. On Monday I’m going to go for a bike ride.’”

3. Go easy on your feet. Rather than jogging, try water aerobics or the aforementioned bike ride.

4. Take the path of resistance. Forgo hand weights for resistance bands. Lyons says they’re light-weight, versatile, and can be used while sitting. She’ll demonstrate how at the Oct. 1 health fair.

For more advice on dealing with diabetic neuropathy, check out DiabetesPainHelp.com.

This reporter can be reached at daliacolon@wusf.org.