‘The Biggest Loser’ Winner Jim DiBattista Shares How He’s Staying Fit After the Show

Jim DiBattista isn’t letting the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic get in the way of his health and fitness goals. The Philadelphia native recently walked away with the top prize on USA Network’s rebooted version of The Biggest Loser. Since returning home 144 pounds lighter — and $100,000 richer — the youth football coach has been focused on living a healthy lifestyle, he said in an interview with Showbiz Cheat Sheet. 

Jim DiBattista is doing virtual workouts and meditating

With fitness centers near him closed, DiBattista, 47, has turned to virtual workouts with a local CrossFit gym during the coronavirus lockdown. He’s also meditating every day and focusing on his diet. The situation isn’t great, he admitted, but in some ways, he says, he was better prepared than many to cope during the current crisis.   

“I was quarantined during the show,” he said. He says the lessons he learned on The Biggest Loser are also helping him right now. 

“Here’s what I learned from the show,” he said. “No matter what happens, no matter what curveball gets thrown at you, there’s something we can do every day to be healthy.”

DiBattista has truly embraced that philosophy. Since the show ended, he’s continued to lose weight. He’s now at a total loss of 160 pounds, putting him at his goal weight. The changes in his body have given him the freedom to focus on getting stronger and more muscular in a way that wasn’t possible before. 

Still, he said, he’s ready for things to get back to normal. “I’m with the rest of the world. I’m over this … I miss the gym,” he said.   

‘The Biggest Loser’ winner’s advice for staying healthy in lockdown 

DiBattista also has some advice for people who are trying to lose weight and get fit and are struggling while they’re stuck at home. 

First, he urges anyone who might be experiencing a setback to “give yourself some grace during this period.” Perfection isn’t realistic, he said, but you can start each day vowing to do your best and correct past mistakes. 

In addition shifting your mental outlook, people can take concrete steps when it comes to diet and exercise, even if their routines have changed. 

“You can control your portions. You can control what you’re eating, what you’re putting in your body. You can control your meditation,” DiBattista said. 

Getting exercise is still possible as well, though it might not be the workout you’re used to.  

“I’ve yet to see anywhere where you can’t just go outside and go for a walk,” he said. “You don’t have to go to a gym … make yourself uncomfortable an hour a day. I don’t care if you do nothing but push-ups for an hour. You’re going to get something out of that.”

The Biggest Loser is currently virtually casting for its next season. 

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