'The Biggest Loser: Couples' twist revealed

Contestants train for five episodes with new trainers Brett Hoebel and Cara Castronuova before rejoining fellow contestants at 'The Biggest Loser Ranch'

The Biggest Loser Resort at Fitness Ridge plays a prominent role in this season's "The Biggest Loser: Couples," which premiered on Jan. 4. The Malibu, Calif., location, which opened its doors last summer, was revealed as the "secret location" in the show's big twist earlier this week, which offered a selection of contestants the chance to train off site with two new trainers whose identities were not initially revealed. Five teams of contestants won the chance to train at "The Biggest Loser Resort" and will re-join their fellow contestants at "The Biggest Loser Ranch" in the fifth episode this season, which airs Tuesday, Feb. 1, at 8 p.m. ET on NBC.

While at "The Biggest Loser Resort," the contestants trained as they would have at the ranch -- concentrating on cardio and weights, with a reduced calorie, low-fat diet. In the episode that aired Tuesday, Jan. 25, viewers saw a little bit of what the environment and the contestants' training sessions were like and how they, too, can achieve the results that are seen on the show.

"We were really excited to be able to partner with the show to provide a secret training location to the contestants," said Tami Clark, resort co-owner. "Our goal at The Biggest Loser Resorts is to provide the same nurturing and focused environment to our guests that contestants experience on the show, and it was great fun for our guests to actually see the show being filmed around them. Viewers will be excited to learn that they can attend the same weight loss facility as current season contestants. We are aligned with the Biggest Loser lifestyle -- focusing on fitness, nutrition, education and relaxation."

"We have been incredibly proud of The Biggest Loser Resorts and the experience they provide to their guests," said Kim Niemi, senior vice president, NBC Universal Television Consumer Products Group. "It is not easy to change the way you live and eat, but the environment and the knowledgeable staff at The Biggest Loser Resorts are a great way to kick a new health regime into gear."

About The Biggest Loser Resort

The Biggest Loser Resorts provide the most affordable, calorie-controlled, structured programs in the weight-loss spa industry. Guests experience a boot-camp style program that features incredible hiking, stimulating cardio and stretch classes, low-calorie spa cuisine and practical education on how to live a "Biggest Loser" lifestyle.

"The Biggest Loser Resort at Fitness Ridge," in Ivins, Utah, began in 2002 as collaboration between Tami Clark, Michelle Kelsch and Cameron Kelsch, three experienced entrepreneurs dedicated to health and wellness. In 2009, the resort partnered with "The Biggest Loser," incorporating the new name and joining together on other "Biggest Loser" products. The Biggest Loser Resort now offers two locations, one in majestic southern Utah, just minutes from Snow Canyon State Park, and the second set in the hills of Malibu, Calif.

For more information, visit www.biggestloserresort.com.

About "The Biggest Loser"

"The Biggest Loser" airs on Tuesdays from 8 to 10 p.m. (ET/PT). The first reality series where everybody "loses," "The Biggest Loser" challenges and encourages overweight contestants to shed pounds in a safe and recommended manner through comprehensive diet and exercise as they compete for a grand prize of $250,000. Hosted by Alison Sweeney, the series provides the contestants with challenges, temptations, weigh-ins and eliminations until the final contestant remains to claim the title of "The Biggest Loser."

Each team works out under the supervision of professional trainers Jillian Michaels and Bob Harper.

"The Biggest Loser" is a production of Reveille LLC, 25/7 Productions and 3 Ball Productions.

Beyond the U.S. where more than 100 episodes of the show have aired, "The Biggest Loser" has become a worldwide hit appearing in more than 90 countries and produced in 25 countries. Since its debut in 2004, "The Biggest Loser" has grown to become a standalone health and lifestyle brand by developing tools and products inspired by the show and approved by its doctors and experts. Anchored by the online, subscription-based extension of the show, Biggestloserclub.com, "The Biggest Loser Meal Plan," The New York Times best-selling books series, best-selling fitness DVD series, a line of appliances, fitness equipment, protein supplements and countless other health and lifestyle based products, "The Biggest Loser" consumer products program has generated more than $100 million in spending with presence at more than 25,000 major retailers to date. "The Biggest Loser" was recognized as a top brand of the year in Advertising Age's 2008 Marketing 50.