This New Show Is About Being Strong, Not Losing Weight

There’s a new type of transformation happening on TV thanks to NBC. The best part? It is emphasizing getting strong instead of slim.

NBC’s STRONG (airs Thursdays at 8/7 Central) has taken 10 women and paired them up with 10 elite male fitness trainers. Together, the two-person teams compete in endurance challenges—of both the physical and mental kind—to prove to themselves that they can conquer any obstacle they face.

Think: a show that is part Extreme Weight Loss and part American Ninja Warrior. Check out the first look below to see what it is all about.

We had a chance to talk with Mahogany Roberts of the Lime Team to see why she decided to apply for STRONG, what her transformation has been like and what viewers can expect to see. Roberts is even a runner herself and she just completed her first half marathon!

What made you decide to want to join STRONG?

I wanted to join STRONG because I was looking for a way to regain control of my life, health, physical and mental strength. The past several years has been dedicated to giving me ALL to everyone but myself. This was my chance to fight my way back to the old me or a new and improved me; which in turn will bode well for my family, friends and community as a whole.

What have you learned from your time on the show?

I learned some new nutritional ideologies. I learned a lot of new fitness modalities and ways to train. I learned how to re-focus and train my mental fortitude. I realized my OWN potential for growth and greatness. And I learned how to fight through PAIN and FEAR and INSECURITIES!

What are some ways you can work with others to reach a goal?

First, I believe in encouragement as a good foundation. Focusing on the positive first is a good way to establish rapport. Next, I like to recognize strengths and weaknesses and delegate accordingly. Cooperation, respect and trust are all integral components if you want to see a goal realized. And lastly, I would like to personally give the absolute very BEST I can give every single day.

How can you push through mental and physical barriers when you are faced with a challenge that you might think is impossible?

I like to start each day out with positive affirmations. I am aware of the fear that was embedded in me at a very young age. I fight those fears on a daily basis. Countering those fears with words of affirmation in my journal, on my wall and repeated out loud are a way to combat pre-formulated mental conditioning. That being said, when I face “the Impossible” head on, I like to greet it with immediate words of affirmation. I have to “trick” my brain somehow into thinking I CAN and I WILL instead of I can’t and its impossible.

I recently completed a half marathon and as I was training for this race, I had to constantly affirm to myself the zillion benefits running has on my body. I affirmed my abilities to complete the race if I trained effectively. I trained effectively, even though I have a bum knee. I met each training session with a smile and a positive attitude. I was so excited to run the Rock ‘n’ Roll Half Marathon in my hometown with my husband and brother and community. And just like my affirmations suggested: I DID IT. I FINISHED. And I beat my training time by over 10 minutes. That was an EPIC VICTORY for me! My husband is an avid runner, marathoner and pace setter. His dream has always been that I run a race with him—and we made it happen!

You can catch Mahogany and the other competitors on NBC’s STRONG every Thursday night! 

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