Bob Harper, renowned fitness trainer and television personality, recently opened up about a pivotal moment during the filming of Peacock’s reality show, “The Traitors,” that significantly impacted his ongoing recovery from a near-fatal heart attack in 2017.
Harper, who suffered a “widowmaker” heart attack at the age of 51, a blockage in the main artery of the heart, has since drastically altered his workout routine, primarily focusing on yoga. However, a physically demanding challenge on “The Traitors” forced him to confront his physical limitations and re-evaluate his approach to fitness.
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In the fourth episode of season 3, contestants were tasked with carrying heavy replica Easter Island statues up a steep hill. Harper found himself struggling and requiring assistance from his fellow competitors. This experience, he confessed, was emotionally challenging and brought to light the lingering effects of his heart attack. He admitted to People magazine, “That day really f—– me up.” He explained that he had lost trust in his heart and avoided pushing himself physically for fear of another cardiac event.
Following the challenging mission, Harper realized the need to modify his approach to exercise. He has since incorporated more challenging workouts, marking a significant step in his physical and mental recovery. “Since ‘Traitors’ and since that day, I have definitely changed the way I work out and I’m doing a lot more challenging things, which feels really good,” he stated.
Fellow “Traitors” contestant and former “Big Brother” star, Britney Haynes, provided much-needed comic relief during the strenuous task. Haynes jokingly suggested that Harper fake another heart attack to avoid the challenge, a moment that initially masked the deeper emotional significance of the experience for Harper.
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Haynes later acknowledged that watching the episode provided a new perspective on the event. She realized the profound impact of the challenge on Harper’s journey to redefine himself after his heart attack. “[It] made me have a different appreciation for what was happening in the moment,” Haynes remarked.
Harper, who was ultimately eliminated from “The Traitors,” previously discussed the emotional toll of his heart attack, including battling depression and an identity crisis. He questioned his sense of self without the ability to push himself to physical extremes.
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In his book, “The Super Carb Diet,” published in 2017, Harper chronicled his experience, detailing the emotional struggles and his path to recovery. He emphasized the importance of focusing on what truly matters: friends, family, and finding happiness. The experience on “The Traitors” served as a powerful reminder of his ongoing journey and his resilience in the face of adversity.
