UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- Chris Powell, host of the ABC television show "Extreme Makeover: Weight Loss Edition," will give a presentation about his experiences helping to motivate people to overcome obstacles in their lives at 7 p.m. on Feb. 5, in Eisenhower Auditorium on the Penn State University Park campus. Tickets for the event, which is hosted by the Penn State Kinesiology Club, are free and available at the HUB-Robesen Center, the Bryce Jordan Center or the State Theater. Tickets also are available at the Eisenhower Auditorium box office and will be available at that location prior to the show until all tickets have been distributed.
Powell is the trainer and transformation specialist on ABC's "Extreme Makeover: Weight Loss Edition," which debuted as the number one television show in May 2011. Throughout the show's first season, he traveled the country producing a documentary-style series in which he used his innovative techniques, education and expertise to guide extremely overweight individuals as they shed hundreds of pounds over the course of a year. "Extreme Makeover: Weight Loss Edition" will return to ABC for a second season starting June 3.
The show's popularity and the success of its participants largely are due to the unparalleled dedication to which Powell shows the participants, each of whom receives a full health screen so that they can understand the impact their weight, diet and lack of activity is having on their lives now and what it will mean in the future. Powell moves in with each participant for three months, helping him or her learn how to develop new habits and lifestyles, as well as identifying challenges and helping him or her learn to overcome those obstacles. After the first three months, Powell continues to work with the participants from a distance, letting them take control of their new, healthier lives. Powell's greatest strength is helping people understand that they can make positive changes and empowering them to improve their lives.
Powell holds a degree in exercise science, with concentrations in biomechanics and physiology. He also is a certified strength and conditioning specialist (CSCS). He has appeared on "The Oprah Winfrey Show," "20/20" and "The View." He is a regular contributor to "Good Morning America" and "The Doctor Oz Show."
The Penn State Kinesiology Club provides undergraduate students with a forum for participating in extracurricular activities, including leadership opportunities, hands-on experiences, networking seminars, certification programs, physical activity and educational sessions, all while promoting professional responsibility among its members.