Bob Harper, the health journey after a heart attack

The biggest loser Trainer Bob Harper When he had a heart attack in February 2017, he was dangerously close to death.

The shocking fear of health seems unimaginable for Harper, who spent 18 seasons in The biggest loser Make their physical and emotional well-being a priority.

Harper revealed in his appearance on NBC in April 2017 today The last thing he remembered was to exercise with his friends and then fainted two days later and woke up in the hospital bed.

“On February 12th [2017] I was in the gym and the next thing I knew I woke up in the hospital two days later was told I had a heart attack and I immediately fell into cardiac arrest. Talk about life-changing experiences,” he told today.

Initially, the doctor gave Harper only a “6% chance” of survival. Thankfully, Harper has achieved a miraculous recovery, although seven years later, the physical impact of his heart attack was obvious when he participated in a physical challenge traitor.

Continue rolling since his heart attack to make up for Harper’s journey to health:

“Technically dead”

During occurrence Watch live with Andy Cohen April 2017, host Andy Cohen It was surprising to find that Harper “technically died” before he was resurrected by CPR.

“A piece of paper from the doctor said: ‘Cause of death: cardiac arrest.’ That was a wake-up call,” Harper pointed out.

“Identity Crisis”

Harper praised his lifelong passion for life-saving fitness, although the same passion made his recovery more challenging from an emotional perspective.

“I’ve always been such a driving and type A person, I have my daily routine, and what I love is that when all of this is taken away from me, my full fitness identity is taken away, and I’m going through an identity crisis,” Bob admitted today In 2017. “I don’t know who I am, it’s a journey for me. I’m going through my new life and having to rediscover different aspects of me. It’s really hard. It’s really exciting; I’ve experienced a lot of frustration because of it.”

Amazing support

Harper confirmed to Cohen in 2017 WWHL The plot “almost everyone” The biggest loser Contact him after a heart attack.

Personal trainer even gets amazing support from Shock Jock Howard Stern In the early stages of his recovery.

“Howard and [his wife] Beththey reached out to me. Beth is like, “You’re going to give him another heart attack!” I love him. ”

“Not a good friend”

one person Never lend a helping hand According to the coach himself, Harper was his after a heart attack The biggest loser supporting role Jillian Michaels. Harper told guardian In 2025, he and Harper are “forever partners”, although her silence “talk” when needed.

He admitted: “I don’t want Jillian Michaels to do anything else.”

The road to recovery

Special speech US Weekly In January 2018, Harper talked about “redefining what my body should look and feel” as part of his recovery.

“The gym is where I go to relieve stress. It’s where I’m happy. It’s where I’m safe. It’s where I’m social.” “And I had a heart attack in that exact place, so after that, I had to figure out who I am because in many ways, fitness really defines me.

“Thank you very much”

Harper commemorates his second anniversary in February 2019 Instagram Post, he reflects on the posts that “thank you so much” to survive.

“Two years ago today, I had a heart attack and went into a cardiac arrest,” he added. “The message I give you is to appreciate where you are in your life. No matter how hard it can be, you have the ability to change anything you want as long as you never give up.”

Talk to the heart

Harper recalls a key part of his recovery – from an emotional standpoint – literally Talk to his heart When he exercises.

“At the beginning of hot yoga, I did a pose where my arms crossed my head and I could see my heart beating. I could see it every time. I looked at it and I just went, ‘He was there,'” us In January 2020. “I’m grateful and say ‘Hey, buddy.’ I once had a doctor who wanted me to speak to my heart after my heart attack when I’ve been through so much emotional S***.”

Related: Jillian Michaels, Bob Harper’s friendship stands behind “the biggest loser”

Despite the biggest losers in collaboration, Jillian Michaels and Bob Harper have a completely different off-screen friendship – but where are they standing now? NBC was the biggest loser to premiere in 2004, followed by a group of people deemed overweight to compete for the 30-week race. The goal is to lose as many pounds as possible […]

In an introspective moment, Harper compared his 2017 cardiac arrest with his most important organ.

“I was like, ‘Why did you give up on me?’ That’s what I said,” he explained. “Imagine if you’ve ever been abandoned and he broke F*** and took him back. You have to build a relationship with him and trust him again. It’s the exact same thing. I have to start building a relationship and trust it to the gym.”

Physical loss

Harper shares his particularly vulnerable side of recovery while competing traitor In 2025. When a challenge asks contestants to drag a heavy Easter statue to the hill, Harper needs the help of his ribs to complete the task.

“It was really nice that day,” he told people In January 2025. “I’ll tell you that I’ve completely changed the way I work because of my heart attack. All I’ve done for years is yoga.”

former Celebrity Apprentice The star confirmed his hardship traitor His exercise style “certainly changed” after he returned home.

“I’m doing more challenging things 1755745250It feels really good,” he said. “But for the longest time, I no longer trust my heart. ”