Bio
Jillian Michaels is an American personal trainer, reality show personality, talk show host and entrepreneur best known as one of the trainers on the reality competition television series The Biggest Loser.
Perhaps considered one of the most inspiring people on television through her role as trainer, wellness expert and life coach on her hit TV shows and regular TV appearances, Michaels has created a brand name for herself.
Every week she motivates millions in every form of media - from TV, to publishing, to the 1.6 million monthly visitors to her website and daily email newsletter.
As a motivator and role model, Michaels has a unique connection with her audience that stems from her own personal journey toward wellness.
Before becoming a big media success, Michaels struggled with her own weight. She was determined to reach her goals - and through dedication and hard work, she did.
Michaels has been a fitness expert and wellness coach for many years. In addition, she owned and operated a sports medicine facility, where she worked as a physical therapy aid under physiatrists, physical therapists and chiropractors.
Michaels' passion for fitness training originates from 17 years of martial arts practice in Muay Thai and Akarui-Do, in which she holds a black belt.
Since 1993, Michaels has held two personal training certificates from the leading certification programs in the country: the National Exercise & Sports Trainers Association (NESTA) and the Aerobics and Fitness Association of America (AFAA). In addition, she is Kettlebell Concepts certified.
Michaels has also developed a continuing education series for trainers with AFAA and holds a nutrition and wellness consultant certificate with the American Fitness Professionals and Associates (AFPA).
Books, DVDs, and video games - Michaels has them all covered. She is a New York Times best-selling author of numerous books, including Master Your Metabolism and Unlimited: How to Build an Exceptional Life.
Her DVDs are consistently top sellers, with her title Jillian Michaels Killer Abs released in September 2012.
Michaels' first comprehensive 90-day weight loss system, Jillian Michaels Body Revolution, is available in retail stores across North America, and Jillian Michaels Bodyshred, an intense group-fitness class based on Michaels' highly effective 3-2-1 interval system, is currently taught exclusively in gyms.
Michaels' web site enjoys tremendous success as a top site for people who look to her for a comprehensive online wellness program. Her popular weekly podcast, The Jillian Michaels Show, is available for free download on iTunes and was awarded the coveted iTunes Rewind award for the best new audio podcast in its first year.
Michaels brought the successful podcast to life with Daily Dose with Jillian Michaels, a fun and informative web series covering a range of topics with brand-new episodes available each week on YouTube.
Michaels has a popular iPhone app, Jillian Michaels Slim-Down Solution, available from iTunes, and also continues her partnership with ICON Health & Fitness on a line of in-home fitness equipment.
Together with BodyMedia, she developed the Jillian Michaels 360° Weight Loss Navigator to be a key tool in providing accurate data tracking, tips, motivation and other crucial information for those working to get and stay fit.
In addition, Michaels works with popchips in an effort to bring healthier snack options to the masses, and EBOOST to provide delicious, all natural ways to boost your energy.
Michaels launched her company Empowered Media, LLC with her business partner Giancarlo Chersich with the goal of creating total life solutions for people that involve all aspects of living well, including health, wellness, weight loss and overall lifestyle.
By sharing a unique and inspiring philosophy that stresses the integration of fitness, nutrition, and behavioral changes, Michaels empowers people everywhere to define and reach their personal goals, both physical and psychological.
Empowered Media allows Michaels to communicate her message of health and wellness to a large audience through numerous forms of media. The company continues to work toward its objectives with a circle of experts who collaborate with Michaels to act as life architects, helping people to restructure their lives.
Michaels lives with her family in Los Angeles. When she's not on set for TV, she enjoys traveling and getting involved in charitable activities, which include her work as an ambassador for the American Cancer Society, Stand Up 2 Cancer and NFL Play 60; as well as working with military families through the USO; her work as a champion of the Alliance for a Healthier Generation, a program dedicated to eradicating the childhood obesity epidemic in the United States; and her work with the Clinton Global Initiative.