If there's anyone who knows how to motivate, it's Jillian Michaels.
Michaels—known as one of the trainers on The Biggest Loser—will be at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University, 50 E. Congress Pkwy., Friday, May 10, at 8 p.m. as part of her "Maximize Your Life" tour. Michaels will share her keys to health, success and happiness by harnessing one's potential and kick-starting goals in order to live a better life.
However, before that appearance, Michaels agreed to answer a few questions from Windy City Times via email.
Windy City Times: How closely would you say physical and mental health are linked?
Jillian Michaels: There is no question the two go hand in hand. Your physical health is simply a reflection of what's going on internally. Stress translates to ulcers, headaches, high blood pressure. Sadness, depression, loneliness are often cause for emotional eating and obesity. The list goes on and on.
WCT: What can people expect from the "Maximize Your Life" talk?
Jillian Michaels: Of course, I will teach them the ins and outs of diet and exercise so they lose weight quickly and keep it off permanently, but more importantly they will learn how to attack their inhibitions and unleash their true potential. They will walk out with the information, tools, and skill set to help them accomplish anything in their life that they so choose. We will be working on everything from building will power and support to maximizing productivity and managing fear, worry and failure.
WCT: What's the biggest mistake people make regarding workouts?
Jillian Michaels: They lack the proper information to make their workouts effective. The key to training in ways that transform your physique without spending hours in the gym is simply a matter of strategy. I'll teach people the simple fitness techniques that will scorch calories and elevate metabolism.
WCT: What is your opinion of some of the so-called "trendy" workouts, such as Zumba and super-slow, high-intensity regimens?
Jillian Michaels: I think ultimately if you find something you love do more of it. That said, if you are looking to accelerate your results then high-intensity training is the way to go.
WCT: Some people would say that eating healthful foods 24/7 is unrealistic—especially with all the restaurants out there. What's your response to that statement?
Jillian Michaels: Of course it's unrealistic. That's why an 80/20 balance is ideal. Choose the better food 80 percent of the time, and 20 percent of the time have a slice of pizza. I just don't want anyone eating chemicals or processed crap that makes them sick as well as obese. That's why I choose brands like Unreal Candy or Newman's Own Cookies, etc.
WCT: There were teens on The Biggest Loser last season. How much do you think bullying contributes to adolescents overeating and not exercising?
Jillian Michaels: It absolutely exacerbates the problem. That's why reaching out to kids and helping them get empowered is so critical to combatting childhood obesity.
WCT: Is it safe to assume that you stood behind New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg's recent attempt to ban large containers of soda (a ban on 16-ounce containers of sugary drinks that have more than 25 calories per ounce)?
Jillian Michaels: I think he had the best of intentions, but I wouldn't pass policy that tries to control the public; I would pass policy that incentivizes them. I would try to shift subsidy dollars to vegetables, meat and dairy so healthy food was more affordable. I would require state-run organizations like hospitals, schools, etc., [to make] 10 percent of the food they provide be sourced locally, and so on.
WCT: You and your partner, Heidi, have two children. How has parenthood changed your fitness routine, and what do you plan to advise your children as they grow up?
Ha! It dramatically has impacted my previous routine, but I still get it in. Even if it isn't as long or as intense. With my kids I do my best to be a healthy role model. Limit their screen time. And positively incentivize them to make the healthier choice so good food and activity is fun and not a chore.
WCT: Would you ever do another season of the show Losing It with Jillian?
Jillian Michaels: Even if NBC would let me I simply couldn't at this stage in my life. I loved doing it, but my kids take precedence now.
WCT: On a separate note, your recent appearance on The Wendy Williams Show involved a talk about your daughter's hair. Did Wendy give you some helpful tips?
Jillian Michaels: No!! She even conceded that I was right about blowing it out while on the road!!! This white girl knows Black hair.
