The Surprising Thing I Discovered When I Lightened Up with My Kids

January 27, 2016

I am a strong believer that kids need boundaries, structure, and discipline. I’m not talking about 1950s-style ruler hitting discipline, though; it’s more that I want them to learn to buckle down and take responsibility for their own actions. As in, clean up your toys before bed every night (I’m not doing it for you). Wash your dishes after every meal (I’m not doing that…

Jillian Michaels is our January 2016 guest editor. Best known for her role as a trainer for 15 seasons on NBC’s “The Biggest Loser,” the Emmy-nominated TV personality continues to inspire people to get fit. She is the New York Times-bestselling author of several books, including Master Your Metabolism, Unlimited: How to Build an Exceptional Life, and Slim for Life: My Insider Secrets to Simple, Fast, and Lasting Weight Loss. In addition to launching a 90-day weight loss system, Jillian Michaels Body Revolution, her intensive group fitness class, Jillian Michaels Bodyshred, is taught in Crunch gyms and YMCAs throughout the United States. Currently she’s a host and judge on Spike TV’s "Sweat, Inc.," where fitness entrepreneurs go head-to-head to see who has developed America’s newest fitness program sensation. Her new show, “Just Jillian,” a docu-series focusing on her private life as she juggles motherhood, her relationship, and her business, premiers on January 19 on E!
Michaels has been a fitness expert and wellness coach for over 20 years. Her 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. She holds two personal training certificates from the leading certification programs in the country: the National Exercise & Sports Trainers Association and the Aerobics and Fitness Association of America. Through her company, Empowered Media, LLC, which she launched with her business partner Giancarlo Chersich, Michaels aims to create life solutions for people that involve all aspects of living well, including health, wellness, weight loss, and overall lifestyle.
When she's not on set or at the gym, Michaels enjoys traveling and working for charities such as the American Cancer Society, NFL Play 60, Alliance for a Healthier Generation, and the Clinton Global Initiative. She lives in Los Angeles with her partner Heidi Rhoades, and her two children, son Phoenix Michaels Rhoades, 3, and daughter Lukensia Michaels Rhoades, 5.
Photo: Don Flood