In the midst of the reality television boom, a curious show, “The Biggest Loser” premiered. The show was a new concept which was an unscripted compelling weight-loss challenge drama. It was in this backdrop, American television audiences were drawn to the tough talking fitness dominatrix, Jillian Michaels. Today, Michaels is the “face” of fitness with a host of self-help and fitness DVDs, shows, books, and even a video game. However, with all this press, few know how Jillian became the biggest winner in the fitness game!
On February 18, 1974, Jillian Michael was born in Los Angeles, California. Her mother, Jo Ann McKarus, at student at the time, studied English and her father was a personal injury attorney. Her mother was naturally thin and her father, struggled with weight issues. When Jillian was a teen, her parents separated. Soon thereafter, young Jillian topped the scales at 175 pounds. During the time of her parents separation and eventual divorce, she felt abandoned and during visits with her father, food became the way she bonded with him.
While little is known in the media about her early years, but her mother Jo Ann McKarus had a great deal of influence on her. McKarus, now a psychotherapist, believed that people combat the quiet desperation of life through self growth and awareness. Clearly, this philosophy influenced and continues to influence Jillian, today.
Seeing her daughter’s unhealthy habits, her mother enrolled Jillian into marital arts classes and this forever changed her life. By 14, she was no longer overweight and the classes were the catalyst that changed her life. And, she was motivated to help others lose weight.
The 5′ 2″ Jillian continued in martial arts which she believes helped her understand the importance of discipline, focus and intensity. She ultimately obtained black belts in Akarui-Do and Muay Thai and her personal training certifications. Jillian demanded as much from her clients as she did herself. Jillian’s fitness regimes included a mix of exercises including weight training, kickboxing and pilates. She also promoted the importance of diet.
By 2004, Jillian Michaels was chosen to be one of two personal trainers for the new reality show, “The Biggest Loser.” On the show, Jillian would motivate the contestants to push themselves. She had been known to make contestants carry her like a human backpack. As the Biggest Loser completes its fifth year and tenth season, the show has seen change. Jillian left the American version of the show for a few seasons, but returned to lead the show’s Black team.
Jillian Michaels is the most familiar face from “The Biggest Loser” and has clearly overcome many personal obstacles. Her personal philosophies of self motivation and hard work have made her an international celebrity and role model of those who want to transform themselves into healthier and happier people.
If you are interested in learning more about Jillian Michaels, check out the following websites:
http://www.jillianmichaels.org/jillian-michaels-biography.php
http://www.time.com/time/arts/article/0,8599,1897204,00.html
http://www.jillianmichaels.com/lose-weight/wellness-team-blogs/Jo-Ann-McKarus.aspx
http://www.jillianmichaels.com/meet-jillian/bio-about.aspx
http://www.fattyweightloss.com/jillian-michaels/
