Jillian Michaels' Secrets to the Strongest You Ever

Jillian Michaels catapulted to fame as the punishing trainer who got results on The Biggest Loser and Losing It with Jillian. But the 38-year-old has always been just as interested in building confidence as she has in sculpting rock-hard abs. It's no accident that her most recent book is Unlimited: How to Build an Exceptional Life. Everything Jillian tackles—including her recent gig as life adviser on The Doctors, her DVDs (such as her latest, Jillian Michaels Kickbox FastFix), and her intimate podcast—is meant to help the rest of us claim a healthier, happier life. Sitting high in the hills of Southern California, the woman who calls everybody "buddy" is surprisingly funny and self-deprecating. And, as expected, she's incredibly open, talking about her tough tween years, how she stays motivated (and how you can, too), and the dream she's fighting to make a reality.

Q: Do you see yourself as more of a life coach than a fitness trainer?
A: For years, I always thought it was hilarious that I was this fitness guru, because fitness was just a tool I utilized to help people improve their confidence. For me, it's never been about fitness. It's always been about helping to empower people.

Q: What is the connection between physical fitness and self-confidence?
A: I've always believed fitness is an entry point to help you build that happier, healthier life. When your health is strong, you're capable of taking risks. You'll feel more confident to ask for the promotion. You'll have more energy to be a better mom. You'll feel more deserving of love.

Q: What inspires you to take care of your own body?
A: That comes from me. You can look for external sources of motivation and that can catalyze a change, but it won't sustain one. It has to be from an internal desire. You have to ask, "Why do I want this?" I want to be around for a family, and to feel good about my body. I want to set an example. My number-one piece of advice is: Look inside and find out what your "why" is. I don't care whose butt you've posted on the screen of your treadmill.


Q: Did you ever post a butt on the treadmill?
A: I always thought Madonna was awesome, and I still do. I remember Linda Hamilton in Terminator 2, and just thinking, Really? That scene opens up and she's just banging out pull-ups, and I remember thinking, That's awesome.

Q: What other tips do you have for staying motivated?
A: When it comes to your "why," write it down and put it everywhere—in your car, on your phone. Remind yourself constantly why you're doing what you're doing. Then remove any sort of temptation. Build a support system, whether it's a workout buddy or a mom from day care, so you have that person to call when you have a moment of weakness.

Q: Can anyone get motivated? Are there impossible cases?
A: Lazy doesn't exist. Lazy is a symptom of something else. The person who can't get up off their butt is just a person who's depressed. It's usually a pervasive lack of self-worth, or a feeling of helplessness. That's why fitness is so important. You have the ability to show somebody what she's capable of very quickly.