Anyone who has ever watched reality TV is probably familiar with Jillian Michaels . She’s the tough-as-nails drill sergeant-like trainer who drives overweight contestants to their breaking point on the series “The Biggest Loser.” Now she brings her fitness philosophy to a wider audience with this interactive online program.
Like many online dieting plans, Michaels applies the three-pronged approach of identifying goals and weaknesses, eating right, and exercise. Of course, in order for this program to be effective, dieters have to summon up a hefty amount of willpower and commit to logging in regularly.
Concept
Newcomers to the Jillian Michaels program kick off their program with a personalized assessment based on activity level, body type, and personal goals. This assessment provides the basis for step-by-step instructions that are peppered with Michaels’ signature “tough love.” In addition to the typical recipes, menus, and interactive message boards, perhaps the most unique feature of this program is its focus on behavior modification.
Members are consistently reminded that weight loss is as much mental as it is physical, and are encouraged to follow the plan’s “7 Steps to Behavior Modification” in order to confront self-sabotaging behaviors.
Diet Lifestyle
Online programs like this one are most likely to appeal to those who are eager to lose weight, but are unsure of how exactly to go about it. This plan may also appeal to dieters who have always wanted a personal trainer, but, like many of us, simply can’t afford one. Membership includes a guide to cardio and weightlifting, as well as printable exercise cards, but those who are totally new to exercise might find this information a bit intimidating and hard to follow.
On a similar note, menus and recipes may be helpful to those who already have a basic understanding of nutrition, but those who are firmly entrenched in old habits may find it hard to make the transition. Without face-to-face interaction or the assistance of a supplement to curb cravings, participants may still be tempted to cheat.
Keys: Jillian Michaels Plan
1. Customized meal plan for individual body type
2. At-home exercise plan
Keys: Additional Focused Offerings
1. Fitness diary
2. Food guides
3. Message boards to find fitness buddies
Positives
• Incorporates both cardio and strength training
• Website posts testimonials with photos
• Menus and workouts are personalized for each body type
Negatives
• Does not offer specialized meal plans (such as no dairy, no meat, diabetic, etc.)
• Does not offer a telephone helpline for questions or additional instructions
• Relies on self-assessment, which may be inaccurate
• Weekly cost of $4 may add up quickly
Final Thoughts
Even dieters who have never seen Jillian Michaels in action on television may still be attracted to this program, by the promise of being “whipped into shape.” Unfortunately, unlike the contestants on The Biggest Loser, participants may not get the kind of strong discipline they actually need from the internet alone.
In general, online plans may be best suited for dieters who are already familiar with the basics of diet and exercise, but are looking for tips to help break through a plateau or shake up a routine that has grown stale. As tough as Michaels looks, there’s only so much punishment she can rain down via email.
Hi, I'm a dietitian with experience in hundreds of weight loss programs and fad diets. When forming my list of the
Jillian is awesome. She’s been my idol since i first saw her on the aussie version of biggest loser. I love sport and fitness and I totally agree with her approach to weight loss. I’m reading her book now and it’s great. I think her program is amazing; it’s not offering unrealistic results and it’s a combination of exercise, attitude and diet making it more productive. Lots of people will benefit from it, if they are willing to put in the hard work. Jillian is such a legend and good luck to her for the future….
I think Jillian and others like her show us what a healthy body should look like. Instead of all these magazines, and what you see on t.v., you see women who are too skinny, such as celebtries to whom young women model themselves after. I think any type of a program that offers a lifestyle change, that can help, is worth it. Not all programs work for all people. Everyone is motivated in different ways. Some people like myself went to a weight management Dr. to get my weight loss started,I lost 45lbs and now I am using Jillian Michaels to get my body in shape and create tone and definition.
hi jillian!!! i think you are the most amazing person ive ever seen! uve done so much for so many people and you love it. uve inspired me to start doin something and getting fit! and i now no more about myself than i did before!!! thanks so so much, i luv you your my hero…
I am going to look for this book I heard that Jillian wrote, and I only wish she would talk to the “people at home” sometimes too, I would love the chance to talk with her, it would be such a blessing to me. I wish her all the best, maybe someday I will talk to her, I can only hope.
Lisa
Jillan,
I just wanted you to know that I am interested in your program. However, I do not have the money to do the program. I work as a receptionist in front of a computer most all day and I don’t make much money. I have about 40 pounds to take off and was told that I am prediabetic. I do not want to get this. At work I have been going up/down the stairs at least 4 times a day, I square dance at least 2 times a week (if not more) but I can’t seem to take the weight off and I get bored after a couple week of doing the same thing. I have no one to push me, work out with me, or encourage me to do better, to fight harder.
Any suggestions you can give me would help.
By the way, I love “The Biggest Loser” show and try to see it each day. You and Bob do great jobs - Keep it up!! Thanks for listening. Have a great day.
Lois Rademacher
Hi Jillian,
You and Bob are the greatest trainers I’ve ever seen. You two are both butt kicking, caring people. I started my exercise program in Oct. of 2007, and I feel so much better now, than in my 30’s. I have your books, and dvd’s. I workout to your dvd’s during the week, and workout with Bob on the weekends. I just want to thank you and Bob for being the good people you are.
I LOVE the BIGGEST LOSSER I watch it every Tuesday night. I’m jealous of the contests they weigh more than me then by the time its over they weigh less than me. I am 28 years old weigh 200 pds. I have one child who is 11 years old. And he was adopted by my husband. So my husband and I have been trying for 6 years to have one but I think its due to I gained so much. And since I’ve been watching your show I’ve been excrising more and watching what I eat and I just want to THANK YOU AND EVERYONE ON THAT SHOW.