Jillian Michaels

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.