Jillian Michaels was born in Los Angeles, California to JoAnn and Douglas McKarus and raised in nearby Santa Monica. She had a difficult childhood, being ridiculed for her short height and overweight stature. Michaels attended California State University and supported herself through school as a bartender and personal trainer. In 2002 she opened the Sky Sport and Spa in Beverly Hills.
Career
Jillian has seen a lot of success in her personal training efforts. She implements her background in Karate mixed with kickboxing, Pilates, yoga, and weight training in most of per programs. Jillian is a legitimate professional, with two certifications from the National Exercise and Sports Training Association of America as well as the Aerobics and Fitness Association of America. Jillian also holds and nutrition and wellness certification from the American Fitness Professionals and Associates.
Empowered Media
Michaels owns Empowered Media LLC under which she created Body Revolution, a workout program, and BODYSHRED, a workout class and infomercial.
Fame
Michaels has taken a lot of what she learned in the personal training world and turned them into self help books, several of which have gone on to become New York Times Best Sellers. She also hosted a famous podcast via ITunes, called the Jillian Michaels show, where she discusses her most influential personal training techniques. She even has two of her own video games; nothing can stop this woman!
The Biggest Loser
Michaels was a trainer on the show The Biggest Loser when it first came out in 2004 and stayed on the show at various points, also appearing on the Australian version of the show in 2006. She was set to make her last appearance on the show in 2011, but came back on and off up to 2016.
Michaels also started a spin off of The Biggest Loser, titled Losing It With Jillian in 2010 on NBC.
Media Attention
Michaels has obtained a lot of media attention for several lawsuits and allegations. In 2010, she was sued on four separate occasions with allegations stating that her dietary supplement The Jillian Michaels Maximum Strength Fat Burner were dangerous and not actually effective. In these cases, she denied that the allegations were true and no action was taken.
The same year fitness author James Fell released a piece in the LA times stating that Michaels is not actually a fitness trainer, but just an actress, and that her certifications had all expired. She threatened defamation charges and proved her certifications were up to date, and the LA times put out a new publication re stating and admitting to the error. No legal action was taken in this case.
Philanthropy
Although Michaels does not have her own Charitable Foundation, she is heavily involved in philanthropy through the NFL Play 60, The Client Foundation, Stand Up to Cancer, Working Wardrobes , Hope For Haiti, Sow A Seed, and Dress For Success.
Other Business Ventures
Michaels partnered with restaurant Giggles N Hugs a restaurant and child hang out environment dedicated to healthy organic foods for children.
She also started her own active wear line selling at KMART which also eventually sold footwear.
Net Worth
Jillian Michael has an estimated net worth of $14 million as of 2017. Congrats Jillian!
See below for Jillians top products and books on getting in shape and living life!
Jillian Michaels: Banish Fat Boost Metabolism
Jillian Michaels: No More Trouble Zones