Facts on Jillian Michaels

Jillian Michaels may stand only 5 feet 2 inches tall, but her tough motivational style has turned her into a larger-than-life exercise and weight-loss guru. Best known for her starring role on the hit TV reality series "The Biggest Loser," Michaels has become a highly recognizable brand as she works her way into every corner of the fitness industry.

Early Years

Jillian Michaels was overweight as a child. She credits her dedicated practice of the martial arts Muay Thai and akarui-do, starting at age 14, with loss of the extra pounds, helping her become fit and inspiring her to motivate others to do the same. She holds a black belt in akarui-do. Michaels credits a tough martial arts instructor, who she refers to as the father she never had, with giving her the fighting spirit she's known for.

Confrontational Style

Jillian Michaels has been criticized for her loud, confrontational fitness training style, especially when working with the contestants on "The Biggest Loser." Michaels attributes her intense style, which includes yelling and cursing, to her extreme martial arts training and her attempt to circumvent the negative beliefs of the show's contestants, who she describes as "committing suicide by food." Michaels has said she has no empathy for the obese contestants in the grueling weight loss competition.

Controversy

An article published by the "Los Angeles Times" cast doubt on Jillian Michaels' credentials as a fitness and weight-loss expert. Her education and certifications were questioned, and she was portrayed as an actress playing the role of a fitness trainer. Michaels stepped up to counter these allegations, and claimed she holds two valid certifications, worked with sport medicine doctors and has been a trainer for 19 years. Her website bio says she holds personal training certifications from the National Exercise & Sports Trainers Association and the American Fitness Association of America, that she is certified in Kettlebell Concepts and that she holds a nutrition and wellness consultant certificate with the American Fitness Professionals Associates.

How She Stays Fit

While Jillian Michaels admits it's difficult to fit her own fitness routine into her super-busy lifestyle, she works out on a regular basis and carefully watches her diet. She works out twice on some days to make up for a missed day, and her exercise routine includes running, yoga and weight training. Vanity motivated Michaels to exercise in her earlier years, but health and quality of life are her current motivators.

Other Facts

Jillian Michaels lives in Los Angeles. She's an ambassador for the charitable organizations Stand Up 2 Cancer, the American Cancer Society and NFL Play 60. She also works with the Alliance for a Healthier Generation, an organization concerned with childhood obesity. Three of her books have been on the "New York Times" bestseller list, including "The Master Your Metabolism Cookbook," "Master Your Metabolism" and "Making the Cut." Michaels has a comprehensive online wellness program, and has made many fitness DVDs, including "30-Day Shred," "Banish Fat, Boost Metabolism," "6 Week Six-Pack" and "Shred It With Weights."