Jillian Michaels is entering the building

...and she's gonna answer some of your questions! This is your chance to interface with a woman whose abs are sharp enough to shave my husband's face, who forces Biggest Loser contestants to bench press her and who can deliver a powerhouse kick like this:

Leave your Qs below in Comments and I'll be back in a week with hardcore answers.

Comments

I was curious about lengthy cardio vs. interval workouts. Is it true that short burst work outs with things like kettlebells and boxjumps will get you leaner faster than say an hour of the elliptical or steady jogging? Which is better for you body in the long term?

I am just curious what she would recommend for ongoing motivation when there aren't TV cameras and prize money involved. When I was really heavy, I was motivated to look better, feel better, and be able to walk, run, hike, etc. without dying. Now that I've lost 65 pounds, but am still 10-15 pounds over my goal, I find it hard to stay motivated. I can do all those things that I wanted to do - I'm in excellent shape, and although I WANT to lose weight, keeping motivated isn't as easy. Ummm...so really long explanation for simple question: How to stay motivated when I've already met most of my goals.

Jill:
Can you please tell me what things are that the contestants wear around their arm? Thanks Kelly

I have always had bigger arms and I am not that overweight I am 5'2" and 140 but I just cant seem to get my arms down. The people on your show do they really get their arms down by working out or do some have to end up having surger? What is the best tricep exercise? Thanks I love your show

Oh Jill...how I love to watch you whip those poor contestants into shape. But tell me - as a gal short on time & money and long on desire, what do you think are the 5 essential pieces to put into a home gym? (Free weights? Treadmill? Elliptical? Bench? Rubber bands?) Tell me please...

Maybe it's just me, but that woman both terrifies and inspires me. I feel like she could snap me in half if I didn't do what she said.

I'm curious as to what her favorite and least favorite body parts are.

I ws wondering about eating habits. I work a 12 hour night shift (5pm -5am) and am struggling to figure out when to eat and how much. Should I follow a small 6 meal plan or three meals, stopping at midnight so I don't go to bed with a full stomach.

Thanks for taking our questions!

What I'd love to know is, in a perfect world where time and money were not considerations, how much should a healthy adult exercise each day to maintain good results? Is there a point at which doing MORE will no longer be beneficial?

Jillian- I've been active all my life, playing sports, working out and coaching. I am 17 weeks pregnant with my first child-to-be and I feel fatter than a deep fried Mars bar! (sounds pretty yummy). I can't play soccer, it feels weird when I run, and I'm not sure that a yoga/pilates video can stop my legs from juicing up. Any suggestions for a workout that will keep my butt and legs in shape would be great!

PS.. if I ever make it big one day, will you be my trainer? :-)

I'd like to know what is the worst workout Jillian has ever tried and what is her new fave? How often does she change things up?

When you're short on time in the gym, what are your go to moves? How much time is enough spent on cardio , and what is a good ratio of cardio vs. strength training?

I suffer from stress incontience. What is the best way for me to get a good workout without --ya know-- wetting myself?

I love the 30 Day Shred video she released awhile back. Any more new videos in the pipeline and what kind of workouts will they include?

I could really relate to Brittany (last season) in regards to not eating enough. Working for a doctor, on the day we see patients it gets really bad - since we don't stop for lunch.

I am interested in the best snacks/light meals that have pack the most nutrition in the smallest package (i.e., cheese & crackers, etc.) - something I can eat quickly (and in between seeing patients). Celery and carrots are just so dang, well, crunchy (and loud)!

Also, my endocrinologist has advised me to eat a snack with both carbs & protein before bed (to help me sleep through the night). I am getting tired of shredded wheat cereal & skim milk. Any other ideas for a light & healthy snack to keep my blood sugar stable through the night? I do not have diabetes - but, doc thinks that because I am not eating enough during the day - my blood sugar is being affected in the middle of the night. Thanks.

I have been working out on my Bowflex and I'm using light weight and doing 30 min cardo. I haven't lost any weight.HELP!!!

YOU ARE HOT!!!! I wish that I had a Body and attitude like you. I can't stay motivated and stick with my routine

YOU ROCK JILLIAN!!!!

I have fibromyalgia, a lot of muscle and joint pain. I haven't let that stop me from losing 70 pounds; however, I do let that keep me from strength training because of the fear of not being able to walk the next day. I mostly stick with cardio (treadmill or bike). I see you boxing and kick boxing on TV and it looks like so much fun but I am too afraid to join a class in fear that I won't be able to keep up. I have no problem playing through pain, but I do have two kids and a husband and I work full time. I do have to be able to walk. :-) Do you have any suggestions? I am having a hard time getting to my final goal and I am getting frustrated.

I have been using the Body Bugg (what the contestants wear on their arms) for a couple weeks now. I can say for sure that if you're diligent it REALLY works. So does the 30 Day Shred...which I am completely obsessed with! I don't have any questions, just some major kudos for Jillian, she ROCKS! But you CAN tell her that her chair squats with v-flys make me want to punch her in the face...which is why I'm so addicted to the Shred! I love having my butt kicked!

What does YOUR diet and exercise routine consist of?

I am just curious if Jillian was ever overweight herself. This is coming from a former "fat chick" that I was years ago. If the answer is yes what made you change. If not how did she get into fitness and training. Watching the show each week motivates me to keep exercising. I see all the team members doing it and how much weight they are losing. I will watch a few minutes of Biggest Loser and exercise while watching the rest. Thanks for the motivation.

Hi jillian im a 46 year old mom and im over weight big time i just had surgery on my knee what is the best way to go about starting a diet with one good leg and one bad leg want to lose weight sick of being fat

While I don't have a question for trainer goddess Jillian Michaels (other than can she come train me, make me cry and puke? 'Cause I would totally love that.) but I wanted to say that I'm a HUGE fan and listen to her podcast every week as well as watching the show. Have the books, DVDs, etc. She's brilliant and a huge source of inspiration for me to be healthy. So, thank you Jillian! You're the best! Can't wait for the diet book!

Jillian, I sometimes hear your voice while working out telling me not to quit. Thank You! I have a question about toning and reshaping my rear. I once had stellar glutes but over the course of 7 yrs it has become, well, just big and kinda unshapely. I wanted to see what your recommendation is for lifting and reshaping my glutes. I recently purchased a lateral thigh strider (fancy term for stepper that combines motion of abductors & adductor workouts along with stepping action). Do you think this will do the job?
Thank you for being such a great inspiration and motivator for all of us!

first off, i think you are so fantastic jillian! i've been a huge fan of the show through the seasons, and you and bob are so motivational. just love yall.
my question is more about your diet...what are some consistent staples in your everyday consumption? on average, what's your caloric intake per day? and what would be a good goal for someone who works out 4-5 days/ week, 35-45 min cardio w/ 2-3 days of weight training? --to maintain, definitely not lose, weight.

thanks, keep up the awesome work and attitude!

EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Okay, that's not a question. But, OMG, LESLIE, I'm so excited! You know Jillian's totally my girl-crush...

Jillian, you are my role model, my hero, my inspiration and my personal motivator and THANK you so much. Thanks for The Biggest Loser, thanks for the Shred, thanks for the website, thanks for being so amazingly awesome to your followers, and thanks in advance for the Fitness Ultimatum, for which I cannot wait. Only you could make millions of people LOVE getting their asses kicked.

So here's the question: I desperately need to motivate my 16-year-old daughter to get fit. She's not overweight, just very unfit, eats horribly and hates physical activity. I see her starting to gain weight and I'm wondering if you have ideas or tips to get her interesting in being more active? I want her to love exercise, not just do it because she's afraid of getting fat.

And in case I didn't mention it - thanks. :-) (To Jillian and to you, Leslie!)

V.

If you only have 30 minutes at the gym, what work out, cardio/ weights or a combination will give you the most bang for your buck?

Jillian's DVDs and books are the only things that have successfully helped me lose weight. Combining those things with regular cardio, I have never been in better shape.
I love her.(haha and NOT in the creepy way. )
The only question is, when will there be more DVDs?? I need some more variety and JILLIAN is the BEST!

Jillian,

During my late teens/early twenties I was anorexic. I am 5'9" and weighed at my lowest 102lbs. During my mid-twenties I improved and kept a weight between 125-130lbs. I had always been physically active with sports and exercise. Ten years ago my grandmother died and I seemed to have put my life on hold. Since then my weight has been increasing steadily up to 200+ pounds. I am now 36 and have been receiving treatment for depression for 3 years. However, I cannot seem to find the motivation to become active again despite the desire to do so. It seems something clicks inside me that raises the fear of becoming anorexic again, even though I am overweight. What would you suggest to overcome this last hurdle?

i have diabetes,heart cond.i have manage to lose 14lbs.i walk as much as i can what can u recommend for me to cont.a healthy workout i dont't getmuchsupport my from husband & he's a diabetc,i'm 53&183lbs, you are such a great moviater. sincerely,carmen

omg, I am so excited as I also have a HUGE girl crush on Jillian! (sigh)

Does the Biggest Loser keep any stats on previous contestants? I'm curious to know if most of them have been able to keep the weight off.
do they have plans for any follow up shows?

(and how come Bob was in my area and did not stop in to say hi?!)

I am a 36yr old female. I have hypothyroidism. what is the best diet/exercise plan for me. My Dr. told me I have to work 3x more than the avg. person to lose weight due to my metabolism working sooooo slow?

Hey Jillian

First off, I just LOVE your DVD 30 day shred. Just love love love it.

Ok, I have read mostly everywhere that women should lift heavier weights with fewer reps, until failure - focusing on quality over quantity. Why then do the strength training components in 30 day shred have you do so many reps with lighter weights?

Also, is it really ok to do the video everyday, shouldn't you have rest days inbetween strength training sessions?

Thanks Jillian!

Jillian, have you ever struggled with your weight?

I have a question. I have shin splints and after starting a nice strong walk, my shins start to really hurt. How can I make this go away or make it less painful?

I just turned 30 on 9/23. I joined a gym today for the first time ever...what do I do now?!? Ive never joined a gym before. I am about 5'4 and am about 175lbs. I have an athletic build I guess...a solid girl. My goal is not to be skinny..I don't think that I am built that way anyway but I do want to be in shape.

Hi jillian. I am Julisa. I am 15 years old and i am inspired my your show the biggest loser. I am obest and I would to know how come you guys won't start a show for teens and kids that are obest? Thats my question. Because if so, I will like to be a contestant. I feel the need to lose weight because i dont wanna be fat forever;but I can't lose weight on my own. I believe with that your help, I can lose it. But with you. So please, think about this, because im really would be interested if you wanna start a show based on the idea, if not already in mind.

Hi Jilliam -
I wondered if you support the products that are advertised during every show? i.e. the Ziploc steamer bags, or the chewing gum? Or, are those products paying to be in the show - and not entirely endorsed by you, or Bob.

Thanks! :)

I AM WONDERING HOW I CAN BECOME AN CONTESTANT. I AM VERY OVERWEIGHT AND NEED MOTIVATION AND I JUST LOVE WATCHING THE BIGGEST LOSER AND JILLIAN IN ACTION. CAN YOU PLEASE LET ME KNOW HOW TO ENTER THE CONTEST. MY E-MAIL ADDRESS IS aaronharland@yahoo.com THIS WOULD BE A LIFE SAVING EVENT FOR ME. THANK YOU AND GOD BLESS YOU ALL.

I am wondering how much does the at home players have to work out to lose as much weight as they are after they go home?

My husband just can't get in the grove. What do I do? I weigh 120 he is over 200 pounds. I just lost 65 pounds. He has a bad back. He hurt it in the army. I love my husband very much and want him around. It just pisses me off that I can't get him to lose the weight. We have a Total Gym and I love to use it. He says he will. He even said he would use it if I got the room cleaned so we could put it in the other bed room. Please help, Michelle

Jillian, I have your book Making the Cut and your dvd's. I am torn between going to the gym versus doing a 20 minute workout at home. Which is better? As far as your book, you recommend about 1300 cals (5'5" 125 lbs) for my weight and height. I thought you shouldn't go under 1500 calories. If I ate only 1300 calories there is no way I could work out like I do. Should I keep my calories up to maintain my activity level or decrease my calories and stick with your twenty minute workouts, which although I love them, I feel like if I don't go to the gym and put in at least an hour, I am not accomplishing anything. I currently eat around 1600-1800 calories a day. I don't need to lose a lot of weight- maybe 5 pounds, and tone up. Your thoughts please!?!

Hi Jillian,

Here's my question: When watching the show, we see the contestants in the gym doing a vast array of exercises, but we don't see the amount of total time spent every week in the gym, or elsewhere, like in the Grand Canyon, so what amount of time is needed everyday in regards to cardio and resistance training if you need to lose 100+ lbs.

Is it based on calories in vs calories burned? For example, if you have an intake of 1600 calories a day, then you need to do enough exercise to burn 2100 calories every day, so that you burn an extra 500 calories daily, and in a week, you will have burned 3500 calories more than you took in, so you will lose one pound?

I know that seems to be simple math, but the resistance training building muscle and that speeds up metabolism, etc. gets confusing, and the need to alternate between cardio and resistance. What is the best method that you would suggest? Thanks for your help!

Hi Jillian! A friend (actually a few posters up from me - Emme) got me into the podcasts, & now I'm hooked, along with my officemates at work. We listen every day (yes, even repeats), & every time you use a Jillian Phrase, we yell "DRINK!" chug water. Our own drinking game!

I started the Couch to 5K program this summer(& am doing a 5K next week). I think that, along with your 5 disc set is what has been helping me to lose 10 pounds (22 more to go to my goal of 150 (I'm 5'8" - does this sound right?)).
But, now that running's becoming easier for me, & thus, my heart doesn't feel like exploding, am I still getting a good workout? I'd like to work up to 3 miles, 3 days a week, but as my heart gets stronger, will it be as efficient in WEIGHTLOSS (because it won't have to work as hard)?

Money's VERY limited, so a gym membership to mix it up is out of the question, at least longterm - this is why I started running! It's free!

Anyway, thanks for reading. I feel as though you've changed my life (and my boyfriend's)!

What are the contestants wearing on the arm? And where can I get one.

If I don't experience DOMS does that mean the exercise(s) weren't that effective?

I am 23 and 250 pounds mother of two. Am gaining a lot as i am depressed and all plzzzz help me get out of this plzzz reply

I AM WONDERING HOW I CAN BECOME A CONTESTANT. I AM VERY OVERWEIGHT AND NEED MOTIVATION AND I JUST LOVE WATCHING THE BIGGEST LOSER AND JILLIAN IN ACTION. CAN YOU PLEASE LET ME KNOW HOW TO ENTER THE CONTEST. MY E-MAIL ADDRESS IS easzzy1@yahoo.com THIS WOULD BE A LIFE SAVING EVENT FOR ME. THANK YOU AND GOD BLESS YOU ALL. I AM 20 YEARS OLD AND WEIGH 307 POUNDS I NEED HELP

Hi,I was wondering I have celiac disease, which if your not sure what that is I am allergic to flour,wheat,rye,MSG,oats, and barley. I have read your biggest loser diet, however i am allergic to alot of it, what can I eat?

Why not do a show with teams of millitary spouses? Maybe three teams of two for each branch.

On the show how many calories are the contestants burning daily, and how many hours are they working out for?

Wondering why no one mentions how sore they get--you know they have to---this should be one of the main things mention about losing weight with excercise

JILLIAN I JUST LOVE YOUR MILITARY WORKOUT FOR WOMEN.ON THIS SESSION I'M WITH YOU, THERE LAZY AND NOT APPRECATIING YOU.I WANT TO LET YOU KNOW I DO THEY DON'T KNOW HOW BLESS THEY ARE TO HAVE YOU.I'M HAVING A PHYSICAL ON MONDAY AND IF THE DOCTOR SAY'S THE SAME I WILL BE LOOKING FOR A WORKOUT VIDEO WITH YOU ON IT.AND JOIN THE BIGGEST LOSER ON LINE HOPEFULLY I WILL BE ABLE TO TAKE MY DREAM RUN WITH YOU UP SOME HILLS?STAY STRONG JILLIAN WATCHING YOU FROM MY T.V. LOVE ALWAYS YOUR FRIEND...BIG GIRL CARLA PAIGE WANTING TO LOOK LIKE YOU.CALL ME ANYTIME IN NORTHERN CALIFORNIA (510)485-8259.LOOKING FORWARD TO TALK TO YOU BYE.

Earlier seasons were SO much better -- there is a lot of "clutter" and repetition in this seasons 5 and 6. I think individuals competing was far more interesting. Season 6 is BORING, the contestants are dull, this used to be a very good program.

how much did you weigh before you became a trainer and how much do you weigh now why are you so mean to the people on the show dont you care about anything but yourself?why are you so cruel people on the show are not losing weight for you but for thereselves for a trainer and having been overweight yourself you should be ashamed of yourself.i for one would not want you as my trainer.to me you just piss me off the way you treat people you act like everything has to be your way you know best if you did you never would have been overweight you act like atotal bitch and people on the show are not there for you there trying to better there lives and health not give up on theres and whats important to themselves you need to lighten up i do not think you need to be a trainer on the show people do not need to put up with your abuse anymore so what if they do not meet your standerds they are there because they need to lose weight i bet if it was the other way around you would not like it either biggest loser is a great s

you shinney women make me sick you act like your better than everybody else and you write a book trying to tellpeople how to eat orhow to lose weight when you claim to be a health wellness expert so if you was overweight do you think that makes you a expert to tell people how to live there lives? i do not need you or anyone else how to live i have done fine so far oct8,08 you really pissed me off while i watched biggest loser the way you treated the people on there it is a great show and i am not going to quit watching it cause you are on iti really feel sorry for the people who has to have you for a trainer if thats what you want to call yourself do you exerices everyday and get treated like you treat them ? no you do not cause you are a expert right what ever happen to friendship,kindness,caring,people helping people out not for a buck but to just being there for support thats what these people need not someone who dont get what they want to be cruel and not understand what there going thur

why do you have to swear so much. That would turn me off. I don't feel it is necessary

Jillian I think your incrediable and just the type trainer I would need to kick my butt in shape. I am 48 and have had so much tragedy and sorrow in my life that honestly if you came into and helped me loose this weight I would do everything you told me and then some to get it off. I can do this myself as I was doing great for a while five years ago and then my world sorta fell apart and it became easy to not care about me. I need the discipline and would welcome you so if you need a 48 yr old who would love the transformation please come see me and see if you can kick this butt back in shape and make this face smile ear to ear again...............God Bless

I am 5'4" and weigh about 257lbs. I have spondylolisthesis at L5 in addition to a bulging disc in my L5. I can't walk or stand for very long without my right leg going totally numb. I can't walk very far without being in excruciating pain.

On top of this, I have carpal tunnel in both hands. It's hard to hold anything in my right hand especially. I have no insurance to help with my medical issues.

What can I do to get some excercise in? How many calories should I be eating a day?

Bob once said on the show, "No carb diets are for sedentary people." Should I try that?

I take medication for hypertension. I'm very concerned about my health; however, I find myself emotionally eating due to depression.

I would appreciate any advice.

I was wondering what is the most effective exercise to tighten and tone my stomach up after having a baby?

Hi Jillian,

I am a 26 year old female and I have just started my weight loss journey effective 10/01/08. Today is 10/13/08. I am 5'4" and my starting weight was 230. I am down to 225. I am a single mother of a 4 year old. I work full-time. When I get home I do the normal things such as getting dinner ready, dishes, household chores, and getting my child ready for bed. I usually squeeze a walk in everyday outside, but my 4 year old is in tow. So it limits the distance that I can go and the speed that I can move at. I try to work out in the evening after my son is asleep. I have been learning how to belly-dance from fitness tv channel. But I am afraid I am making too much noise & might bother the downstairs tennants. How can I maximize my workout in the late evening and focus on my abs w/o being to noisy? *Remember I can't leave the house either, b/c my child is is w/ me and its just me taking care of him. Thanks, Sarah. Vernon, NY.

Hi Jillian!
I am a 45 yr old diabetic with some medical issues. I have terrible back pain, which I know would be helped very much if I lost a lot of weight. Right now I need to lose at least 100 lbs. something I never ever thought I would be facing. Here is my problem: with the back issues I can't even stand long enough to load my darn dishwasher. I went thru several months of PT to try to strengthen my core and nothing has helped. I do have a herniated disk that doctors have said no surgery required. I am at my wits end with this. I used to be so active, I LOVE doing aerobics, kickboxing, weight training but I can't do it anymore. I do try but am only able to do about 4-5 minutes worth. Do you have any suggestions that may help? I cry about this, I feel I am a terrible role model for my teenage daughter who also is obese but I think she feels if mom can't, I don't have to. Please help me.
Thank you!
Julie

This comment is kinda for Peyton! I have been experiencing the exact same thing! totally numb right leg, cant stand, cant walk much at all. Jillian, I am the one who just posted about this! I have never heard anyone talk about the exact symptoms I have! What can we do for this? I hate having to self diagnose or tell doctors what to check for but after reading Peytons post, I believe it may be more than just a herniated disk!

Jillian,
I love watching you on the show, you are such and inspiration to all walks of life, not just those trying to lose weight. I'm 37 yrs. old, work-out 5-6 times a week and am in pretty good shape. However, for the past 3 or 4 months I have been craving sweets all of the time. I've never had a sweet tooth (chips and salsa have always been my weakness), but recently I crave cookies, candy, etc. It just came on all of a sudden. So, I was just wondering if there is any advice you could give? Thanks so much!

I am a 54 year old female, 5'2" weighing 225, way too much weight for my short body. I'm getting high blood pressure, chest pains and aches everywhere, I know I'll die if I don't fix this but just can't get started. How do you take that first step and keep going.

I am 16 and several pounds underweight. I believe that I am healthy, but am out of shape and cannot find a way to gain the weight. Is this normal, should I be concerned, and what can I do to improve my body?

I have heel spurs and a knee injury that "just needs time to heal." I've been letting them heal, but want to continue exercising. I love yoga, and spinning is my new hobby. What else can I do? Are there any weight training exercises I can do to strengthen the muscles around my knee?

HI JILLIAN,

I'm a huge Fan, Your an inspiration to me, I NEED YOUR HELP?

I'm 34yrs old, I live in Canada. In 2003 i used to weigh 105pds, i was able to eat anything and not put any weight on. Since then I have gained weight in my stomach, I now weigh 130pds. I recently moved out on my own a year ago & don't have the support system that i need. I don't like people looking at me. My friends are not supportive at all, some of them have patted my stomach & asked when the baby is due, it makes me so embarrassed. I can't hold down a job, i think the way i look at myself is part of the problem. I have given up on myself & i don't no what to do next. I would really like to start working out but i can't get the motivation to do it. I've been listening to your radio casts on Sunday mornings & i think your advice is great. I've tried to eat healthy but it's hard because when i get depressed i eat junk food..I don't know how to do calorie counting. It's my dream to meet you some day.
How do i get motivated?