Jillian Michaels is a fitness icon, known for her motivational television shows and fitness programs. With her show Losing It With Jillian and her fitness video game Jillian Michaels: Fitness Ultimatum 2011 for the Wii, she’s constantly inspiring people to take control of their health. But why wait for a fitness game when you can start now? Here are 10 of Jillian Michaels’ best fitness tips to help you get in shape and achieve your fitness goals:
1. Exercise is More Than Just Toning
“Exercise does more than just tone your body; it boosts self-esteem, improves mood, and revs up metabolism. So suck it up and get moving!”
Jillian emphasizes that exercise impacts your mind and body in positive ways, not just physical appearance. It’s about feeling better mentally and physically.
2. Increase Workout Intensity for Stubborn Pounds
“If you are looking to shed those last stubborn pounds, you need to increase the intensity of your workouts. Try working at 85% of your Maximum Heart Rate for optimal results.”
Pushing your body to work harder can help burn those difficult-to-lose last few pounds. Keep your intensity high for effective fat loss.
3. Switch Up Your Routine
“Getting bored with that same old exercise routine? Chances are your body is too. It’s probably time to switch things up if you want to continue seeing results.”
Variety is the key to consistent progress. If your routine has gotten stale, your body may no longer be challenged. Mix it up to prevent plateaus.
4. Focus on Proper Form
“Using proper form when working out is the key to getting the results you want and preventing injuries. Think quality over quantity. Take the time to perfect your form in order to get the results you want and keep your body healthy and strong.”
Maintaining correct form ensures that you’re targeting the right muscles and protecting your body from injury.
5. Don’t Exercise on an Empty Stomach
“Do not exercise on an empty stomach. This way you’ll have energy during your workouts and you will burn fat instead of muscle.”
Make sure you fuel your body before a workout to have enough energy and avoid muscle loss.
6. Start Slowly, Build Gradually
“Don’t overdo it. When starting out, consult your physician. Work to beginner/intermediate levels. Stay at around 70% of your MHR. In a couple of weeks, as you become stronger and more fit, begin to up your intensity for the best results.”
Jillian advises easing into your fitness routine, especially if you’re a beginner. Increase intensity gradually as you become fitter to avoid burnout or injury.
7. Try Circuit Training
“For results fast, try circuit training. This is an exercise technique that utilizes a series of moves in swift succession with no rest in between. For example: push-ups into squats followed by jumping jacks. This method allows your workouts to strengthen while burning fat at the same time.”
Circuit training combines strength and cardio, helping you burn fat and build muscle efficiently.
8. Incorporate HIIT
“To ramp up your fitness regimen, try incorporating a technique called HIIT or High-Intensity Interval Training. This simply means working short bouts (30 seconds, 60 seconds, 90 seconds, 2 minutes) of cardio into your strength training routine.”
HIIT involves alternating short, intense bursts of exercise with periods of rest or lower-intensity exercise, making it an efficient fat-burning method.
9. Six-Pack Abs Come From Fat Loss, Not Crunches
“Six-pack abs are not about crunches. You simply CANNOT spot reduce fat. The best way to get a washboard tummy is by burning the fat off on top of the muscle with a combination of diet, cardio, and overall resistance training.”
Jillian reminds us that flat abs come from reducing overall body fat, not just doing abdominal exercises.
10. Don’t Hold on to the Treadmill
“When you are on the treadmill don’t hold on. If you hold on while walking or jogging, it decreases the intensity, thus decreasing your calorie burn by up to 24%.”
Let go of the treadmill handles to get the most out of your cardio and maximize your calorie burn.
By following these tips from Jillian Michaels, you can make your workouts more effective, prevent injuries, and keep your fitness journey exciting. Start applying these strategies today, and you’ll be well on your way to reaching your health and fitness goals!