It’s almost been two weeks since I attended class taught by Jillian Michaels. While it’s starting to feel as though it didn’t really happen, parts of it are still clear in my mind and will remain so for a very long time.
I want to start this conversation off by telling you that celebrity trainers don’t necessarily impress me. I know that sounds jaded and harsh, but the truth of the matter is there are a ton of really good trainers with exercise science backgrounds that no one has ever heard of that impress me much more than a trainer with that happens to be on television or has celebrity clientele.
However, I am impressed by people who make it big in this industry of mine by working hard and inspiring people to do something out of the ordinary. There’s no doubt Jillian is one of those people.
Ecstatic and grateful to be working out with Jillian, I was also a little hesitant. I wasn’t sure if: a) I could survive & b) if it would include exercises that could cause injury (’cause lets be honest not all the exercises on The Biggest Loser look safe for someone coming off the injury list).
While waiting outside the group fitness studio at Crunch waiting for class to begin, Jillian walked down the stairs and stood in front of me. Her diva-less, friendly vibe was something I was immediately drawn to and proved to shine through even more throughout the workout and at the Shape Magazine party.
The workout BODYSHRED which will be offered at Crunch Gym’s nationwide next month (taught by Crunch instructors), is an interval style workout. The intervals which, Jillian explained at the beginning of class are composed of: 3-minutes of strength, 2-minutes of cardio, 1-minute of abs.
Jillian also explained that our workout that day would be a level 2.5-3. If you’ve ever done any of her workout videos then you know that level 3 is the hardest level. No doubt this workout was level three!
The workout itself was challenging to say the least. I couldn’t quite master a few of the exercises in the limited amount of time we were doing them in, but I worked harder in that class than I can remember working in a long time. There’s just something about Jillian that makes you want to work harder, even when she isn’t yelling.
After class Jillian was the most friendly and easy-going “star” I’ve ever met. Even when her people were saying there was no time for photographs, she started waving people over in-between her conversations to snap photos with her.
I absolutely loved the workout and I wish I could follow Jillian around all day so that when I grow up I could be just as motivational as she is (but on a non-famous scale).
{Disclaimer: I was invited to attend the class at Crunch free of charge, but was not required to write about my experiences and was only compensated in the form of being wildly motivated.}
Michelle @ Eat Move Balance says
OMG–I can’t believe you even have a picture with her! So much fun–I’m jealous.
Laura @ May Your Bobbin Always Be Full says
That is so nifty! It’s cool that you have photo with her, and even cooler to hear that she’s that friendly and easy going in person.
Jen Correa @ Mom's Gotta Run says
So exciting! I am thoroughly jealous!
Jess says
This is SO COOL!! I always wondered if she’d be as chill in real life as I’d envision her being. I LOVE that she truly seems to be after you had the chance to meet and workout with her. Totally jealous!!
Lisa S says
I agree with you the trainers who have earned an MS in Exercise Physiology/Science are usually more impressive than the celebrity trainer who uses all sorts of wacky exercise/diet plans to keep celebs skinny.
Sam @ Mom At The Barre says
We’ve talked about the issues with celeb instructor s before and I’m with you on that. Jillian Michaels seems legit though and it’s nice to hear that she’s down-to-earth as well.
Nichole says
This has to be just the coolest experience. Great photos!
I am sure your energy was way up due to just her energy in the room. Amazing!! It’s great to hear she is just as awesome in person.
Jody - Fit at 54 says
So jealous!!!!!!!!!!!!!! How fun was that! 🙂
Patty says
What an awesome experience! I love Jillian and have a bunch of her DVDS. Just recently I finished month one of her Body Revolution and really saw a difference in my arms, legs and waist. It’s great to hear she was so non-celebrity and that her workouts are the real deal.
Kayla says
So jealous, it sounds like it was an amazing experience!