Webchat with Jillian Michaels, Monday 14 March, 9-10pm

[RachelMumsnet]

Great news for all shredders and rippers! Jillian Michaels will be back at Mumsnet HQ for a webchat on Monday (14 March) between 9 and 10pm.

Jillian is one of the world's most successful health and fitness personalities; star of Channel 4's The Biggest Loser and 15 fitness DVDs (including MN fave 30 Day Shred, as well as several best-selling books.

Come and chat to Jillian on Monday 14 March between 9 and 10pm or post a question for her in advance on this thread.

The season finale of Just Jillian is viewing next Tues (15 March) at 9pm on E! From the fitness studios to home where she makes time for children, long-time partner Heidi and caring for the animals at the family’s farm the series gives viewers an unfiltered look at the woman behind the huge empire and meet the people inside her private world who help her juggle the chaos and support her through it all. Take a sneak peek here

Jillian’s latest video Hot Body, Healthy Mommy is the perfect workout DVD for getting your body back after having a baby. She worked with renowned pregnancy fitness expert Andrea Orbeck to create three incredibly effective workouts, each focusing on a different section of your body and lasting a manageable 20 minutes. Jillian also offers basic and advanced modifications for every single move and gives special instructions to moms who've had a C-section. Hot Body, Healthy Mommy is out in the UK on 15 March.

Hi Jillian,

I have been doing 6 packs in 6 weeks in the evenings. I only managed to do it 2-3 times each week but I noticed a huge improvement on my tummy especially the upper part. I need your advice about how to improve my lower tummy.

I had c-section twice and my lower tummy is soft and wobbly. It feels like it is not responding to my exercise as much as it should due to the damaged muscle. I know I should do it 5 times a week as you suggested in the DVD but I have difficulties falling asleep if I do exercise at late hours on days when my kids go to bed late.

Thanks! You are inspirational!

Hi Jillian

I absolutely love what you do, your attitude and your DVD. Thanks - you have been life changing for me.

Pre-kids I was an increasingly disillusioned runner. Post kids, I am now stronger than ever. 20 minutes a day. I tell everyone I can about your stuff.

Most of all, as a woman, I LOVE feeling strong. I feel more powerful and in control and like I can kick ass if I need to.

Skinny and ill looking? No thanks!

Sorry - my question now.

If you could ever do stuff for us women with split stomach muscles that would be wonderful. I just adapt your core stuff as I need to for now.

Hi Jillian - I love, love, love your 30 day shred DVD! It has really worked for me in the past. I just need to motivate myself to start it again. What size weights should I be using ? Also is there a particular kind of diet I should be following to get maximum results?
I saw your beautiful children in magazine article recently, congratulations you must be so proud x

Do you have any knee friendly videos? I had awful knee issues after 30 day shred having never had any problems with my knees

Bingo wings- what can I do?! I need quick and easy if possibly...pretty please :)
Ps I have serious body and hair envy you look fab

Hi, Do you have any advice to help the beginner work through the pain of the first few days of 'shred' and keep going through the stiffness?

Every time I start I get so sore for the first few days that I am unable to do the sessions properly and so I end up feeling miserable and giving in. Can I do anything to reduce the 'stiffness'?

I'm 8 weeks postpartum after a c-section with DS2. I have been exercising since 6 weeks and can now easily do 5-8k jogging and level 1 shred. However, I've just checked for diastasis recti and I have a huge (3-4 finger) gap.

Will your new video work on this? Guess I should stop the shred till it's healed a bit. Id be pretty gutted to stop the jogging!

Hi Jillian,
Big fan of yours and also of your reality show - is a second season planned yet please? If not, who do we need to tweet / email / harass to make sure it happens?

I am turning 42 years in May. I have been trying to conceive but to no veil. what must I eat? please help.

Are you a fan of coconut milk and oil? There seems to be some confusion around saturated fats and MCTs

Hi Jillian, what exercise would you recommend to improve pelvic floor muscles? I have noticed an improvement in my core strength, combined with diet I am trying to reduce midriff and lower ab fat.

Just also wanted to say I am having great results from 30 Day Shred combined with jogging; I was waiting for my 11 year old daughter and she said I look 'narrower' now she's seen me from a distance!

Hi jillian

Haven't done the shred since having my 5 month baby and was a little nervous as have now had two cesarean sections. I went and did a buggy fit class today and I know I've overdone it (should have worked my way back slowly by doing shred again) have also been to the gym 3 days on the bounce and zumba before that. My question is how do I help my body (in particular my muscles) recuperate. I started eating healthier 4 weeks ago and am very unfit so I know I've just jumped in too fast and tried to do too much.

Anyway its back to 30 day shred soon it's a much better way to get fit for me.

Hi Jillian

Many thanks for your workouts, I'm still amazed at how easily I can fit in a 30min workout to my busy schedule, and the difference it makes to my body and to my frame of mind.

My question is:

My wrists struggle with all the push ups, table tops, plank jacks etc... Will this improve with time? I'm on day 12 of Ripped in 30 so level 2, which has a lot of plank position exercises, and my wrists are complaining somewhat.

Thank you, and keep up the good work!

Firstly just want to say THANK YOU so much for the 30 day shred - I've just started it and love it. Need to get fit for my wedding in four months and want to feel good, and I really think the shred is going to help me get there.

However I do have a question - I'm totally floundering when it comes to diet. I've tried so many different plans and none of them have worked and I've now lost sight of what healthy eating is a bit - I think all of the plans have skewed my perception a little. I know it's probably a silly question but do you have any tips or advise for starting from scratch diet wise and how to take back control of your diet?

I worry that I'm doing all the working out then hampering myself with diet. Thank you! x

Hi Jillian, I'm another massive fan. I've done shred in the past and now halfway through body revolution.
My question is-honestly-what is your average daily exercise routine?
I think your figure is amazing and have a slight delusion that mine will be the same after I've shifted a stone of flab!

Hi everyone! Super excited to join you today for our chat! Let the questions begin. Please fire away! I'll try to keep up!

@HeyMacWey

LOVE Jillian in this house - even dh does the dvd's

For various health reasons I can no longer exercise to the level I used to - dedicated shredder here - and need to keep my heart rate low - what non load bearing exercise can I do that'll keep me lean?

I'm mostly housebound and most days manage to do about 10 mins of stretching - is there anything else you'd recommend that will help me get rid of the dreaded c-section bulge?

Hi Buddy,

Not sure exactly how restricted you may be. Obviously I will tell you clear everything with your doctor. I actually just put out a dvd for mommies post partum called Hot Mommy Healthy Body. It has all the modifiers for C-section and diastasic recti. That said, can you do low impact cardio like rowing, recumbent bike etc. and Mat pilates is fantastic for helping to rehab core.

@VeronicaDinner

Personally, I just want to thank Jillian for all the encouragement to get up and achieve my fitness goals. I've been using various workouts since 2013.

I've struggled with depression, which got so bad I couldn't get out of bed this January. When I finally managed to get up, it was to stick on one of my Jillian DVDs. Every step of my recovery has been focused on eating right, getting enough sleep, and making time for myself. All with the goal of staying fit.

So thank you for all your words of encouragement. I have been listening and believing you!

Good for you Veronica! Depression can be crippling. I of course always recommend a good therapist to help with this on top of eating well and exercising. Keep up the great work!

@SwedeDreams

Any chance of a shred for grannies? My mum would love to do it but it's too hard for her- or suggestions for dvds suitable for keeping fit in your 70s?

When I first did the shred I had to walk down the stairs backwards I was in such pain. It's the only dvd I recommend as actually worth the effort!

Ha! Cute. I don't think it's necessary to do a silver sneaker shred. I worry it would be condescending to presume they are not in good shape. In fact, I have met many baby boomers who are super fit. So instead I categorize people by their fitness level as opposed to their age. And if she is a beginner I recommend her trying my Beginner Shred dvd. It's much easier than 30 day shred or Ripped In 30!

Hi Jillian, I am fairly new to the Shred, but am a massive fan of yours already. I have just completed day 25, it has been hard work, but coupled with cutting out a lot of sugar and eating healthier in general, I am seeing definite results. Have also been adding in a 30 day squat challenge for the fun hell of it. Ideally, I have around 14-18 pounds to lose, and this is helping me on my way, so thank you so much!

My question is: I find the modified movements a little too easy, but the advanced moves are too difficult for me to keep up with for the whole time. Is it better for me to do the beginners moves (and manage to keep pace with Anita), or to do the more advanced moves, but not manage as many as Natalie? For example, jumping lunges in level 3 (oh. my. god). I can manage static lunges the whole way through, a la Anita. But if I do the jumping lunges, I can manage perhaps 25 at a slower pace, compared to Natalie's 35 (just example numbers). That woman is a machine.

Thanks again, I am hoping this is putting me well on the path to being fitter, slimmer and more toned. Will definitely continue shredding once I've served my initial 30 day sentence!

@AmberNectarine

Jillian - WTF is up with those crossover push ups in Killer Body?!

Your welcome Amber. :)

I have a sneaky extra question. In Level 1 of the Shred, are you supposed to twist as far as you can during the bicycle crunches, or is the goal to make your elbows touch your knees?

@8FencingWire

Yaay! Jillian, why does the Shred kill your knees, what am I doing wrong? I ended up with tibial bruising that healed eventually, but it was not nice. I took a break and now I am back into it, 3 times a week, but already my knees have flared up!

It shouldn't. There is possibly something going on with your biomechanics. Hips out of alignment. Knees collapsing inward etc. that is compromising your form. I highly recommend seeing a physio and having them check your form and your body for imbalances that could be causing you issues.