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'Biggest Loser' guru seeks to inspire

Few fitness personalities have skyrocketed to such celebrity status as Jillian Michaels, the female trainer extraordinaire known for her rock-hard abs and in-your-face rants on NBC's reality weight loss show "The Biggest Loser."

Michaels' steely confidence and tough persona have served her well. As one of the show's original trainers, she has motivated millions to shed unspeakable amounts of weight, right along with the TV contestants. And what wasn't accomplished with the show was easily achieved via an impressive roster of best-selling books, DVDs, in-home fitness equipment and her award-winning app and website.

Last year, Michaels added to her brand and launched a multicity motivational live tour to the mix called "Maximize Your Life." When she arrives at the Rialto Square Theatre in Joliet on Wednesday, April 9, she will be close to completing her monthlong tour schedule.

Interested in seeing Michaels? Leave the dumbbells at home. While health and fitness will be prominent themes in her presentation, they won't be the only topics.

For one, she plans to share ways she believes everyone can lead what she calls an "exceptional life" by sharing bits and pieces about her own.

"I have been behind every 8 ball. Down and out personally and professionally, but with the right information and inspiration I was able to turn my life around in every facet," says Michaels, who dealt with weight issues as a teen. "There is nothing special about me. I'm not a genius, privileged, or exceptionally attractive. I was simply fortunate enough to have incredible teachers who gave me the tools to transform any and all aspects of my life. And it's these tools I will be teaching in my live show."

You're likely to laugh, cry and feel the urge to do more after seeing this 40-year-old powerhouse, who has turned her passion for living, loving and great health into a mission. She will tackle issues of self-image, self-doubt and ways to get your groove back.

"I will help them understand the origin of defeating attitudes and behaviors," she says, "and then show them how to turn these issues around to harness their potential, blast through obstacles, and achieve their goals."

Yet, Michaels says she stresses the need to be realistic - and patient - when it comes to any endeavor, be it starting a new business or losing weight.

"One must appreciate that life is about progress not perfection," says the mother of two who was also named one of People Magazine's Most Beautiful People. "Anything worth having will take work and time."

More than anything, she hopes the tour inspires others to stay true to themselves and their dreams.

"Lasting motivation must come from within. When we establish a defined goal and emotionally connect to it, the drive becomes intrinsic and perpetual," says Michaels, adding, "Pitfalls will occur, but they are simply entry points for learning."

• Jillian Michaels "Maximize Your Life" Tour comes to the Rialto Square Theatre, Joliet, at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 9. Tickets are available at the Rialto box office, all Ticketmaster outlets, online at Ticketmaster.com, or charge at (800) 745-3000. The Rialto Square Theatre is located at 102 N. Chicago Street in Joliet.

Ticket contest

Enter the Daily Herald Media Group Sweepstakes to win two tickets, including preshow "Meet and Greet" access passes to the Jillian Michaels "Maximize Your LIfe Tour." Go to <a href="/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://www.dailyherald.com/contest/jillian-michaels">www.dailyherald.com/contest/jillian-michaels</a> and share the "why" moment that inspired you to get healthy.

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