Comments on: My Jillian Michaels (and other Celebs) Rant http://www.lisajohnsonfitness.com/my-jillian-michaels-and-other-celebs-rant/ Everything for a Healthy Body Fri, 10 Feb 2012 16:11:06 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0.4 By: Lisa Johnson http://www.lisajohnsonfitness.com/my-jillian-michaels-and-other-celebs-rant/comment-page-1/#comment-51314 Lisa Johnson Mon, 23 Jan 2012 19:29:52 +0000 http://www.lisajohnsonfitness.com/?p=761#comment-51314 Lisa A. thanks for taking the time to comment and I can understand your concern! I have not seen the Jillian Yoga video personally (mostly cuz I flat refuse to buy anything from Jillian) but I know there was a ruckus when it came out and a lot of Yoga people were appalled by her work. As far as I know she's not a certified Yoga instructor in anyway, shape or form, it's just marketing for her to get more $$. (If I'm wrong, someone please correct me.) But, the bigger issue is the "class" you're taking. It's not a class to turn a button on and then let people watch a video! I'd ask for your money back and go elsewhere. It's just ridiculous to pay for something you can do at home (as you said). Good luck, cheers, Lisa Lisa A. thanks for taking the time to comment and I can understand your concern! I have not seen the Jillian Yoga video personally (mostly cuz I flat refuse to buy anything from Jillian) but I know there was a ruckus when it came out and a lot of Yoga people were appalled by her work. As far as I know she’s not a certified Yoga instructor in anyway, shape or form, it’s just marketing for her to get more $$. (If I’m wrong, someone please correct me.)

But, the bigger issue is the “class” you’re taking. It’s not a class to turn a button on and then let people watch a video! I’d ask for your money back and go elsewhere. It’s just ridiculous to pay for something you can do at home (as you said).

Good luck, cheers,

Lisa

]]> By: lisa A. http://www.lisajohnsonfitness.com/my-jillian-michaels-and-other-celebs-rant/comment-page-1/#comment-51303 lisa A. Mon, 23 Jan 2012 15:16:50 +0000 http://www.lisajohnsonfitness.com/?p=761#comment-51303 Hi Lisa, I am just home from taking a yoga 1 class at my local community college. First of all the instructor of the class is not a certified yoga instructor and she told us that the first day. Today was day 3. I was very suprised that the college would allow someone to teach a class that they are not certified in but who am I to question, right, I am just the student. I do know however than none of the three gyms local to me will allow anyone to instuct a yoga class unless they are certified. I am saying this all just as backgroud to that in the class we are supposed to be doing these "videos" instead of an actually instruction time, very dissapointing, and today it was the "famed" Jillian Michaels. I was a bit worried when I came into class and saw her smirking face on the screen in front of the room and must admit I was in tear after about the first 5 min and had to leave the room for a while to just compose myself. I am home now researching her credentials and that is what lead me to this blog. I will be the first to say that I am not an athletic person on any level. I am 42 and overweight and in the past several years have had several health crisis including Hodgkins Disease for which I am now in remission. I am taking this class FOR ME. The first two classes were also video....Yoga for Dummies...and altough I dont care for the title the instruction was very clear and easy to follow and yet I felt I was not only learning I was definately getting a workout. I have taking many yoga classes before and have had mixed results so I know to go in with a cautious attitude of what to expect. Needless to say I am disapointed in this class and will drop it....I can do videos at home and pick the ones that I want to do in the mean time. My comments here, after that long rant is this. Jillian Michaels is full of crap!! I am not an expert on any level, and although I greatly appreciate the comments above from all the experts please take a moment to look at it from the students perspective. This video, and I do not know what the exact title wast, was WAAAAAAAY to fast, there was NO, ABSOLUTE NO instruction on safety or "go at your own pace"...for that matter there was no instruction on how to even do the poses. NONE. How are you supposed to watch the video and see what she is doing and be in downward dog (with your head upside down!!) moving into another pose in a split second transition with no instruction on how to get there? I have very limited knowledge of her only the bits I have seen on TV and that was enough to turn me off and now that I have actually seen one of her videos I am scared for people who buy it thinking this is how Yoga is supposed do be. She was using words like "rip yourself up" and "force yourself to stay here"....really? Since when do phrases like this pertain to yoga? And at the end she was saying this phrase "let your heart touch the sun" which she had half heartely said a few times before and then she said "that is just mumbo jumbo for stretch"....and then she said "forget all that lets just speak English". HOW COMPLETLEY DISRESPECTFUL!!!!!!! I agree that you have to, just in any circumstance, find an instructor that you blend well with. But please if you are reading this as a new person to Yoga PLEASE DO NOT under any circumstance take Jillian Michaels as the standard for the profession no matter what her credentials are. She will have you discouraged and feeling bad about yourself and that is the very last thing that Yoga is about. Yoga is to bring harmony to the body, spirit and mind. It is ment to be challenging but not a contest of endurance or a marathon. I agree completely with some of the comments before, she is just on the gravy train. Yes she has a great body, but there is alot to be said for genetics and no doubt she has a marketable image and all. However for the person just off the street looking for a place to start and hoping for some support and motivation on the way...don't expect that from her. She does not have it to offer. Why? Because she is not a professional in this field, and anyone who has ever experienced a yoga class from a true profesional would know this in the first 5 seconds of this video where she is telling you to do these deep breaths that at the pace she is doing them would cause a person to hyperventilate. She is a quack!! Hi Lisa,
I am just home from taking a yoga 1 class at my local community college. First of all the instructor of the class is not a certified yoga instructor and she told us that the first day. Today was day 3. I was very suprised that the college would allow someone to teach a class that they are not certified in but who am I to question, right, I am just the student. I do know however than none of the three gyms local to me will allow anyone to instuct a yoga class unless they are certified.
I am saying this all just as backgroud to that in the class we are supposed to be doing these “videos” instead of an actually instruction time, very dissapointing, and today it was the “famed” Jillian Michaels. I was a bit worried when I came into class and saw her smirking face on the screen in front of the room and must admit I was in tear after about the first 5 min and had to leave the room for a while to just compose myself. I am home now researching her credentials and that is what lead me to this blog.
I will be the first to say that I am not an athletic person on any level. I am 42 and overweight and in the past several years have had several health crisis including Hodgkins Disease for which I am now in remission. I am taking this class FOR ME. The first two classes were also video….Yoga for Dummies…and altough I dont care for the title the instruction was very clear and easy to follow and yet I felt I was not only learning I was definately getting a workout.
I have taking many yoga classes before and have had mixed results so I know to go in with a cautious attitude of what to expect. Needless to say I am disapointed in this class and will drop it….I can do videos at home and pick the ones that I want to do in the mean time.
My comments here, after that long rant is this. Jillian Michaels is full of crap!! I am not an expert on any level, and although I greatly appreciate the comments above from all the experts please take a moment to look at it from the students perspective. This video, and I do not know what the exact title wast, was WAAAAAAAY to fast, there was NO, ABSOLUTE NO instruction on safety or “go at your own pace”…for that matter there was no instruction on how to even do the poses. NONE. How are you supposed to watch the video and see what she is doing and be in downward dog (with your head upside down!!) moving into another pose in a split second transition with no instruction on how to get there?
I have very limited knowledge of her only the bits I have seen on TV and that was enough to turn me off and now that I have actually seen one of her videos I am scared for people who buy it thinking this is how Yoga is supposed do be. She was using words like “rip yourself up” and “force yourself to stay here”….really? Since when do phrases like this pertain to yoga? And at the end she was saying this phrase “let your heart touch the sun” which she had half heartely said a few times before and then she said “that is just mumbo jumbo for stretch”….and then she said “forget all that lets just speak English”. HOW COMPLETLEY DISRESPECTFUL!!!!!!!

I agree that you have to, just in any circumstance, find an instructor that you blend well with. But please if you are reading this as a new person to Yoga PLEASE DO NOT under any circumstance take Jillian Michaels as the standard for the profession no matter what her credentials are. She will have you discouraged and feeling bad about yourself and that is the very last thing that Yoga is about. Yoga is to bring harmony to the body, spirit and mind. It is ment to be challenging but not a contest of endurance or a marathon.

I agree completely with some of the comments before, she is just on the gravy train. Yes she has a great body, but there is alot to be said for genetics and no doubt she has a marketable image and all. However for the person just off the street looking for a place to start and hoping for some support and motivation on the way…don’t expect that from her. She does not have it to offer. Why? Because she is not a professional in this field, and anyone who has ever experienced a yoga class from a true profesional would know this in the first 5 seconds of this video where she is telling you to do these deep breaths that at the pace she is doing them would cause a person to hyperventilate. She is a quack!!

]]> By: Lisa Johnson http://www.lisajohnsonfitness.com/my-jillian-michaels-and-other-celebs-rant/comment-page-1/#comment-43606 Lisa Johnson Sun, 04 Dec 2011 14:10:19 +0000 http://www.lisajohnsonfitness.com/?p=761#comment-43606 I have a bachelor's of science and was a Pre-Med major ... then switched to journalism after organic chemistry plowed me into the ground. (That was a bad semester!) Your point about becoming adept on your own is duly noted, what you're missing though is that real trainers have seen Jillian train and her cueing and sense of form is, shall we say, less than ideal. We're critiquing her on what we can see, the "best" of what the show edits her doing ... who knows what they don't put on camera. Trust me she's no Steve Jobs, or a fitness trainer savant ... not even close. L-- I have a bachelor’s of science and was a Pre-Med major … then switched to journalism after organic chemistry plowed me into the ground. (That was a bad semester!) Your point about becoming adept on your own is duly noted, what you’re missing though is that real trainers have seen Jillian train and her cueing and sense of form is, shall we say, less than ideal. We’re critiquing her on what we can see, the “best” of what the show edits her doing … who knows what they don’t put on camera. Trust me she’s no Steve Jobs, or a fitness trainer savant … not even close.

L–

]]> By: Yomama http://www.lisajohnsonfitness.com/my-jillian-michaels-and-other-celebs-rant/comment-page-1/#comment-43557 Yomama Sun, 04 Dec 2011 07:14:28 +0000 http://www.lisajohnsonfitness.com/?p=761#comment-43557 Not sure why there is so much whining from the folks on this blog. Just because she doesn't have a degree doesn't mean much. Ever heard of Michael Dell, Steve Jobs, Mark Z., etc. (folks who didn't graduate college but only a FOOL would doubt their credibility). If you know what you're doing and have proven success that can be much better than a degree. I know many PTs that have lots of knowledge and a degree but bottom line...do you want a trainer that doesn't look the part. Maybe you do, but I'm much more motivated by someone I aspire to be like. Michael Dell motivates me. If I were overweight JM (as annoying as she is would motivate me.) Although I would much prefer Kim Lyons of course... As for Lisa...I'm not even sure what your degree is in :-) Not sure why there is so much whining from the folks on this blog. Just because she doesn’t have a degree doesn’t mean much. Ever heard of Michael Dell, Steve Jobs, Mark Z., etc. (folks who didn’t graduate college but only a FOOL would doubt their credibility). If you know what you’re doing and have proven success that can be much better than a degree. I know many PTs that have lots of knowledge and a degree but bottom line…do you want a trainer that doesn’t look the part. Maybe you do, but I’m much more motivated by someone I aspire to be like. Michael Dell motivates me. If I were overweight JM (as annoying as she is would motivate me.) Although I would much prefer Kim Lyons of course…

As for Lisa…I’m not even sure what your degree is in :-)

]]> By: Lisa Johnson http://www.lisajohnsonfitness.com/my-jillian-michaels-and-other-celebs-rant/comment-page-1/#comment-23980 Lisa Johnson Wed, 25 May 2011 20:36:53 +0000 http://www.lisajohnsonfitness.com/?p=761#comment-23980 Lana, thanks for your comments. I'm sure you know that I don't totally agree with them. I don't care about medical record standards for 20 years ago. The problem is that we have our hands on people daily & they trust us to keep them safe. I think we need pretty high standards so that people looking for personal trainers can get the best possible workout for them. Yes, of course years of experience will season a trainer, but I just wish they weren't so green when they stepped onto the floor the first time. I'm sure you know what I mean and I'm sure you've seen trainers in your gym that you cringe at when you see them with clients. The clients, of course, are clueless that they are flirting with disaster. Thanks again for stopping by, I appreciate it. Good luck with your career. :) Lana, thanks for your comments. I’m sure you know that I don’t totally agree with them. I don’t care about medical record standards for 20 years ago. The problem is that we have our hands on people daily & they trust us to keep them safe. I think we need pretty high standards so that people looking for personal trainers can get the best possible workout for them. Yes, of course years of experience will season a trainer, but I just wish they weren’t so green when they stepped onto the floor the first time. I’m sure you know what I mean and I’m sure you’ve seen trainers in your gym that you cringe at when you see them with clients. The clients, of course, are clueless that they are flirting with disaster.

Thanks again for stopping by, I appreciate it. Good luck with your career. :)

]]> By: lana http://www.lisajohnsonfitness.com/my-jillian-michaels-and-other-celebs-rant/comment-page-1/#comment-23969 lana Wed, 25 May 2011 18:28:46 +0000 http://www.lisajohnsonfitness.com/?p=761#comment-23969 Lisa, I have JM books and I have to say they are sound. I am a NASM and ISSA trainer. I don't think trainers should have to have a degree but perhaps more indepth on the job training. 20 years ago, people were not asking for college degrees to do jobs like medical records, CNA, police dispatch, etc. Now to do entry level jobs its required. Like you perhaps 500 hours shadowing a Master Trainer would be better. I also, know NESTA requires you to renew your CEU's every 4 years instead of the 2 year industry standard. In order to keep your certification you have to continue to progress and get CEU's. If your for more government regulation then do the NBFE. It is a test that the founders of ISSA wanted to make sure that Personal Trainers across the board were following the same safety protcol. But for trainers, they should not brand their name to anything unless they really believe in that product, not just market it. Great article:) Lisa, I have JM books and I have to say they are sound. I am a NASM and ISSA trainer. I don’t think trainers should have to have a degree but perhaps more indepth on the job training. 20 years ago, people were not asking for college degrees to do jobs like medical records, CNA, police dispatch, etc. Now to do entry level jobs its required. Like you perhaps 500 hours shadowing a Master Trainer would be better. I also, know NESTA requires you to renew your CEU’s every 4 years instead of the 2 year industry standard. In order to keep your certification you have to continue to progress and get CEU’s. If your for more government regulation then do the NBFE. It is a test that the founders of ISSA wanted to make sure that Personal Trainers across the board were following the same safety protcol. But for trainers, they should not brand their name to anything unless they really believe in that product, not just market it. Great article:)

]]> By: Shane http://www.lisajohnsonfitness.com/my-jillian-michaels-and-other-celebs-rant/comment-page-1/#comment-13382 Shane Sun, 05 Dec 2010 05:31:00 +0000 http://www.lisajohnsonfitness.com/?p=761#comment-13382 Lisa, I enjoyed reading the posts and certainly wish more individuals shared the sentiment for an elevated level of education and professionalism in our industry. The time has come where degrees, accepted criteria, or disclosure is required. A few states are working on such legislation. Unless this occurs, our industry will never be taken seriously, enjoy the benefits of insurance companies paying for training, or the removal of the negative connotation associated with us. No other field is so lax with requirements for professionalism. I recently started a fitness company and partnered with a non industry businessman. This was a terrible decision and I'm removing the company, as result. Compromising the field for more money was not on my to do list with this endeavor. I am an assistant professor/coordinator of an exercise science program at a local college and member of NSCA and ACSM. Hopefully, professionals such as ourselves, can successfully advance the field with our knowledge base and professionalism. Everyone can help by looking at ACSM's website and joining the movement. www.exerciseismedicine.org. Sincerely, Shane Lisa,
I enjoyed reading the posts and certainly wish more individuals shared the sentiment for an elevated level of education and professionalism in our industry. The time has come where degrees, accepted criteria, or disclosure is required. A few states are working on such legislation. Unless this occurs, our industry will never be taken seriously, enjoy the benefits of insurance companies paying for training, or the removal of the negative connotation associated with us. No other field is so lax with requirements for professionalism. I recently started a fitness company and partnered with a non industry businessman. This was a terrible decision and I’m removing the company, as result. Compromising the field for more money was not on my to do list with this endeavor. I am an assistant professor/coordinator of an exercise science program at a local college and member of NSCA and ACSM. Hopefully, professionals such as ourselves, can successfully advance the field with our knowledge base and professionalism. Everyone can help by looking at ACSM’s website and joining the movement. http://www.exerciseismedicine.org.
Sincerely,
Shane

]]> By: Lisa Johnson http://www.lisajohnsonfitness.com/my-jillian-michaels-and-other-celebs-rant/comment-page-1/#comment-11115 Lisa Johnson Sat, 30 Oct 2010 13:08:12 +0000 http://www.lisajohnsonfitness.com/?p=761#comment-11115 Meg, I don't put AFAA at the same level as ACE, I do put it below, I put ACE between AFAA and ACSM. (As you noted ACSM recognizes it but they do have a higher level cert available.) I wasn't aware of the video exam portion so thank you for clarifying that for me. That does make me feel a lot better. Still I prefer a hands on practical exam so the examiner can better judge nerves, how they handle themselves in a gym environment (from the time they walk in the door) etc. Of course you need an organization that keeps the certification current. Stuff is changing all the time in our field. We're not teaching the same way we did five years ago, even two years ago. So you've got to stay on top of it if you're going to keep bringing the best back to your clients. Thanks for stopping by. I appreciate the input and the clarifications :-) L-- Meg, I don’t put AFAA at the same level as ACE, I do put it below, I put ACE between AFAA and ACSM. (As you noted ACSM recognizes it but they do have a higher level cert available.) I wasn’t aware of the video exam portion so thank you for clarifying that for me. That does make me feel a lot better. Still I prefer a hands on practical exam so the examiner can better judge nerves, how they handle themselves in a gym environment (from the time they walk in the door) etc. Of course you need an organization that keeps the certification current. Stuff is changing all the time in our field. We’re not teaching the same way we did five years ago, even two years ago. So you’ve got to stay on top of it if you’re going to keep bringing the best back to your clients.

Thanks for stopping by. I appreciate the input and the clarifications :-)

L–

]]> By: Meg http://www.lisajohnsonfitness.com/my-jillian-michaels-and-other-celebs-rant/comment-page-1/#comment-11075 Meg Fri, 29 Oct 2010 21:00:46 +0000 http://www.lisajohnsonfitness.com/?p=761#comment-11075 I agree with most of what is said EXCEPT that AFAA is just as credible as ACE. They are recognized by ACSM and require much more training than people seem to think. They now (didn't in the past) do offer an online option for the test but it is done via video and very difficult to pass. They do require CPR certification, a good knowledge of anatomy and physiology, kinesiology and risk factors. They also require you to demonstrate your knowledge and have hands on experience. NESTA is not the same thing, they do not require continuing ed units or re-certification as does AFAA, ACE and every other legit agency. Not sure how she can be current when they require re-certification every two years and the PT certification is separate from the Group Certification and both require ongoing study to keep current. I imagine AFAA gave her an honorary certification if she did not re-test. I agree with most of what is said EXCEPT that AFAA is just as credible as ACE. They are recognized by ACSM and require much more training than people seem to think. They now (didn’t in the past) do offer an online option for the test but it is done via video and very difficult to pass. They do require CPR certification, a good knowledge of anatomy and physiology, kinesiology and risk factors. They also require you to demonstrate your knowledge and have hands on experience. NESTA is not the same thing, they do not require continuing ed units or re-certification as does AFAA, ACE and every other legit agency. Not sure how she can be current when they require re-certification every two years and the PT certification is separate from the Group Certification and both require ongoing study to keep current. I imagine AFAA gave her an honorary certification if she did not re-test.

]]> By: Lisa Johnson http://www.lisajohnsonfitness.com/my-jillian-michaels-and-other-celebs-rant/comment-page-1/#comment-8430 Lisa Johnson Wed, 11 Aug 2010 17:03:45 +0000 http://www.lisajohnsonfitness.com/?p=761#comment-8430 Very well put Cynthia, thank you :-) Very well put Cynthia, thank you :-)

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