Experiencing Jillian Michaels’ Fitness Ultimatum, NYC

Not too long ago I attended a sneak preview event hosted for Fitness Goddess Jillian Michaels. Most people know Jillian as the stern, demanding fitness coach in The Biggest Loser.

But she has an amazing following in the world of fitness, even has a group of fans committed to getting into or staying in shape lead by the awesome Shredheads.

The invitation indicated that we would be working out, so I dressed accordingly.  Now, to see me, one would never know that some years back before knee injuries caused me to stop, I was an avid runner.  Not a marathoner by any means, though that was a goal, but I loved to run.  Now, I can’t so much, though I want to and hope to again.  But working out, in general, though difficult to fit into my life, is not, unlike most people, something I hate to do.  I love the natural high after a workout, I think that the feeling that follows, not only after a good workout, but after the results start showing, is unlike any feeling you get in anything.

So, I was excited to go and meet Jillian.  I packed the boys in the car and headed to the Sports Center in Chelsea Piers.  If you’ve never been to Chelsea Piers, fear not, a full review is coming soon.  But for now, let’s just say, the place is pretty awesome for any sports aficionado, or even for anyone wanting to start out in a sport for themselves or their child.

I left the kids in the day care they had set up for us and they loved it.  The event, organized and hosted by the lovely Beth Feldman of Rolemommy, was an awesome get together with blogging friends.

The room was set up with various televisions, all connected to a Nintendo Wii, and set up with Jillian’s new workout game, Jillian Michaels Fitness Ultimatum 2010.

After some brief announcements and introductions, Jillian Michaels took the stage.  In person, she is a rock, physically.  Strong and healthy, yet pretty and feminine.  She’s got this way of being that is both loving and tough all at once.  She is a really nice person, who doesn’t take crap from anyone.  In essence, my kind of woman.  I love that. She shared how she was an obese child who’s favorite pass time was playing video games.

And as she pointed out the many features of her fitness game, she also shared how she created the game with the intention that families would workout to it together.

I got to try it out.  I selected random workouts, which are set in changing landscapes, selected by you.  The random workouts that came up for me turned out to be some form of push up exercise, which I suck at, but I tried them anyway. Bottom line, if you do the workout as indicated (and it will let you know via sensors on the step pad and hand set if you are doing it wrong, or not pushing yourself hard enough), you can seriously get a really good workout from this game.

I did three sets of three different push up exercises and I felt the affected muscles for days. It was wonderful…and we all got to take a copy home.  Sadly, however, I don’t own a Nintendo Wii, but it is definitely on the list of next things to buy.

Jillian was truly lovely.  We talked briefly about the challenges of  trying to eat healthy while traveling, with her sharing some of her failures and success in trying to. This was nice to hear, because it helps to know it’s hard for anyone.  It just takes a concious effort. She also mentioned that the Fitness Ultimatum 2010 will be available for DS as well, making it easy for travelers like myself to take the workout with them.

I wasn’t able to take a solo shot with her, as it became a bit nutty to try, but we did get to pose for a nice group shot (thanks Role Mommy for sending it us!).

It felt really great to put my body to work like that, I got a hint of adrenaline that stuck with me for a good two hours or so.  I really liked Jillian and felt more inspired to try her workout because of how inspirational she is as a person.  Some may think a bit controversial, but I kinda feel that we all need someone in our lives who can “keep it real”, and if they can help us get in shape in the process, I think they are worth the follow.

The Jillian Michaels Fitness Ultimatum 2010 hit stores on October 6, 2009.

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