Jillian Michaels’ knowledge of fitness training is a product of 17 years of martial arts (Muay Thai and Akarui-Do) and 13 years of intense personal training.

As a personal trainer, Jillian Michaels is best known as the “Red Team Trainer” and life coach on NBC’s show The Biggest Loser, Jillian works hard as a mentor, inspiration and guide to people she works with and to nearly 15 million viewers every week.

Prior to becoming a television star, Jillian struggled to maintain her own healthy weight, so Jillian knows firsthand how tough it can be to lose the weight and keep it off. Who better to learn from than a professional who has been there herself?

Jillian has written weight-loss books and offers her fat-shedding workout routines on her DVD, The Biggest Winner. Jillian currently resides in Los Angeles with her beloved and faithful Chihuahua, Baxter. Here is a short excerpt from her recent interview.

You were a star in the first two seasons of “The Biggest Loser.” You took the third season off and now you’re back stronger than ever. What did you do during your break from the show?

I took a year off to develop my brand. I wrote a second book, Making The Cut. I launched my website with Waterfront Media, JillianMichaels.com. I started my own radio show on KFI AM 640, a Clear Channel station. I did consulting for the American Cancer Society, Wal-Mart and CosmoCirl! on fitness and wellness programs.

But the thing I am most excited about is the personalized line of vitamins I am launching with Bioceutica. This line of vitamins is truly the future of fitness and wellness. [source: Fitness RX]