Jillian Michaels
Jillian Michaels is a health, wellness, and fitness expert, certified nutritionist, bestselling author, and the creator of the Jillian Michaels App. She currently lives in Los Angeles with her partner, Heidi, and their two kids.
What is your morning routine?
My alarm clock is a five-year-old. He jolts me from slumber at about 6:10am every morning for cuddles. Then we get up, feed all the animals (rabbit, pig, dogs, bird, chickens, ducks, fish, etc.). Yes, I am serious.
I have coffee, and then we all make breakfast. After that the kids get ready for school. Heidi, my partner, or I drop them off, and after that the workday begins.
How long have you stuck with this routine so far?
For about three years now, since we’ve lived on a farm.
How has your morning routine changed over recent years?
Well, my routine is a bit obvious. Because I have kids and many creatures to care for, my routine is pretty set in stone. Obviously, they come first.
If I didn’t have kids, I am sure I would wake up, hit the snooze button, have a quick five-minute meditation, and then have coffee and catch up on the news for fifteen minutes. After that I would probably start answering my emails while having breakfast, and then I would shoot off to the gym. But that is pretty much a fantasy for at least another thirteen years.
What time do you go to sleep?
Usually around 11:00pm. My kids go to bed at 8:00pm. I then spend time with my partner, Heidi; finish off whatever work is left from the day that didn’t get done; watch one show; and listen to a book or podcast to fall asleep.
Do you do anything before going to bed to make your morning easier?
Absolutely. I prep everything the day before. I make the kids’ lunches so they are ready to grab and go. I prep all the animals’ breakfasts. We lay out clothes for the kids.
Do you use an alarm to wake you up in the morning, and if so do you ever hit the snooze button?
Nope and nope.
How soon after waking up do you have breakfast?
I’ll have breakfast usually thirty minutes after waking up.
Do you have a morning workout routine?
No. I squeeze in my workouts whenever I can. I think it’s so important to have portable, quick, and easy fitness solutions.
I created an app knowing that most people are simply strapped for time. They don’t have the luxury of choosing when they train or of planning all their meals. So, my app allows you to work out anywhere, whenever is convenient for you, and customizes the workouts based on your goals, timeframe, fitness level, and equipment you have available. Even the meal plans have simple, quick, easy recipes and grab-and-go options to ensure you can be successful no matter how busy you are.
Do you have a morning meditation routine?
Nope.
Do you answer email first thing in the morning or leave it until later in the day?
I answer it ALL day, but I definitely get to it as soon as my kids are off to school. That is just part of being a business owner that I believe is unavoidable. That said, I love my work, so it doesn’t bother me.
Do you use any apps or products to enhance your sleep or morning routine?
I listen to books and podcasts to help me take my mind off my day and fall asleep.
How soon do you check your phone in the morning?
As soon as I get out of bed. Again, as a business owner, this is simply par for the course and comes with the territory. It’s important to know if there is a problem brewing, and putting fires out early and quickly is a big component of success.
What are your most important tasks in the morning?
Taking care of my kids and pets.
What is your first drink in the morning?
Lucky Jack Double Black organic Nitro Cold Brew - with coconut milk.
How does your partner fit into your morning routine?
My partner is exactly that - my partner. We divide and conquer with the chores to get it all done.
Do you also follow this routine on weekends, or do you change some steps?
What changes is that we all do nothing for a little bit after breakfast since the kids don’t need to be whisked off to school. No sleeping in with young kids. I wish.
On days you’re not settled in your home, are you able to adapt your routine to fit in with a different environment?
When I am not in my home, I am away for work, so the routine changes a bit. But I still have my coffee. I never skip that.
What do you do if you fail to follow your morning routine, and how does this influence the rest of your day?
It really doesn’t. As long as I caffeinate and eat, I am pretty adaptable.
Photo of Jillian by Don Flood.
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