That's Fit

BIggest Loser trainer Jillian Micheals, once a chubby girl who transformed her body and her life, has just the plan for shedding a few pounds prior to that perfect party, wedding, or class reunion.

Cut the carbs, says Michaels. Not permanently -- just two days before the big event. Ditch the grains, rice, pasta, cereal, sugar (even fruit sugar) and you'll look stunning and feel fabulous.

An idea for more long-term weight loss: Make a list of reasons why you want to lose weight and get into shape. Be realistic -- don't plan to run a marathon right off the bat -- and use your list to guide your efforts. Take responsibility, says Michaels. Choose your actions wisely. And your actions will influence your results.

Now get to work -- Jillian continues to pave the way right here, at AOL's AmericaTakes It Off location.

It seems like only a handful of people have what it takes to lose the extra baggage they've been carrying around for years. But the reality is that everyone has it in them -- they might just need a bit of guidance.

The trainers from the Biggest Loser have talked to eDiets about what is takes to lose big. They have a number of great tips, including:

• Bob Harper suggests eating 4-6 small meals a day to keep your body in the fat burning zone
• Jillian Michaels thinks it's not enough to rely on your willpower -- you need to adapt your environment so it's compatible with a healthy lifestyle
• Believe that you can do it -- Jillian struggled with her weight too, but look at her now!

To find out, check out the article on eDiets.

I don't watch much TV, but this week, The Biggest Loser happened to be on while I was folding my laundry. I was suitably captivated by the show, desparately pulling for the black team to win the weigh-in challenge. And they did, amazingly, despite being banned from the house and the fancy gym where the other teams worked out (I think that's what happened anyways -- like I said, I don't watch much TV.)

And I think the folks at Fitsugar have a good point in this post -- if this episode should teach you anything, let it be that you don't need a gym to be this: you don't need a gym to be fit. What you do need, however, is a lot of motivation and a determination to get fit. Oh, and having Jillian Michaels as your personal trainer can't hurt either, right?

So when a trip to the gym's just not possible, workout where you are. And Jillian might not be there to cheer you on, but you can do that for yourself, right?

Did you vow to get a bikini-perfect body this summer? Are you in a bit of a panic because the hot weather's here and there's less than 9 weeks until labour day? Ack! Me too! But apparently it's not too late to get in shape ... with little help from celeb trainer Jillian Michaels and Las Vegas star Vanessa Marcil. They've outlined a number of exercises that will improve your body -- and your abs especially.

The moves they recommend are pretty good, but don't forget to incorporate some cardio -- after all, that's what will burn the fat that is hiding your fab abs.

What workouts are you into this summer?