Curiocity: Q&A With Jillian Michaels Before Her 'Maximize Your Life' Tour

She's been called the leading authority in health, wellness and fitness in America -- and this Saturday, you can see her live.

Jillian Michaels has inspired a countless amount of people to kick their bad habits and start a weight loss journey that's right for them. She's known as the intense, in-your-face reality TV show trainer but with several fitness DVDs, books and more, she's turned her tips and knowledge into a fitness empire.

Before she takes the stage this Saturday in Minneapolis, she spent a few minutes answering our burning questions. Check out the full Q&A below.

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First of all, we're looking forward to your visit in Minnesota! Have you been to Minneapolis before? Will you have any time to explore the city? Anywhere you're planning to visit?

Yes, I have! I was there with Dr. Sanjay Gupta for fit nation. I find the city to be quite lovely and the people extremely friendly. As for visiting different hot spots ... it all depends on the weather. If it's still cold, we'll be kickin' it indoors. Any restaurant recommendations?

Well, if you're looking to indulge, we are known for the Jucy Lucy but there's also an endless amount of great options -- Butcher and the Boar, Piccolo, La Belle Vie, Bar La Grassa, you really can't go wrong.

So, you've done DVDs, books, workout equipment and more. What made you want to add a live tour to your plate?

I love touring because it gives me a direct connection with the audience. I can speak with them instead of talking at them and it's the most effective medium to truly help people achieve their goals.

So many people seem to struggle with weight loss, especially when beginning their journey. What advice do you give to people who are looking for a place to start?

The key is to first learn how to connect with and cultivate your passion -- to find their "why," so to speak. Once you have a the why to live and fight for, you can tolerate any how. Then, from there I give people the info. and the tools so they have a fail-proof game plan to achieve anything they set their mind to. That is what makes the difference between those who succeed and those who don't -- information. Having the right info. yields powerful and positive results.

Over the years, you've inspired so many people to make a change in their life and get healthy. What is that like for you to be a part of changing people's lives? What's been the most inspiring part of your job?

Of course, I am just the messenger ... I put info. in the world, but whether an individual uses it or not is up to them. That said, for those who do use it and achieve tremendous things, I have to say it's deeply rewarding and truly an honor to play some role in anyone's journey to health and happiness.

You have two very adorable children. How has becoming a mother changed you? What surprised you the most about yourself, after becoming a mom?

Gosh, how doesn't it change you? Obviously, it puts everything in perspective. It brings a deeper meaning and purpose into all aspects of your life. I guess what surprised me was how much one can truly love another human being. I had heard moms say that, but never really understood what it meant until I had kids of my own. I can't even remember life without them.

In the days where photoshop – and photoshop fails – seem to be more prevalent than ever, especially when it comes to images of women, it can be very discouraging for those working towards a healthy weight and a higher level of confidence. What advice do you give women when it comes to body image and the way some "beauty" is portrayed in the media?

I like to remind people that there is no such thing as perfect with regard to the human condition. Life is about progress, not perfection. When it comes to a "healthy weight," I tell people to look towards their yearly physical. If their cholesterol, blood pressure, blood sugar, etc., is good then they are healthy. The rest is a matter of aesthetics -- and beauty comes in all shapes and sizes.

For those who will be attending the Maximize Your Life tour this weekend, what can folks expect? What's the biggest thing you want people to walk away with after the show?

Expect to be empowered and armed with the info. and the tools to transform any aspect of your life that you choose to at any point that you choose to do so!

Jillian Michaels will bring her motivational tour, "Maximize Your Life" to the Pantages Theatre at 8 p.m. on Saturday, March 29. Tickets range from $25 to $150. For tickets and more information, click here.