Motherhood keeps me balanced: Jillian Michaels showcases her rock hard abs as she explains how having children has changed her life

By Dailymail.com Reporter

Published: 16:40 EST, 11 October 2016 | Updated: 17:28 EST, 11 October 2016

She's as well-known for her hard talking as her hard abs. 

But Jillian Michaels says becoming a mother has helped her to balance out her life. 

The 42-year-old fitness guru told the November issue of Health, that parenting her two children with fiancée Heidi Rhoades is hard work, but also keep her on a better work/life balance. 

Abs fab: Jillian Michaels told the November issue of Health that becoming a mother has helped her to balance out her life

Abs fab: Jillian Michaels told the November issue of Health that becoming a mother has helped her to balance out her life

She told the publication that when Heidi recently took the kids away for a week, she dived so deeply into work that she was fried by the time they came home. 

'That's when I thought, "Maybe, Jillian, as much as you moan about how hard it is, your kids balance you out."'

Showcasing her taut tummy on the front cover of the magazine, the star explained that she gives her Haitian adopted-daughter pep talks on staying strong. 

'I was like, "Let's look back on your life." She's Haitian, so I said, "You lived through one of the most intense natural disasters on the planet. And on top of that, you had to wait two years for Mommy and I to find you. You are the strongest kid… There will be good in with the bad, and that's what you're gonna focus on."'

Welcome break: She told the publication that when fiancee Heidi recently took the kids away for a week, she dived so deeply into work that she was fried by the time they came home

Welcome break: She told the publication that when fiancee Heidi recently took the kids away for a week, she dived so deeply into work that she was fried by the time they came home

Michaels adopted their then-two-year-old daughter Lukensia from Haiti in May 2012, and Rhoades gave birth to son Phoenix that same month. 

She said that if she could give advice to her younger self it would be to accept advice. 

'I promise you that if you become successful in any area, you're gonna get bullets shot in your direction. But it's interesting: When I was 20, we worshipped the Maria Shrivers and Suze Ormans and Diane Sawyers. But now, with the younger generation, sometimes I think to myself, "I've swam in this ocean, kid. I know where all the sharks are. Why would you not want help?" 

'On one project, I talked with a girl who said, "I have questions about this and am open to help." Other people I got on the phone with were just so arrogant and unaware, and I was like, "Ugh, you have no idea what's coming." 

'The millennial generation is as black-and-white as it gets: Yes, there are definitely kids out there who have a sense of entitlement, but I also see some who are unbelievably diligent and inspired and saving the planet'.

Looking good: Showcasing her taut physique, the star explained that she gives her Haitian adopted-daughter pep talks on staying strong

Looking good: Showcasing her taut physique, the star explained that she gives her Haitian adopted-daughter pep talks on staying strong

However, she said she admires millennials ability to fake it until they make it. 

'What I like about millennials - and I hope this doesn't get taken the wrong way - but I like that they don't subscribe to any rules per se. They're not going to work in the cubicle for free. These kids are the ultimate fake-it-till-you-make-it generation.'

Jillian also explained that she thinks the key to her happiness is having low expectations. 

'Expectation is the root of misery! So I walk into everything expecting the worst and prepare to be surprised,' she told the publication. 

Family: Jillian adopted their then-two-year-old daughter Lukensia from Haiti in May 2012, and Heidi gave birth to son Phoenix that same month (pictured in September)

Family: Jillian adopted their then-two-year-old daughter Lukensia from Haiti in May 2012, and Heidi gave birth to son Phoenix that same month (pictured in September)

 

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