Fitness expert Jillian Michaels wants you to know that staying active isn’t just about looking good—it could actually help you live longer. The Miami-based host of "Keeping It Real Podcast" recently shared her insights on how a simple workout routine could extend your lifespan by up to seven years.

In an interview with Fox News Digital, Michaels emphasized that "fitness is the No. 1 form of preventative medicine." She backed efforts like HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s push to reform FDA regulations on food additives but stressed that fitness ultimately comes down to personal responsibility.

"This is not new news," Michaels said. "We have to encourage people to take agency when it comes to exercise. Start moving—even if it’s just having a daily step goal." With over 100 million adults living with obesity and 22 million experiencing severe obesity, according to CDC data, her call to action feels more urgent than ever.

Between August 2021 and August 2023, 40.3% of U.S. adults over 20 were classified as obese. These stats paint a troubling picture, but Michaels believes small steps, quite literally, can make a big difference.

"One hundred and fifty minutes of walking a week has been shown to extend your lifespan by up to seven years," Michaels said. "Something simple like that goes such a long way." Walking, she noted, is an excellent way to ease into fitness, but she warned against settling for the "bare minimum."

"I worry about false messages of lethargy," she explained. "In other words, ‘just do the bare minimum’—I don't love that messaging because it implies that's all somebody can do. That’s simply not true." Michaels encouraged people not to be intimidated by fitness routines and offered practical advice to start small, like setting a goal of 5,000 steps a day.

For those worried about cost or time constraints, Michaels suggested investing in a walking pad, which can be used under a standing desk or next to a kitchen counter. "[Walking pads] are a couple of hundred bucks," she said. "You can shuffle around while working and easily hit those 5,000 steps daily."

As for her own routine, Michaels shared that her mornings vary, but she prioritizes hydration and fits exercise into her day whenever possible. "I do give it a few hours before actually eating something," she said. "I try to hydrate and then see what my day looks like to fit in exercise wherever, quite honestly, that I can."

Starting small and staying consistent seems to be the mantra here. So, if hitting the gym feels daunting, maybe all you need is a good pair of walking shoes—or a walking pad—right next to your coffee machine.

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Jillian Michaels Reveals Workout Tips That Could Add Seven Years to Your Life