The 6 Keys: Unlock Your Genetic Potential for Ageless Strength, Health, and Beauty

by Jillian Michaels, Myatt Murphy (with)

Eight-time NYT-bestselling author Jillian Michaels presents a revolutionary program to reverse the effects of aging and maintain optimal health for life.

With Master Your Metabolism, Jillian Michaels was one of the first to show us how to take control of the metabolic machinery underneath our weight and health struggles. Now she's ahead of the curve again in conquering the myths, misunderstandings, and mayhem associated with aging. If you can decide your weight, why not your age?

That's just what Jillian Michaels sets out to do in The Six Keys.

Drawing on interviews with top geroscientists and cutting-edge research, Michaels presents an anti-aging health and beauty plan that outstrips all others when it comes to scope and effectiveness. Instead of addressing just one or two factors (like diet or insulin), she has crafted a program that addresses all 6 of what scientists and doctors have identified as the major age inciters: metabolism, damaged macromolecules, epigenetics, inflammation, stress adaptation, and our telomeres. Empowering and rigorously researched, The Six Keys opens the door to a way of life that restores and protects human performance, keeping you fit, healthy, and beautiful for life.

Genres: Nonfiction, Self Help, Health, Audiobook, Nutrition

304 pages, Hardcover

First published December 18, 2018

About the author

Jillian Michaels is one of the leading health and wellness experts in the country. Perhaps considered one of the most demanding people on television for her role as trainer and life coach on the NBC hit series "The Biggest Loser," Michaels has created a brand name for herself and motivates millions of viewers every week on television, approximately one million subscribers on her website and many more with her weekly radio show.

As a motivator and role model, Michaels has a unique connection with her audience that stems from her own personal journey towards wellness. Before she was a TV success, Michaels struggled with her own weight. She was determined to reach her goals -- and through dedication and hard work, she did.

Books, DVDs, video games, meal plans... Jillian Michaels does it all. Already a New York Times bestselling author, Jillian's third book was released in April 2009. Her DVDs are consistently top sellers with Amazon, including her most recent DVD, "30-Day Shred"; and her website (www.jillianmichaels.com) enjoys tremendous success from people looking to Michaels for her online wellness programs and her meal delivery program.

Michaels can be heard on her weekly two-hour radio health and wellness talk show on Clear Channel KFI AM 640, and she is the official AOL Fitness Coach. She is also currently working on the ninth season of NBC's "The Biggest Loser." She also just completed her video game for the Nintendo Wii, "JILLIAN MICHAELS' FITNESS ULTIMATUM 2009."

Recently, Michaels launched Empowered Media, LLC with the goal of creating total life solutions for people across all platforms -- health, wellness, weight loss and overall lifestyle. By imparting her unique and inspiring philosophy to her clients, stressing the integration of fitness, nutrition, and behavioral changes, Michaels empowers each person she works with to define and reach personal goals, both physical and psychological.

Empowered Media allows Michaels to communicate her message of health and wellness to a large audience through different mediums -- online, books, DVDs, gaming, exercise equipment and so on. The company will work towards the goal of creating total life solutions with a circle of experts that will work with Michaels to act as life architects. Her team will be a part of her overall health and wellness brand and will help people to re-structure their lives. The motto: "Inspired by Jillian, empowered by YOU!"

Michaels lives in Los Angeles with her beloved and faithful Chihuahua, Baxter. When she's not on the TV set, she enjoys traveling and getting involved in charitable activities, such as her work as an American Cancer Society Ambassador. Look for Jillian Michaels not only on "The Biggest Loser" but also NBC's "Losing it with Jillian Michaels," premiering in 2010.

Reviews

[Donna · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm torn between 2 and 3 stars. I love love Jillian Michaels. She was my fave when she was on the "Biggest Loser". So I'm surprised that this book was a bit of a disappointment to me.

Two things grated on me. One was that this book had a HEAVY science focus. Some authors can make that palatable to the normal people and some cannot. Jillian unfortunately landed in the "cannot" category for me. She tried though. She even mentioned early on (maybe as a warning) that she tried to make this reader friendly. I didn't find that to be the case.

The second thing is that she didn't actually get to the 6 keys until chapter 13. She talked about all the problems for 12 chapters (a regurgitation of facts and all the while she kept promising that the keys were coming,) then finally she got to her advice. I actually enjoyed the rest of the book from there. That was more the Jillian Michaels I've come to know through her other books and her personal trainer style on the show.

Overall, I liked the emphasis on food and exercise. Those two things are non-negotiable for her and I fully believe that as well.....but the Science....ughhhh.

[Katja · Rating 4 out of 5]

Why did I read a book that would make Parks and Rec character Chris Traeger jump for joy and speed-read during a 10K on his lunch break? Well, for one I'm turning 40 this year (the horror, the horror...) and it's *literally* killing me. Which actually surprised me, because I thought I was fine with ageing, wasn't I? Wasn't I? Well, maybe not that fine.
When I stumbled over this book by Jillian Michaels I decided to face my fears and get some hard facts and strategies to deal with the inevitable.

I am a huge fan of Jillian and have to say that she's one of the few celebrities that have acutally changed my life. I gained a lot of weight during the pregnancy with my third kid (shingles, fifth disease, being nauseous and bed-ridden) and thanks to her workout DVDs and healthy eating I already lost 16 kilos, I feel stronger and fitter than in my twenties and more self-confident. So I thought why not read one of her books, too?

I didn't learn too much new information, since my biologist husband always reads me the latest studies from the science pages he follows on Facebook, but her findings (co-written by a science journalist) were very interesting anyway and solid and the six strategies (or keys) how to tackle those six areas of ageing make a lot of sense to me (basically boiling down to diet, exercise, a toxine-free lifestyle, mindfulness and positivity). I especially found the chapter about inflammation very helpful, since I had never even considered this and know very little about it.

I could more or less skip the chapters about toxins in the house, since I'm German and we have a lot of EU laws that forbid most of the toxic substances she mentions. Plus, our tap water is very good and gets sometimes tested better than bottled mineral water.
I also started making my own cosmetics a while ago, so I already got those bases covered, yay!

The book is of course, very Jillian (and thus very American), with a "You can do it" attitude that - as a cynical European - I find very refreshing. This is also the first non-fiction book I have read that uses the f-word very joyously and I had to laugh a couple of times.

All in all a solid overview over the latest research with some middle-of-the-road, common sense strategies to live a long, fulfilled and meaningful life, a long way away from diet crazes, fads and fashions. That alone should make this a very unique book on the market.

[Dee/ bookworm · Rating 5 out of 5]

publisher synopsis: With Master Your Metabolism, Jillian Michaels showed us how to take control of the metabolic machinery underneath our weight and health struggles. Now she's ahead of the curve again -- conquering the mayhem, myths, and misunderstandings associated with aging. After all, if you can decide your weight, why not your age?

Scientists and doctors have identified six major age inciters:metabolismdamaged macromoleculesepigeneticsinflammationstress adaptationtelomeresThe 6 Keys presents an ageless health, fitness, and beauty plan that addresses all six of them -- and gets them working for you instead of against you.
Empowering and rigorously researched, The 6 Keys outlines powerful lifestyle interventions, dietary guidelines, exercise plans, and vanguard strategies for cultivating mindfulness that restore and protect human performance, keeping you fit, healthy, and beautiful for life.

This book was both informative and interesting. It feels like you are having a conversation with Michaels. Just like she is speaking directly with you. Since you are in the comfort of your own home, you can be honest about where you and what you are willing to do.

Michaels goes a step further. Instead pushing an agenda on you, she brings up multiple points and disproves them, or reviews them. She doesn't try to sweep them under the carpet. She lays everything out with facts so you know you are getting the best information and a plan of action.

Wonderful book!!

I received an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review.

[Dawnny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent Book!
I'm looking forward to a healthier New Year and this book showed me how to do it. Jillian helps you discover The 6 Keys to unlocking a better you. It's not loaded with a bunch of medical terminology that you can't understand like most books. This is a great guide to learn the secret of how to age well,age slower and be the best you can be. It is only six areas that you learn and focus on. It is so simple once you know. I learned so much from this book and it really is so simple to understand these steps. I'm looking forward to a healthier New Year, a slower aging process and looking at aging in a whole new light.
I was given a copy of this book from the publisher for my honest review.

Dawn Ruby-BookGypsy
Novels N Latte Book Blog
Novels & Latte Book Club
Hudson Valley NY

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Rounded up . . . I was between 3 and 4 stars for this book. . . I know some criticized the “science heavy” first part of the book. I actually really enjoyed that part of it the most. There’s a lot of wonderful information that I find helpful. I think I finally figured out how many calories I need to eat to lose weight. 🙂

The last few chapters gave me some anxiety- OMG my life is full of cancerous toxins!!! 😮 I’m not sure I would be able to make all of these changes in my life. For one thing, I’m not independently wealthy. But that being said, going forward I will start paying a little more attention to my environment.

[Karrie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn't even finish this book. It's full of so much psuedo-science, I had to stop. She might be good at diet and exercise, and losing weight quickly, but she should stay in her lane. She doesn't have degrees in biology, or know anything about geriatrics.

For example: she says that we don't know why we age. It's commonly known that we are born with certain sized telomeres. Over time, these become shorter and shorter, until they can not replicate any longer. That is why we aren't immortal. Ironically, she brings this up as her 6th tip, but doesn't explain that. Maybe she does. I couldn't get past the first 2 chapters, and I won't. Too many books, not enough time.

[Crystal · Rating 2 out of 5]

Nothing new here...exercise, eat healthy, don't stress and don't eat the western diet.

[Kevin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I gotta hand it to Jillian Michaels...she is willing to attack diets that have been proven to cause issues with heart disease and in return gives us a program of true balance in food and exercise. This one could be a game changer.

[Leila · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book, written by Jillian Michaels and Myatt Murphy, was very informative. I will definitely buy a copy and actively re-read. In the book (Part II), the authors gave SIX keys that contribute to health issues and aging. The authors explained each of the six keys in a scientific way. Side note: I get the feeling there are 3 other keys missing…just sayin 6 is not a complete number ☺.

Anyway, the SIX keys discussed were:
1. mastering macromolecules
2. engineering epigenetics
3. strong-arming stress
4. owning inflammation
5. managing metabolism
6. tackling telemores.

To turn these six keys in the right direction (have the keys work for you and not against you), the authors gave practical lifestyle strategies to implement in Part III of the book. The strategies are comprehensive and will give you a long, youthful and healthy life. The strategies discussed were lifestyle interventions, mind-body awareness, eating and dietary guidelines, exercise plans and tips, and eco-friendly environmental alternatives for the home and body.

The authors explained fads and diets and scientifically what works, what does not work, and why it does or doesn’t work. I liked the lists of what to avoid and what to consume. For example, cleaning products (i.e. bleach) and kitchen gadgets (i.e. non-stick pans) should be avoided because the chemical are harmful to our bodies - based on empirical evidence. On the other hand, it has never been proven that gadgets i.e. microwaves cause harm to those who use it. In actuality, it might be good for you to use considering food takes less time to cook in the microwave and thus may preserve nutrients i.e. vitamin C which helps protects you from aging (page 245). The microwave paragraph is written in bold “Don’t worry about your microwave [side note: yay! one less thing for me to obsess about!].

Also, I really liked that the authors gave credit and acknowledged the world’s traditional healing systems, cultures and religions (page 156). They acknowledged the information shared in the book is not original ideas and concepts, but rather came from ancient cultures and religions of Asia (Traditional Chinese Medicine, Indian Ayurveda), Africa, and the Americas. The way they connected it to science and western culture today was a unique spin and I greatly appreciated their effort to make that connection.

What I have taken away from reading health conscious books is to live as close to nature as possible! This means eating close to nature (fresh, natural, organic), be in nature (go outside for walks, fresh air, exercise), and respect your body as a temple (so when your circadian rhythm says it’s time for sleep, go to bed; close the temple door). The book has a similar message but ties it to healthy and vital ageing and what has scientifically been proven to promote longevity.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Her best book yet! This book was filled with different studies to support her plan to live a longer, healthier life. I like the book was split between more of the why and how based on past studies and the other half the action plan to live your best life. This is a must read for anyone who wants to live healthier for longer.

[Liz Sergent · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is great! A program to help reverse aging and maintain health and energy. This book is broke down into three parts, very easy to read, understand and really feel that the author understands the struggle. Great read! Excited to use some of the tips in the new year!

[Donna Schmidt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great resource for anyone who needs or wants to “get healthier”!! She gives the why, what and how. I’m keeping my copy so I can use it as a resource and reminders!

[Jemma · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book, it was a short, fun read and a good reminder to take better care of myself.

In terms of nutrition books, I do prefer the work of Dr Libby (an Australian nutritionist and bio-chemist); she breaks down exactly how bio-chemical processes work, explaining why and how it’s important that we spend more time in the parasympathetic nervous system, and she uses case-studies to show that health can be a bit of an idiosyncratic puzzle. (So, go read some work by her if you’d like another perspective on the same subject.)

The main premise of Jillian’s book is to explain the basics, and then (like Buddha) walk the middle path: exercise, get enough sleep, avoid sugar and processed foods as much as possible — (the less sugar you eat, the less sugar is floating in your bloodstream for proteins and fats to cling to, which can stick to neighbouring macromolecules and create a permanent link that shuts down that macromolecule’s functions.) The middle path means that you can still enjoy your glass of red wine, because — resveratrol — this compound is naturally found in red grapes, dark chocolate, and blueberries — and can supposedly reverse cellular ageing); enjoy your coffee and beer (cold brewed is a good option, as are darker beers, if you must.)

She lists the health consequences of eating processed foods, linking chemicals, artificial preservatives and colourings in processed foods as epigenetic triggers which can influence the onset of Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s disease, depression and anxiety amongst a host of other maladies. It sucks to know that sugar (yum) is a neuro-toxin. And that we can potentially prevent the onset and/or development of neurological diseases by changing our diets.

What I want to read more on is Tim Ferris’ Slow Carb diet and intermittent fasting - Jillian does mention that fasting can stimulate autophagy, which can perhaps make the immune system more hypervigilant against cancer and pre-cancerous cells.

Then she links what we eat and what we are exposed to in our environments as being possible endocrine and hormonal disrupters, suggesting we eliminate our exposure to environmental toxins in everyday house-hold appliances etc. Therefore,
go organic wherever possible, stress-less/meditate, get rid of toxic relationships and spend more time doing things you enjoy with people who enrich your life, eat a variety of vegetables etc etc.

I think the book is a good starting point to begin more research. It’s a quick read so it doesn’t hurt, and I wouldn’t say it is exhaustive or comprehensive, but it’s a good reminder to think twice before I eat — not just to ‘age gracefully’ (well, actually that’d be kinda cool, I’m not arguing with that), but to live a longer and healthier life while enjoying my wine. And sleep. (I’m thinking of my telomeres, here.)

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It was a lot to take it but very informative. I am relieved to know I’m already following a lot of the advice Jillian has given in this book.

[Krista-Marie Linegar]

A LOT of information and science! Can feel a little overwhelming but lots of good info!

[Cate · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve always liked Jillian Michaels, and I can’t pass up a book filled to brimming with scientific research. Can get heavy at times, but overall a win.

[Rebecca Lansford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing! I loved that she gave the science behind her points and practical applications.

[Morgan Alexander · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book to be quite accessible, while still managing to insert enough science to satisfy the skeptics. Her findings seem to be consistent with all the latest and cutting-edge research. The overall tone of the book seemed to be moderation and balance, even though segments did seem a little out there for the average Joe. I also appreciate the vast number of references listed and the critical take within the book regarding following the money for sourcing information.

Overall a good read, and one I would consider adding to my personal collection.

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

The part on the actual 6 keys was interesting, but I found the chapters on implementation basic and they didn't contain much that I hadn't heard before.

[Mik · Rating 3 out of 5]

reinforces the idea that balance is important in life.

[Ally · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is exceptional and very thorough.

She does warn that it may be heavy science for some but she tried to water it down as best as possible because she believes strongly in empowering you with that information. She encourages that if it’s too much to handle, skip to the last part of the book where she outlines her plan.

I say that because I know others will be upset with the amount of science. I believe she did a great job of making it as best as possible for the general public, but the fact is that science in the simplest of ways can sometimes be overwhelming.

I’m very pleased that she tackles the necessity of addressing stress, sleep, and psycho-social issues as a part of good health as these areas are often skipped over and they are sometimes more important than diet and exercise even if you are not suffering from any diagnosed mental or emotional issues.

She outlines a plan of BALANCE and suggests that you come back to the book several times while you fine tune how that works in your body and lifestyle. I greatly appreciate this as health truly is a personal journey that one must take responsibility for.

[Maribeth Balda-westlund · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was impressed by the amount of research that is referenced in "the 6 keys: Unlock your Genetic Potential for Ageless Strength, Health and Beauty" Jillian Michaels and her team summarize the research and then provide an action plan to unlock your genetic potential. The combination of the research and the application provided me with the tools to make the necessary changes. I also liked how Jillian Michaels acknowledge that research is providing new information and that some ideas in the past are no longer the best for us. The author writes in a conversational style that some will like and others will find annoying. For those who want to skip the research and get to the plan begin with chapter 11. I wanted to know more so I was interested in the research found in Part 2 - the Keys. I read a preview copy of the book and would recommend the book to those interested in wellness and fitness.

[Laura · Rating 2 out of 5]

Though I am a HUGE Jillian Michaels fan, this one didn’t do it for me. I felt the info was either to scientific or too fluffy. I thought the points she made were great, but actually felt a more simplified article would have been easier to digest.

[Cozy Reviews · Rating 3 out of 5]

A information based book on healthy eating and exercise for better health. This is much like her prior books and follows the same format. If you are a fan of her as a personal trainer and health adviser you will enjoy this book. Anyone can benefit from her helpful tips here and as always she is encouraging the public to lead healthier lives through better habits. Her basic approach is the same for diet and exercise techniques . This is a good book for anyone seeking to improve their health.

Thank you for the ARC my opinion is my own.

[Bookoholiccafe · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have always been Jillian Michaels fan, I found this book an easy read and very informative on healthy eating and better health.
The 6 Keys shows how to control your life style to have a healthier living, help with good diet and introduce exercise plus cutting-edge approaches to give awareness that rehabilitate and shield one’s performance. Showing how one’s life will change by making simple dietary adjustment and following fitness plan.
Many thanks to Net Galley and the publisher for provide me with the soft copy to read and share my opinion.

[Áža Sládková · Rating 5 out of 5]

Knihu jsem četla poměrně dlouho a chtěla bych za její zaslání poděkovat nakladatelství Anag. 💛 Děkuji, že mi knihu poslali k recenzi!

Kniha je psaná lehkým stylem a občas je zde i nějaká vtipná fráze. Musím říct, že text podtrhoval, proč mám Jill a její názory, cvičení a knihy tolik ráda. Sama několikrát uznává, že k některým věcem dospěla až časem a že možná najdete v předchozích knihách věci, které dříve neuznávala a momentálně je doporučuje.

Právě své nabyté informace (podložené výzkumy) se snaží předat dál. Rozhodně si myslim, že je vhodná i pro naprosté laiky, kteří se chtějí sami vzdělat a zjistit něco více o svém těle a jeho fungování. Protože každou odbornou informací rozebere, aby ji porozuměl i člověk bez vzdělání v oboru. Často zde najdete převedení fungování těla na něco naprosto známého a jasného.

Upřímně jsem velmi ráda, že se kniha nezabývá jen stravou, pitnym režimem a cvičením. Najdete zde informace o stresu, zánětu a dokonce i o látkách s kterými se setkáváme při každodenním životě a přitom nejsou vhodné pro naše těla.

Pro mě to bylo velmi obohacující a skvělé doplnění k mému dosavadnímu vzdělání. Rozhodně si myslím, že se ke knize někdy vrátím, protože jsem zde našla velmi zajímavé věci a v knize jsem si je zvýrazňovala lepiky i zvýrazňovači. Odnesla jsem si z ní plno zajímavých poznatků (například, že moje volba červeného vína je prostě nejlepší 🤣❤️) a rozhodně je hodlám zužitkovat v dalším životě i radám ostatním lidem.

Myslim, že by po knize měl sáhnout každý, kdo chce začít s zdravým životním stylem, ale nejen s tím, kdo chce porozumět a naslouchat svému tělu a chovat se k němu, co nejlépe, aby mu dlouho sloužilo. A jak sama píše Jill, hlavně pomalu a s rozvahou.

⭐ 5/5

[Timothy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The expressions "living longer" and "aging well" have become common or everyday expressions that many say but never truly explain or do so poorly. The 6 Keys does what others do not and that is to explain "why" we age and "how" we can improve our longevity and health through well researched, noteworthy scientific studies and expert advise.

Additionally, each chapter tackles a different key or concept that, when utilized successfully, will like the tumblers in a sturdy safe start to click open and give you access to the treasures inside. But much like a safe, it takes time and patience before you can see results. This excellent book gives the reader a number of ways to live life "happy, healthy, long and lively."

As the saying goes, "You need to have a Why" in order to have a How.

Overall, this book is written for those that want to improve their lives, and although, the book contains many medical or biological nomenclature, Ms. Michaels explains these words, concepts or principles in terms that a layperson could understand.

I personally thought that the Second Key (Epigenomes) and the Third Key (Stress) were the most interesting and understandable.

Regardless, it is up to You to unlock Your Life's full health potential.

**PS: I received this as part of a GoodReads Giveaway.

[ReadingMama · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nothing new in this book, all common sense and life learning knowledge that I had already acquired, but still always good to be reminded! She quotes lots of researchers, doctors and scientists findings in this book. The 6 keys in summary are:
1) Mastering macromolecules
2) Engineering epigenetics
3) Strong-arming stress
4) Managing metabolism
5) Tackling telomeres (this is one thing that I want to know more about… and I have another book specifically about telomere to read!)

The subtitles have big words, but really it comes down to eating good food (I need more protein in my diet), regular exercise (emphasis on interval and muscular building), of course good sleep (7-8 hours), surround yourself with loved ones and active social and sexual life, and having a meaningful purpose in life. “What we believe affects how we behave and how we behave dictates our reality.” Now, let’s do what we know is good for us ;-)

[Brandi D'angelo · Rating 2 out of 5]

I completely agree with Donna's review of this book in that it is (too) heavy on the science. You could probably just skip to the last third of the book, which Jillian herself recommends if you are bogged down by the scientific jargon. In the last third of the book you will find her actual advice, which again, was somewhat disappointing because 90% of it was the same stuff we've all heard a thousand times: eat better, exercise, meditate, get more sleep, etc. One newer idea was to get a pet. I love Jillian Michaels' podcast and her "shred" videos, however, this was not my favorite book of hers. (My favorite is Slim For Life.) I was also turned off in the beginning when she smugly talked about how she is often mistaken for a less than 21 year old. It seemed a bit braggy.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is a lot of science information in this book, which is great-I like to understand the science behind health & fitness stuff, except that it lost me a few times. It also has helpful chapters if you want to know chemicals to avoid, and harmful things like that. Some of the same info can be found in her book “Slim for Life”-which is one of my favorite informative health/fitness books, but this new book seems to be more information added on top of that, and the fact that this pertains mostly to how you can age well. Overall an informative, interesting read. I listened to the Audible version.