The University Speakers Series is starting off the 2013-14 season in a "fitting" way with health and wellness expert Jillian Michaels.

Michaels, known for being a trainer on the hit reality series "The Biggest Loser," is not only focused on physical health but emotional and mental health as well.

"She's not only a fitness expert but a life coach," Joanna Shaver, coordinator for campus programming, said. "She's also written a book called "Unlimited," and I think [she's] going to have a great message for the students."

Although Michaels was an overweight child herself, she has been working as a fitness expert for more than 20 years. She was bullied by her classmates for being 5 feet 2 inches tall and 175 pounds at a young age.

She uses different types of strength training techniques with her clients, such as yoga, Pilates and kickboxing.

Michaels has participated in all but three seasons of the reality show, which will premiere its 15th season on Oct. 8. Michaels' popularity from the show grew, leading her to get her own, albeit short-lived, spin-off series "Losing It With Jillian." The show's premise was that Michaels would choose a different family and help them lose weight in one week. She also has been a trainer on the Australian version of "The Biggest Loser."

A healthy lifestyle has helped Michaels branch out to other television shows, such as "The Doctors," and has been the subject of multiple books that Michaels has written. Many of her books, including "Unlimited," have made the New York Times Bestseller list. She has even made two video games for the Nintendo Wii, one for the Xbox 360 and has released 15 workout DVDs.

Shaver said that Michaels will use her book "Unlimited" as a speaking point during her lecture. Her topic will be "motivation and inspiration." She also will speak about her personal experiences being overweight and how she struggled to overcome it.

"I had asked her to speak about how to achieve goals, whether it be personal, physical or education, to help the students believe that anything is possible," Shaver said.

A Tuesday Night Book Club also has been started in conjunction with the University Speakers Series, since many of the upcoming speakers, including Michaels and author Nicholas Sparks, have written books, so the goal is to get their message to the students. The only requirement for joining the book club is that the week's text has to be read by the meeting. The meetings will take place at 5:30 p.m. in the University Center Terrace Room. People participating should expect to discuss the text with others. To pre-register, email leadership@semo.edu.

Brooke Grubb, a nutrition major, is attending the event and expressed her excitement over being able to hear Michaels speak.

"She's a great motivator, and seeing her in person and hearing her tell her story will really put things into perspective," Grubb said.

Michaels will speak at 7:30 p.m. on Sept. 30 at the Show Me Center. Tickets are free to those with a Southeast ID and $10 for others. Tickets are available at the Show Me Center box office or online at showmecenter.biz.