There are no rules, just recommendations. And, it's 'ok' to break the recommendations (rules).

So, I met with an individual a few days ago. She had emailed me specifically to discuss some things regarding her current workout program. As I've learned over the years, these discussions typically evolve into a little more than just talking about 'working' out, and this one took the same course.

She shared a little about her personal health history, which was very helpful, and included a history about her workout experiences and what she'd been doing up to this point. We discussed some of her past successes, as well as, some of the challenges she'd faced, what she'd done to overcome those challenges, and which ones still lingered on. We summarized the general components of her overall 'health plan' which I find to always be helpful as it ties the bigger picture together with the smaller elements of more individualized, creative health aspects. And what I learned about her fitness component was that she'd been working out in an all-women's club for quite some time.

We continued to chat and talked a little more about what her current workout program consisted of and the advice she'd been following for quite some time. It became apparent that her fundamental thinking needed to be tweaked a bit. She'd been following the 'recommendations, guidelines, and advice' from professionals at her club and it was becoming apparent that this was precisely what was burdening her and actually bringing added stress to her routine. In her case, as is quite common, the recommendations given to her had become 'rules' in her mind and in turn, were actually complicating the process for her and leaving her feeling like her success was strictly tied to her ability to follow the 'rules' placed before her.

Experience has shown me that there's a segment of the workout population that demand rules, guidelines, steps, a very exact plan. They need/want to be told exactly what they need to do. Don't want to have to think about it on there own at all. "Tell me what I need to do and I'll do it". Generally, these individuals have the fortitude to take what's given to them and make it happen for themselves and are able to successfully self-motivate or they lose steam after a short period of time and drop it altogether.

The fitness industry has done an effective job of catering to these folks. In part, because 'rules and guidelines' show legitimacy. And, lots of money can be made from those wiling to pay for 'guidance by the rules' who don't have the self-discipline to 'go it alone'. And, because the overall health of Americans has seen such a rapid decline over the years, guidelines and recommendations have been put in place in an effort to educate and slow this decline. However, as was the case with this individual, there are also those who take these guidelines quite literally and eventually find themselves on the verge of exercise meltdown as they begin feeling overwhelmed by the demands of following 'the rules'. In most cases, time, boredom and a sense of hopelessness contribute to the meltdown. But, it's the pressure of feeling like if you don't do this much or that much, for this long or that long, or this way or that way, you perhaps shouldn't be doing it at all. And before you know it, you find yourself not doing anything at all. And, that's exactly how this individual felt.

We had a good chat. My message to her was to toss the 'rules', err recommendations out the window, forget about them. I gave her permission to find a routine that worked especially for her and we set in motion a plan that fit her schedule, her lifestyle, and ultimately met her personal health concerns. The sense of relief that I could see on her face was priceless. I could tell it felt very different for her and I actually had to bring an end to the conversation a number of times. She was soaking it all up. It made sense to her and it was very cool to see.

Oprah's Recent Weight Confession a Familiar One.

I'm not an Oprah follower. I don't keep up on what Oprah does or doesn't do. I know many do. She's got a tremendous following. I will say, Oprah has done some serious good in this life. She's done some wonderful things in the lives of others. And, I believe she's delivered some stories and messages that others weren't brave enough to, messages that needed to be told and heard. For this, I respect her. Oprah has also been very candid about certain things in her own life. Have there been agendas attached to these revelations? Sure. But, I also believe that these confessions are just a part of who Oprah is.

Recently, I came across one such confession and felt compelled to offer some of my own insights. I don't profess to be an expert in weight loss or weight management but having spent most of my career in personal health I have gained some insights into these two very complex areas. I've developed a deep appreciation and respect for those who've embarked on this journey themselves or are contemplating a walk down this path. It's a journey. A journey that requires serious deliberation, planning, recognition of unexpected barriers that lay ahead, and an open mind to unknowns and deviations that will be required...much like an adventurer preparing for an expedition. Most importantly, I believe, a clear understanding and sense of purpose.

Oprah's experiences with personal weight fluctuations are not unlike millions and millions of others around this planet. What does make Oprah's experience a tad more unique is the very false impression that her wealth and personal resources should enable her to find success easier than most. And, really, it's not that unrealistic to think that this combination should allow for a greater possibility of success. If you've got billions of dollars, access to personal chefs, trainers, physicians and a host of other health professionals, how is it possible that Oprah couldn't find 'success' with her weight management goals? Or, to be more specific, that she could only find 'success' for a short period of time? It's very possible. More possible than you'd think. And, Oprah was setting herself up for this dramatic change years ago.

I've got many questions for Oprah and would love an hour question and answer session with her. I know a lot would be learned. Oprah, if you're reading, I do have one question regarding your recent confession. Why now? What's different now compared to a few months ago or even a year ago?

Each one of us no doubt has struggled at some point in our lives with fleeting success as it relates to weight issues, cardiovascular health and endurance, addictive habits, personal life and career fulfillment and a host of other overall health gages. And for the most part, we know that fundamental steps coupled with the correct mindset and carefully structured framework is our best chance for lasting change. I believe Oprah understands this and I believe she probably also understands what changed to bring about her current situation.

Success, be it through weight-loss, addictive behavior change, wealth accumulation, family and personal relationships, finds each one of us at different times and in different ways. And while finding this success most certainly requires work, investment, and perseverance...the work, investment, and maintenance of said found success is where the difference is really discovered.

I always look forward to the seasons changing.

I have my own seasonal ritual. I guess you could dub it 'seasonal cleaning' but it's not the seasonal cleaning you might think it is. A few years ago I started seeing an acupuncturist for my back issues. I'd been to a variety of health professionals....doctors, physical therapists, chiropractors, massage therapists...you name it. And while, yes, I did get some relief for a period of time, it wasn't working for me longer term. And, what I hadn't realized was the extent of the inflammation that was present in my back that desperately needed to be dealt with before the healing process could take place. Circulation was poor, energy pathways impaired, thus muscles were tight and hence, movement restricted. Acupuncture has been a key player in maintaining these specific areas and in my own health maintenance overall. Today I had an appointment and I laughed as I walked in thinking of the first time I asked my acupuncturist how often I should schedule with her. Her reply, "When the seasons change." Needless to say, it wasn't the reply I was expecting but you know what? She's exactly right. I've been on a 'once every 3 months' schedule with her and I can say it's pretty much right in line with when my body feels like it needs the cleansing. Wild stuff.

Today I told her not only do I look forward to my appointments with her from a pain relief standpoint but I look as forward to the time with her from a conversation standpoint. She's a very wise, grounded, optimistic, and motivating individual and I always feel like I walk out of her office with a renewed appreciation for what I'm trying to achieve in life and what's possible.

Today's conversation revolved around what the Chinese dub as '3 Elements of Success':

1] Your own abilities and how you choose to use them. How you choose to improve the 'self'. (This you can control, have influence over.)

2] Where you choose to be/place yourself. Who you choose to be with. (This you can control, have influence over.)

3] Timing. (In the bigger scheme) (You can't control this, nobody can. Much of this has to do with luck. You can certainly try to position yourself in the best way possible so that things align in a positive way when the timing is 'right' but you have no control over timing itself.)

Already looking forward to my next scheduled appointment, March 20th.....the first day of spring. I know I'll leave both mentally and physically cleansed.

Top 10 Goals for Better Health in 2009.

[1] Establish a journaling habit that works best for you. Either handwritten or electronically. This is key! I've had so many clients tell me how important this has been for them and the difference it's made. It's little-used by most but highly effective!

[2] Be nicer to yourself. Give yourself a break.

[3] Recognize that healthy movement comes in many forms, not just on a treadmill, bike, or stair machine. How creative can you get?

[4] Experiment with how creating a more organized, healthier home environment impacts your overall mental and physical well-being.

[5] Find time for calm. (through stillness, meditation, or yoga)

[6] Re-discover a hobby you've let go of. Find a new one.

[7] Look into 'free' or low-cost community education courses that might be of interest or benefit to you from a healthier-living standpoint.

[8] Engage in online social networking for re-connecting with friends and family you've been out of touch with for awhile. You'll be surprised at how easy it is to get started and how much fun it can be.

[9] Put aside a little money for your children or nieces and nephews. They don't need more 'stuff'. However, a little money now will go a long way later (yes, even in today's economy).

[10] Hit the road. That's right, make a point of getting 'out of Dodge' sometime this year. You don't have to go on an expensive vacation, just get out of town. Roadtrip therapy can be some of the best kind.

Spreading happiness through social networking can slow the aging process!

Ok, I don't have any definitive proof that it actually slows the aging process but can't we have some fun making the assumption? A friend of mine sent over this article and I had to share it, I love this stuff..Being in the health and wellness field, this stuff really intrigues me. Especially since I'm fairly new to the online social networking realm...You see, I've been resisting jumping on this train for months now because I believed it would be a royal time-sucker for me and I'd end up feeling nothing but exhaustion (from having to keep up with everyone) and panic (from worrying about having to keep up with everyone)..But I finally succumbed and jumped onboard a few weeks ago and I have to say, it's been a lot of fun. I've truly enjoyed finding friends I haven't seen or spoken to for years and catching up with their lives and families. I've also met a number of others through the socializing channels that I've enjoyed getting to know from a friendship and business networking standpoint..And now, all this...finding out that there's all this happiness being spread and I'm benefiting from it. It's fantastic. Come to think of it..I have felt much healthier the past few weeks. Screw Botox, I've found something much cheaper, pain-free, and a lot more fun.