Alicia Kirschenheiter's blog

We all want to be healthy and slim, right? So why aren't we? Oh, there could be a genetic or medication issue that's holding you back. But more often than not the only thing holding us back is us.

As a Total Wellness expert, I have worked with a large number of clients over the years. And believe me when I tell you -- excuses for not getting healthy are not only a dime a dozen, but they also don't make a lot of sense!  

I’m Too Old to Start Now!

It’s never too late to get healthy. Cliché as it sounds, it's true.  There are measurable benefits to becoming more active, improving your diet and sharpening your state of mind.

People begin to seek a healthier lifestyle at all ages. I have worked with people in their 60's and 70s' and they have all gained strength and coordination, decreased their dependency on medications, and improved their overall flexibility.

I’m Too Tired!

Starting a healthy lifestyle isn't easy. It’s never easy to change especially when you feel like you're too tired to even move from the sofa at all.

However, I can tell you that incorporating healthy changes -- even small ones like a 10-minute-a-day walking program -- will in turn give you more energy. So it’s win-win. The more you do, the better you feel. Or do nothing and feel horrible.

I Have No Motivation!

No two people are motivated by exactly the same things. Some of us are internally motivated, some of us fight a disease or the onset of an illness, while others just miss feeling well. No person can be pushed to be motivated because if motivation doesn’t come from you genuinely, you will fail.

My advice: think it through. Remember a time when you felt well or a time when you were successful on a fitness plan. Focus on what worked and the positive results you enjoyed.

Getting Healthy is Expensive

The clothes, the food, the gym memberships... oh, my! Let’s look at it the other way -- the way were you stay unhealthy. The clothes, the food, the doctor visits, the medicine, the co-pays and the pain and discomfort… OH, MY!

The truth is that getting healthy is far less expensive in the long run than the maintenance it takes to stay unhealthy. And let's not forget about the extra years that being healthy can add to your life.

I Hate Going To The Gym, I Feel____

Well, you can fill in the blanks. I have heard everything from inadequate to uncomfortable to downright silly. Who ever said getting healthy has to involve a gym?

Today there are so many other options -- from online communities, to walking clubs, to fitness professionals that will come to you and then there's always your trusty DVD player. Go with what you love. If you love to swim, find a pool. If you love to walk, hit the great outdoors. If you love it, you will stick with it.

I Just Don’t Know Where To Start!

Ah, yes... the overwhelming amount of information is at times mindboggling even for me and I have made wellness my career.   Some experts say do this; others say no, do it that way or don't do it at all! I can totally understand your confusion.

I would suggest that you start with a few great resources like www.mypyramid.gov which has some really terrific, easy to understand information for everyone. From there, start working on the things that you can change fairly easily.

Remember... small steps are the ones we stick with.

I Don’t Care!

I think this is the one that strikes me the hardest. It's truly the one excuse that I have the least answers for.

To me, if you don’t care enough of yourself to try to live longer and live better, then I really have no start point to motivate you. You have to want to change. As I always say, if you simply go through the motions with anything, you will fail.         

Be well.     

Alicia       

Alicia is an American Council on Exercise Certified Personal Trainer and a Weight & Lifestyle Management consultant. The owner of Evolution Total Wellness in New York is also the author of "Oscar & Otis, Fat Fighters." For more information, visit www.linkedin.com/in/evolutiontotalwellness. 

Oh, summer madness… what have you wrought in the way of slimming?

Each year -- specifically, every swimsuit season -- something magical and diabolical happens. Mirrors become enemies, swimsuits are torture devices, and we lose all ability to reason good and bad things for us because every quick-fix diet program or device has guaranteed us it can slim our bodies just in time to hit the beach without a wrap or body-covering burka.

This year is no different. Here are some of my favorite new "miracle slimming solutions" to make the scene.

In-home genetic DNA testing

Ok, I never claimed to be a high-tech kinda gal. My nephew had to set up my Wii and he's just 14. But this sounds cool to me.

Basically, for about $150 and two cotton swabs that you send off to have "DNA" from the inside of your mouth tested, you get a genetic determination of how your body metabolizes fat, and the impact that exercise and carbs have on your body.

Neat, right? Well, hold on now.  By knowing this, will anything change?

Chances are good that most people who ante up for this test already have some idea that need to increase their fitness levels and make dietary changes. So I am not exactly sure what the test will prove or help, for that matter.

The Beef Tapeworm Diet

Do we really need to even talk about this? The idea behind this harebrained scheme is this: You swallow tapeworm eggs, they hatch and grow inside your digestive tract, you lose weight, then you swallow something to kill the worms.

Sounds more like a horror movie than an actual safe diet.

The Coconut Oil Diet

I love coconut, but eating any one food, using any single product or swallowing any one supplement is not going to be the answer to your weight issues.

I could change out coconut oil for Organic Virgin Olive Oil Diet and while I love it, I cook with it and I have been known occasionally to dip my bread in it, it’s not going to make anyone lose weight unless you cut down on calories consumed and kick it up a notch at the gym.

The Maple Syrup Diet or Cleanse

While living on maple syrup, lemons, water and cayenne for days on end sounds like a great time (that's pure sarcasm folks), in the end the only real thing you will have lost is muscle and fluid.

So where do the dog days of summer leave us?

With an abundance of farm-fresh fruits and vegetables. And we should all be incorporating these into our diets.

There is no quick fix or magic diet aids. There is only hard work, insightful learning and satisfying consequence for our positive actions.

Making healthy, bold, natural food choices and getting out and getting active is always going to trump popping a pill... no matter how exotic or "easy" someone spins it.

Incorporate as many veggies as you can and wean yourself a little from the heavy meats. Making small changes not only will allow you to stick them out but will equal great results.  

Alicia is an American Council on Exercise Certified Personal Trainer and a Weight & Lifestyle Management consultant. The owner of Evolution Total Wellness in New York is also the author of "Oscar & Otis, Fat Fighters." For more information, visit www.linkedin.com/in/evolutiontotalwellness. 

I've said it before and I'll say it again -- achieving total wellness means you've found peace for the body, peace for the mind and, ultimately, peace for the spirit.

Want something more concrete?

My favorite definition of wellness comes from Charles B. Corbin of Arizona State University. Corbin once said, "Wellness is a multi-dimensional state of being describing the existence of positive health in an individual as exemplified by quality of life and a sense of well-being."

So achieving wellness is really achieving health, but I also maintain that achieving wellness is the turning point from which fitness evolves from a chore to a recognized part of life that we welcome and enjoy!

From that point on, your body begins to become healthy and you gain energy and perspective. You also reduce stress and anxiety, and feel more confident and calm.

And now you begin to see the mind connection.

Less stress and anxiety equals more happiness, so now you see the spirit connection.

Think of it as an unbroken circle. When one part is not aligned the others fall out of whack.

Truth be told, fitness of the body is not the be all and end all. I know that hearing this from a fitness professional sounds somewhat odd. But what I mean is that the act of becoming fit is merely the portal.

Once we begin to recognize that this really works and you start to feel better you want it even more. In fact, you begin to crave it.

What I have found is that it's because of those intense feelings that we are more open to exploring other areas of wellness like meditation and yoga or experiencing different fitness avenues like a new class or maybe even a fitness vacation.

There is a lifestyle shift, for sure.

Be warned though: Wellness is not a destination. There is no end point. Once you begin seeking out ways to be well -- whether it starts with healthy eating choices, exploring fitness options, or employing a professional fitness or wellness coach -- it will only be the first step to what hopefully will become a lifestyle of healthy exploration and happy longevity!

Until next time, be well... totally! 

Alicia

Alicia is an American Council on Exercise Certified Personal Trainer and a Weight & Lifestyle Management consultant. The owner of Evolution Total Wellness in New York is also the author of "Oscar & Otis, Fat Fighters." For more information, visit www.linkedin.com/in/evolutiontotalwellness. 

Hey baby, how would you like to do it anywhere?

Yup, that's right, I said it... you and I can do it anywhere.

Well, now that I have your attention, perhaps I need to clarify a little. When I say we can do it anywhere, I am talking about EXERCISE. 

There are some really great simple moves that require no equipment so they are perfect for performing in front of the TV during Survivor or in a hotel room after the nightmare meeting you barely survived.

I call them THE BIG 5 because these moves hit all the major muscle groups. In a pinch, a short workout featuring these five moves goes a long way toward keeping you on track.

NOTE: Click on the exercise name if you need help performing the move.

The Big 5

1) SQUATS! This exercise works the legs, works the core, and works the booty... enough said!

2) PUSH-UPS! I know these aren't fun ladies, but push-ups come in many forms. You can go from a full force push-up (the kind every military movie features during a basic training sequence) to modified (done with knees bent) to wall push-ups (performed against -- you guessed it -- a wall!).

Also, depending on hand placement, you can manipulate the emphasis of the exercise. Hands further out to the sides work the chest and back muscles. Hands closer together will key on the triceps and shoulder muscles. I like to do one set with hands out wide, then one set with hands at shoulder width, and then a final set with hands almost clasped together beneath me.

3) PLANK! An awesome core move that also comes with multiple variations. There's a straight plank, leg raised plank, arm raised plank, up and down plank... The list goes on and on. 

4) JUMPING JACKS! Yep, the same moves you did in third grade will work for you now. Adding in a great cardio move like this during some strength training exercise helps rev up the metabolism and, frankly, cuts into any boredom you might be feeling.

Not everyone LOVES strength training so being able to switch it up some with cardio is a plus.

If you have a weak floor and your TV rattles or don't want to annoy the hotel guests staying in the room below yours, try this variation: Do side steps or step ups if you have stairs available, or throw punches like Mike Tyson. All three alternative moves are awesome and guaranteed to get the heart pumping more.

5) Full body move: the SQUAT THRUST! This is merely a squat that leads into a full out push-up position, and after you push up you stand up. Like Jumping Jacks, we've been doing squat thrusts since elementary school. It's a tremendous move that ties it all together!
 
Perform all five moves back-to-back with less than a minute rest between exercises, then go back and do the complete 5-move set all over again -- three times in total!

Keep the reps to about 12-15 each exercise each time. For the Plank, hold it as long as you can. Through your TV-viewing commercial break is always a good challenge.

This may not be the ideal routine for you but it will get you moving and get the heart pumping for a change of pace and a good challenge.

Remember, it's about consistency not perfection.

So keep moving, change it up and work with what you got.

Until next time... stay well!

Alicia is an American Council on Exercise Certified Personal Trainer and a Weight & Lifestyle Management consultant. The owner of Evolution Total Wellness in New York is also the author of "Oscar & Otis, Fat Fighters." For more information, visit www.linkedin.com/in/evolutiontotalwellness. 

So you've started down the path to better health and weight. You have the best of intentions. You're cruising along and eating great food, getting lots of exercise, and totally enjoying how it makes you feel more energetic…

And then... BAM! You find yourself at a catered office party featuring buckets of chicken wings and tubs of potato salad.

This, my friends, is just one of the unavoidable road bumps that stand between you and your healthy destination.

Luckily, we can spot the road bumps ahead of time and have a plan of action for avoiding them.

The 5 Road Bumps

1) Office food

You and I both know that we only need to go one cubicle in any direction to be confronted by a cornucopia of sugar, fat and salt.  In fact, as I write this, the candy bowl in the office directly behind me beckons.

What to do?  Keep healthy snacks at your desk. If fact, if you keep healthy foods that you like close by you are less likely to need to wander around the office, looking for the 3 o'clock pick-me-up.
 
2) Dining out

I love restaurants. The trick is to know how to order the best of what they have, enjoy yourself and not regret every bite when you leave.

Focus on what you are really there for. If it's dinner, skip over the appetizers and focus on selecting a main course. Choose wisely. Fish is great. Whole wheat pasta is also good. Of course, be sure to make your plate heavy on the veggies.

Always focus on the whole foods on the menu and be sure to know and avoid the overly processed items.

If it’s lunch, request the lunch portion of the menu even if you don’t see it advertised and add as many greens as possible.

I know there's that dessert menu -- or worse yet, the dessert CART! -- that's going to come around at the end of the meal. Hey, if that's what you crave, it’s perfectly fine to give in every now and then. Just be sure to make that the exception rather than the rule.

If you've taken precautions to make healthy choices for your main meal, then dessert shouldn't a problem.  
 
3) No time for exercise

It's the mother of all excuses. But face it, everyone has time. We all like to think we don't but when we look at our schedules chances are good we have made time for TV, for shopping, for carpools, for nights out, for meetings and for errands…

You've made time for all your other priorities. Now you need to make time for fitness. If we do not make time for fitness, we will need to make time for illness.

Start small and walk three times a day for 15 minutes at a shot. Build from there. You won't regret it.  
 
4) Eating on the run

Fast food is king in our on-the-go society. We are the product (or maybe the victim) of eating for convenience. While we are all guilty of gobbling as we go, there are some steps we can take to make better choices.

If fast food is your only option, make the healthiest choices possible. Go grilled instead of fried, and hold the sauces and the cheese. Also, pad your meal with as many veggies as you can.  Limit the soda and, as much as it may hurt, just say NO to fries.

On occasion, fast food is acceptable at best. But next time you eat it take a minute and think about how you really feel while you are tasting and chewing it, and then after you eat it. Can you honestly say you enjoyed it?
 
5) Food shopping on an empty stomach

Food shopping… what a great sport, huh? Unless you are enjoying delicious home-delivered Diet-to-Go meals, you probably have to hop in your car from time to time and trek to the supermarket.

Okay, so let's treat shopping like a sport and go prepared. If you know ahead of time you will be out and about for the day, pack a small cooler and keep in the car stocked with water, nuts, fruit and maybe a snack bar or two.

That way, when you go food shopping on the way home, you won't be ravenous and overload your cart with poor choices that sounded so appealing at the time.

Also, be sure to make a list and stick to it!

Until next time, be well!

Alicia       

Alicia is an American Council on Exercise Certified Personal Trainer and a Weight & Lifestyle Management consultant. The owner of Evolution Total Wellness in New York is also the author of "Oscar & Otis, Fat Fighters." For more information, visit www.linkedin.com/in/evolutiontotalwellness. 

The word "cleanse" is all over the news these days. It pops up just about everywhere because there's always a celebrity cleanse du jour.

Last week we heard how Gwynneth Paltrow used an extreme diet that included cleansing to prepare for her Pepper Potts role in Iron Man 2.

There's the juice cleanse, the master cleanse, the 5-day cleanse, the 7-day cleanse... and I have even seen the 14-day cleanse!  There are spa cleanse programs and even "Cleanse Destinations."

The list is endless. Everyone is jumping on the bandwagon.

But what is a cleanse, you ask? Good question. A cleanse is a diet regimen ideally designed to remove toxins from the body, generally by way of a radical diet change.

A cleanse regimen often involves consuming mainly liquids. If there is food involved, the food is generally high in fiber and eaten in its raw state.

Certain cleanses target the entire body, although there are cleanses designed for specific body systems or organs such as the kidneys or liver. The idea is that the toxins will be removed, leaving you with a better, healthier digestive tract and, subsequently, a healthier immune system and extra energy.

Sounds good, right?

While working in the health and wellness profession, I've found that people are always looking for the next best health claim. They want a magic bullet or miracle cure all for their weight and health.

Unfortunately, cleansing is not the magic elixir it's cracked up to be. Information from the medical community basically states that there is little scientific evidence that cleansing has benefits.

In fact, there is a major concern that cleansing can lead to extreme dehydration. If you suffer medical conditions involving the kidneys or liver, the consequences can be serious.

Basically, your digestive tract regulates itself. Doing things to speed up the process -- especially without medical direction -- is a bad idea.

Yes, people do lose weight when cleansing. With that kind of drastic calorie cut back how could you not?

However, I will always state that any radical diet isn't a very good solution for anything and it won't be very effective in the long term.

The body is a perfect machine… until we gunk it up.

So, what's the best way to "cleanse" your system?

First, increase your water intake and make sure you are getting enough throughout the day. While the "8 glasses a day" theory isn’t exact science, it works in most cases.

Second, eat high fiber whole foods. Frankly if you are looking to "unchemical" your system, focus your food selection around unprocessed and organic food choices.

Lastly, boost your exercise level. Get rid of the toxins that may build in your body the old fashion way -- by sweating it out!

If you do decide you want to try the cleanse route, please seek the advice of a medical professional before initiating any plan.  The risk of harm most certainly would outweigh the benefits.

Until next time, be well!

Alicia       

Alicia is an American Council on Exercise Certified Personal Trainer and a Weight & Lifestyle Management consultant. The owner of Evolution Total Wellness in New York is also the author of "Oscar & Otis, Fat Fighters." For more information, visit www.linkedin.com/in/evolutiontotalwellness. 

Last week we rolled out the 7 Worst Excuses for not Exercising. So it's only natural that this week we shine the spotlight on the 7 Worst Excuses for not Dieting.

See how many you've used (or ARE using) and learn how to overcome all seven.

1) I hate to cook!

Join the crowd! I am no chef either. But the last time I checked I found all sorts of alternate choices out there -- from take-out or delivery to supermarket meals to quick recipes for one in under 10 minutes. Oh, and don't forget Diet-to-Go -- our meals come ready to heat and eat... and they're delicious too! There's always opportunity to make better choices if we look.

2) There's no way I can give up...

Okay you can fill in the blank with your choice of chocolate, ice cream, potato chips... Go ahead and pick your evil. The truth of the matter is that no real healthy lifestyle asks you to give up anything. Just know there is a big difference between ONE Oreo and THE WHOLE SLEEVE. Learning moderation and rewarding yourself with an occasional treat... well that's just life as it should be.

3) I have no willpower!

The decision to become healthier is your first step to real change.  Looking for the right support system is crucial. Maybe you can find a friend, a neighbor, or a family member to team up with. I am all for a little professional help. Why not consider a trainer, a wellcoach or a nutritionist for some sound advice and motivation?

4) I'll start for real tomorrow!

This statement is usually uttered by the dieter who frequently falls off the wagon. Have you ever known anyone who ever started anything "tomorrow" to do well?  Every moment is an opportunity to begin again. So what if your your food choices for the day tanked? There's still the opportunity for some good choices over dinner. Begin again. The best time to start is NOW.

5) I live to eat, not eat to live!

There is nothing wrong with enjoying your food. I can relate. I have never met a Mexican food that I didn't like. But the key to enjoying your food is to mindfully eat. Mindful eating means savoring each bite, recognizing it and enjoying it -- and stopping when no longer hungry. It's about the quality of each bite rather than the quantity of an entire buffet.

6) I hate having to watch what I eat!

Yup, this one has been said to me by a client. Sorry, but EVERYONE needs to watch what they eat. It doesn't matter if you are a professional athlete or a child. We may not share the same dietary needs, but no one gets the free pass when it comes to healthy eating. A constant awareness of your food and the enjoyment of what it is you are eating can help lead to healthier practices.

7) I had no idea there were so many calories in that!

This is by far my favorite excuse. With all the information readily available today -- not to mention the actual serving size and calorie count of just about everything you purchase -- pleading ignorance is no excuse. I would rather have a client tell me that they made a decision to eat something bad for them than to have them attempt to pass along "I had no idea" excuse. Accepting the consequences of choosing to eat something high in fat and calories is far better than lamely pleading ignorance. 

Be well.     

Alicia       

Alicia is an American Council on Exercise Certified Personal Trainer and a Weight & Lifestyle Management consultant. The owner of Evolution Total Wellness in New York is also the author of "Oscar & Otis, Fat Fighters." For more information, visit www.linkedin.com/in/evolutiontotalwellness. 

"Excuses are the nails used to build a house of failure." 

Ah, excuses. We all make them. And, in turn, excuses make us less likely to achieve the things we want to achieve -- like a lighter weight or a better shape.

As a total wellness professional I have heard most every excuse known to man. So today let's recount the top 7 excuses people use to avoid exercise.

I will give you the way to overcome each excuse. Of course, to get it done, you need to stop making excuses!

The 7 Worst Excuses for Not Exercising

1. I hate to sweat!

But seriously folks, who does like to sweat? From heavy lifting to a walk in the park, there are all levels of exercise. But at some point you will need to get that heart rate up for max benefits. And yes, that means breaking a sweat. That's what showers are for.

2. I don't want to mess my hair and makeup!

Yup, it's been said. So my advice is see answer 1 and choose a time and exercise that fits your lifestyle. A brisk walk around the building or outside may even put some color in your cheeks and reduce your need for blush!

3. I can't exercise until I lose weight so I look good in gym clothes!

This has to be one of my favorite excuses! The key to an effective lifestyle change is commitment to the change. If the only benefit there is to weight loss is vanity, you may need to rethink your desire to shape up.

4. I don't have a clue how to exercise!

Did you ever hear of a library or the Internet? There are so many available resources -- from websites to mags and everything in between. I only ask that you be careful of the source you choose. I am biased but I seek professional help every time I need help. The best advice: Look for an accredited certified trainer or fitness coach. For the cost of one or two sessions you will gain a good foundation in the basics.

5. Women saying, "I don't want big muscles!"

Listen up. Once and for all, women, in general, do not have the ability via hormones and our design to create big muscle mass. Light strength training (meaning lifting more than the weight of
your purse) has more benefits than the likelihood you will ever be ready for Muscle Beach.

6. Men saying, "I can drop weight whenever I want because I lose weight fast!

Ssshhh... can you hear that? That's procrastination I hear. What you may have been able to do in your twenties just isn't all that possible in your thirties, forties or beyond. So drop the excuses and pick up the weights.

7. I just don't have the time!

This is the mother of all excuses. If I ask someone to tell me their favorite TV show I can get an answer. So my theory is if you have the time to watch TV on a regular basis then you can find the time for exercise. In fact, can do both at the same time. It's a matter
of the level of commitment and willingness to change. After all, are we willing to sacrifice our health but not miss an episode of Lost?

Be well.     

Alicia       

Alicia is an American Council on Exercise Certified Personal Trainer and a Weight & Lifestyle Management consultant. The owner of Evolution Total Wellness in New York is also the author of "Oscar & Otis, Fat Fighters." For more information, visit www.dailyevolution.com. 

When I meet with a client for the first time my job is find their motivation. So I always ask, "What drives you?"  I can tell you absolutely that no two people are driven exactly the same.

The factors that trigger our desire for wellness are as individual as our fingerprints.

Is it health, vanity, our children, our spouse?  A bet perhaps... or peer pressure to conform. Some of us are searching for the Fountain of Youth or we have a desire to fit into our skinny jeans again. Maybe it's the glitzy magazines and TV shows that serve up glamorous shots of celebrities with tiny waistlines and chiseled chests.

So ask yourself, what drives you to slim down and shape up?  

Think it through. If you can’t answer what honestly drives you then you have no connection to the process. What I mean is your process will become a chore because you’re not really even sure why you are trying to get in better shape.

Being able to answer the question “what drives you?” commits you to the process. Slips and slides along the way won't be unrecoverable or doom your desire to improve your life.

Do any of these random thoughts sound familiar? 

I need to get in shape... I need to lose weight... I can't eat this... I shouldn’t eat that... walk faster... burn calories... gain muscle... oh boy, I ate a cookie... I need to skip the next three meals... oh nuts, I’ll start tomorrow or next week... never mind -- I’ve messed it up so bad I’ll just start next year...

Or how about...

I am so aggravated... I need a cookie or maybe a bag of chips... I am so bored, how about we grab an ice cream... I have no time so let me hit the drive-thru on the way home...

Truth is everyone starts a wellness program with the best of intentions.

But as we all know, it can take just one little thing -- something as small as one cookie or one bad day at work -- to throw us into a spin.

How we adapt to the spin is everything.

Life will never be without pitfalls. Work, family, children, friends, a lack of time, deadlines and disappointments -- they're all a natural part of life. How we adapt is vital to whether or not we continue with our intention to shape up and slim down.  

Here is the best advice that I can give:

• Always remember what drives you! That motivation, once you can pinpoint it, will be the thing that keeps you coming back to the wellness path. Keep a constant reminder close at hand. It could be a photo of your kids, a note that you wrote to yourself, a clip from a magazine, or maybe a motivational quote. Make it something that speaks to you and your personal motivation.

• Regroup and move on! Yes, I said it. Savor that cookie and chew it slow. Relish that work day fight and move past the failed diet. Accept the mistake or a bad diet day and move on!  Every minute is new and with it comes a new opportunity to start again.

• Accept success! I have always told my clients to stop looking at the big picture. Success comes in all sizes and shapes. Choosing to start a program is a success.  Showing up to the session with the trainer, or your first walk around the block, the first time you make a healthier choice over the drive-thru -- they're all successes so own them and be proud of yourself. The big picture will come into focus eventually.

• Find the support! Always remember that no man (or woman) is an island! Being accountable to someone else, showing up for walks at lunch or going to the gym, meeting a nutritionist, or even making healthier choices for you whole family, can help pull you through the tough times. Everyone -- and I do mean everyone -- can use support when they run into a rough patch.

Be well.     

Alicia       

Alicia is an American Council on Exercise Certified Personal Trainer and a Weight & Lifestyle Management consultant. The owner of Evolution Total Wellness in New York is also the author of "Oscar & Otis, Fat Fighters." For more information, visit OscarandOtis.com. 

Jack LaLanne, Susan Powter, Richard Simmons, Jazzercise, Dwight Eisenhower, Pilates, Billy Blanks, Arnold Schwarzenegger, John F. Kennedy…

What am I getting exactly?  Well, they are all part of the history of fitness.

Fitness, for Americans per se, became popular in the 1950’s, when Eisenhower was president. In sum, an exercise fitness test was conducted on America children to then be compared against children in European countries. It was during the Cold War so competition was everything.

Unfortunately, we did not fare well. Subsequently, President Eisenhower took the first steps toward gaining national attention for the failing fitness levels of our country. Later it was President Kennedy, another proponent of exercise, who put it very succinctly when he stated, "Physical fitness is the basis for all other forms of excellence."

Fast forward a half century…

Today the fitness industry is flooded with gyms, gizmos, gadgets, diets and other ways to do everything bigger, better and faster.   Diet and fitness became a multibillion dollar industry producing such memorable products as the Thigh Master, "stop the madness" mantras and "Sweating to the Oldies" DVDs. There is a product or diet for everyone imaginable -- a marketing bombshell with no end of takers in site.

Fitness became much more about the vanity of the person than the wellness of the individual. It was no longer about fitness being the basis for all forms of excellence. Society became obsessed with thin and pretty vs. healthy and well.  After all, thin and pretty sells.

Now for some positive news

The wellbeing of the whole individual seems to be refocusing.  There is new spotlight on the whole individual's needs vs. just the pretty exterior.

More and more information is making its way into the spotlight showcasing the direct connection between one’s mind and body.  There is much more publicity directed at addressing not only the issues associated with sedentary lifestyle and being overweight but the mental and emotional influences contributing to the situation.

A good majority of fitness professionals -- me included -- are evolving to meet these new insights and have redirected from just training the body to training the individual as an individual.

As always, a new slew of celebrities and famous individuals, touting the wonders of a healthy lifestyle for mind, body and soul have come to the forefront.

It’s no doubt that the products marketers are moving fast too catch the wave of wellness.  However, as a person and as a wellness professional, it is always best to keep things simple.

Remember, fitness without a mind/emotion connection is really just going through a motion. There is no long-term connection.

Fitness is a task, instead of wellness being a lifestyle.  So, always start within first to determine why you are even looking down the path.

Be well.     

Alicia       

Alicia is an American Council on Exercise Certified Personal Trainer and a Weight & Lifestyle Management consultant. The owner of Evolution Total Wellness in New York is also the author of "Oscar & Otis, Fat Fighters." For more information, visit OscarandOtis.com.