Reporting for Duty Summer 2008...BE READY!  Kevin Rail and Ron Jones--True Avengers of Health and Fitness Freedom Fighters!  The Hard Rock of Healthcare!  If you're not willing to make America STRONGER by getting fit, you're in our crosshairs.  And guess what?  We aren't afraid to pull the trigger!

Good news!  Child obesity has finally hit a plateau after 25 years of soaring higher than the space shuttle.  But wait!  Before you feel warm and fuzzy, think about "the rest of the story" which is that 32% of American kids are still overweight if not totally obese.  We have absolutely nothing to brag about concerning our kids and weight.  Don't be fooled!  Case in point--some empirical evidence I see daily.  While driving by a bus stop in Ventura, CA (one of "the" healthiest places to live in America for outdoor activity), I observed five teenagers.  Four of them were obese.  It could be the same in any city in America.  Change it.  We are exercising more as a nation--this I observe and believe to be true.  Reports are emerging as well to support our increase in exercise...we are finally on the move more than in recent years.  Keep up the good work, and let's fix the rest pronto!

This month's Gut Check! by Kevin Rail is on the slimy world of yogurt RIP OFFS!  Companies are quick to jump on the band wagon of increased health awareness at the expense of ethics and providing authentically nutritious food.  Example?  "Healthy" low-fat food loaded with SUGAR i.e. many current yogurts!  More?  Kids' breakfast cereals loaded with sugar being advertised as "healthy" ways to start the day and increase scholastic abilities.  Yeah..nothing like a good 'ol American sugar fix to start the day!  But for now, Kevin rips away the sugar coated BS on yogurt?  What remains?  Just the good stuff...and that's no bull!

After three hard years in corporate as a full-time Wellcoach, I've got my process wired.  What works and what does not.  For me, it's keeping it simple.  I'm a fitness guy, so I approach corporate wellness from a "movement" standpoint with exercise.  What can I do in the least amount of time to do the most amount of "movement" good?  First get in their heads (psychology) and make sure they know I have something that they can be successful at if trying--My Dynamic Warm-Up.  It's simple--body weight only.  In just five minutes a day, I've changed lives.  For the first time in decades, some of my clients felt "improvement" in their bodies instead of a spiraling loss of control.  This is HUGE!  It's the spark that creates flame.  At any age, weight, and level of fitness and ability, my DWU can move most people better with less pain.

• RJ High-Performance System
• EPOC "After-Burn" Workouts & Intervals
• Kettlebell Information

I just returned from my 2nd Annual Yosemite Falls Summit Corporate Hike in California.  Do you want to inspire others to think about being green and protecting our environment?  Try "ecotherapy" by taking them on the wilderness trails.  As John Muir once said, "...it's the clearest way into the universe..."  Not only are lives changes towards wellness, but people gain more awareness and respect for nature and life itself in so many enriching ways.  The corporate hikes have been one of the most successful tools I've used the last three years with clients to give them true High-Performance Health.  Try the trail--you'll like it!

Yeah, I know I covered these in brief last month, but I'm not done yet!  Like many in my business, I too am being "re-educated" by the amazingly simple Russian Kettlebell (KB).  Here are some valid points to consider if you're interested in KBs along with other tips.

One of the most horrific experiences of my life was earlier this year when Georgia's Trail Goddess Meredith Hope Emerson was brutally tortured, murdered, and decapitated while hiking on New Year's Day.  Even today, it makes me sick to even think about it--very emotional.  It ripped my own family in half.  We were heavily involved in organizing the Remember M.E. Memorial Hike in late January.

51% of "insured" Americans are now taking
prescription drugs to treat "at least" one chronic health problem.  There is NO excuse good enough for this state of illness in our country!  We are disintegrating as a nation from the inside out.  No amount of Nintendo, big screens, and Escalades can save us from our own obesity and inactivity.  Emerson once wrote, "The first wealth is health."  If he's right, then we are not wealthy at all in this country--we are poor.  

America is predicted to be bankrupt in ten years because of failing health if we do not make drastic changes i.e. start living healthier to PREVENT chronic and expense diseases.  The above statement of fact is not my personal assessment--it came from David Walker, the U.S. Controller General who is basically the CPA of the United States.  When seeing him personally as a key note speaker in Washington DC at a health care reform conference where I was presenting this last December, he said quote, "We are betting the farm on healthcare reform.  If we don't do it, we'll be bankrupt in ten years."  Don't believe me?  Read the full story on 60 Minutes for yourself.

I just completed David's "Full Body Power" advanced KB workshop at Delaine Ross' Condition KB Gym in Atlanta. It was the absolute best $$$ I ever spent on fitness education at a full-day seminar or conference!  Special thanks to Delaine Ross too because without her expert start up, I might not have survived six hours of Iron Tamer! 

David's workshop was thorough and challenging. I was by far the least experienced in the group with KBs, yet David was able to make quick adjustments with me and anyone else in the group to keep things not only safe but effective. He is extremely knowledgeable about not only kettlebell training, but human biomechanics. He was able to perform specific mobility drills with a few students struggling with certain moves that enabled them to complete the drills within just a few minutes of his adjustments. Everyone in the group was very positive about the experience.

I've been in the fitness business for over a decade--David is one of the best I've ever worked with and that is no BS! If you get the opportunity to work personally with David "Iron Tamer" Whitley--DO IT! You won't be disappointed!

Lean Beret Rail is going ballistic on Sport Drinks next month.  Lean Beret Delaine Ross is finishing up a WellPRO story that is going to inspire us all.  One of her kettlebell clients and family has lost over 180 pounds as a family with NO surgery, NO drugs, and NO unhealthy methods.  How did they do it?  Healthy eating and exercise!  Learn their encouraging tips for success next month and more straight up health and fitness. 

Ron Jones, MS-LLC
Corporate Wellcoach