Raising the Bar

One of the most helpful take-away points Kenny and I came home with after our week in the Life Enhancement Program was a simple one: most of us know what we need to do to live a healthier lifestyle, but oftentimes we don’t follow through.

I think I’ve lived a pretty healthy lifestyle, overall. I take my vitamins and use sunscreen daily, try to stay active and eat lots of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins.

But my “healthy history” has had its peaks and valleys. Not surprisingly, I was incredibly motivated to eat right and work out almost daily the months before my wedding. My hard work and discipline paid off – I felt absolutely fabulous, inside and out, on my wedding day.

Moving back to Tucson to work at the Ranch, I thought I’d be healthier than ever! But I found it easy to ignore the treadmills and weights for one reason or another: I injured my toe, we were moving into a new house and I didn’t have time, the holidays were just around the corner, we had out of town guests, and, OMG, I have to study for the Arizona Bar!

I must admit, the weeks I spent holed up at home studying should not win an award for “Healthy Living.” I only went to the gym a few times and often ended up reaching for any snack that was available in my somewhat stark pantry. I didn’t want to spare the hour it would take to change into my workout clothes, hop on the treadmill, and get my heart rate up.

When I was studying for the California Bar a few years ago it seemed easy to take a break and jump on my elliptical trainer. What had changed? Back then, I hadn’t started my job yet, I was unmarried, all my friends were studying for the bar too, and I didn’t have a house, a pool and a yard to take care of. I didn’t have excuses!

So, feeling guilty the Saturday before the Arizona Bar, I dragged myself to the Ranch for the Stride and Strength class at the encouragement (actually, insistence) of a friend who happened to be enjoying a Spa Day that day. I was huffing and puffing on the 10 percent treadmill incline. And besides facing how out of shape I had become over the past few “excuse” months, I realized how much better I felt after just 45 minutes in the class!

I’ve just finished the two-day Bar exam, and I’ve promised myself, no more excuses! I have scheduled personal training sessions twice a week – for me, it’s a really effective way to stay motivated and accountable to my workout plan – and plan to do cardio on my own. I know this is what I need to do, and it’s just a matter of sticking with it. It’s time to raise the bar.

To Your Good Health!

Nicole Zuckerman

A week in the Life Enhancement Program

We spent our first official week at Canyon Ranch as guests in the Life Enhancement Program (LEP). Although I had heard a lot about the LEP over the years, I didn’t know much more about it than that it took place up near the T-pool in that big building called the Life Enhancement Center (the LEC – confusing, I know). We arrived for the LEP orientation on a warm Sunday afternoon, fresh from a long drive from LA. There was crudités and lemonade waiting for us, as well as nifty little name tags on a string that, as we soon found out, we were to wear around our necks the remainder of the week.

Ken and I sat down to have some healthy snacks, and I looked around at our fellow LEP participants. It kind of reminded me of the first day of summer camp – new faces, hesitant smiles, even a few expressions of confusion and doubt. I’m pretty sure there were a lot people thinking, "What did I get myself into?"

After a welcome greeting and a few ice breakers (this is what ice breakers are for, right?), we had dinner in the special LEC dining room and retired to our casita, anxious to get started bright and early the next morning.

Our week in LEP was packed with activities, including lectures on nutrition and heart health, stride and strength classes in the LEC gym, and of course, services of our choice (I think my favorite was Watsu – you have to try it). Pretty much everyone participated in all of the sessions together, so you really got to know everyone in the program. It truly was like summer camp for adults!

Despite all the activities we shared and health facts we learned, the most amazing result was how we had changed after just 6 days at the LEC. I thought back to the faces I saw on Sunday afternoon and didn’t recognize any of them by Friday evening. We were transformed. We were rejuvenated and at ease. And I felt like we were a family.

I know that every guest in LEC took home something special and personal. I definitely did. Unfortunately I was not able to say goodbye to everyone at the closing ceremony on Saturday evening due to a family emergency, but I hope each of them knows what a wonderful experience they helped provide to all of us.

To Your Good Health!

Nicole Zuckerman