A couple of messages on the guestbook today prompted me to do some serious thinking about this whole thing called Body for Life, and how best to utilize it our our lives. What follows here is only my opinion, but I hope it is vauable to you, as I share it based upon 8 years of experience with this program, as well as one year as a champion.

First of all, though Body for Life as set forth in the book is the collective experience of Bill Phillips as of 1999, it is not infallible or unchangeable. When Mr. Phillips sold the rights to the company in a year or two after writing the book, he moved on to publish a couple of other books, the Success Journal and the Eating For Life book. The EFL book represents a departure from the hard core approach of eating set out in the BFL book. Also, since the publishing of the original book, the EAS Company has not stood still, and has designed and produced new products to match consumer demand and also to square with the latest scientific findings concerning fitness athletics.

For example, EAS was one of the very first to put Beta Alanine into a supplement, recognizing that it was an excellent way of promoting heavier reps and more reps, because it buffers lactic acid and thereby reduces the “burn” that comes as muscles are worked hard. Adding that to Phosphagen HP, which then becomes Phosphagen Elite, made that already great product much better. And as for the RTD market, the ready to drink EAS shakes are second in quality to none. So, those who would say that EAS is not the same since Abbott bought it are right–but in my judgment it is better in many ways.

Sure, all change comes hard for us humans, but as fitness athletes, we all owe it to ourselves and to those who support us to refrain from gossip, half-truths and innuendos about EAS, just as we should do the same when dealing with our friends and neighbors. Offering constructive criticism is one thing–but simply saying that it “isn’t the way it used to be” betrays an attitude of stubbornness and inflexibility that is unlikely to produce the physical and mental changes that one seeks in Body for Life. Thus, it becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy–in that person’s life. What we think, we become.

Next, we all need to remember that BFL is much bigger and more important than any one person. Champions and contenders come and go–but the consistency of the program will remain. It remains because at its core it is excellent and trustworthy.  Still, if Body for Life stays “alive” it will do so because of its design and because people like Kenny Fernandez and others in Texas, Stephanie Workman and others in Tennessee, Jerry Braam and others in Missouri, and the “Kansas girls” in Kansas, who at great sacrifice of time and effort put on first class, not for profit events at which BFLers can connect, learn and build memories that last a lifetime.

Don’t worry about what it used to be. Your job is to be concerned about how well you can do it! BFL rocks, my friend, and so does EAS/Ross/Abbott! I’m going to the Expo Feb. 29, to thank them once again for all they’ve done–for me, and for the rest of you out there. I’ll hope you’ll join me. Call 800 297 9776 and get your tickets!