Well, it's been more than two years since I've been in the gym to strength train. Oh, I've done plenty of cardio, been trying yoga and stretching, but no push-ups, pull-ups, using weights. For someone who investigates and dispenses health information, its been a rough road. It's hard to live in the world of fitness and health, and not be at full capacity yourself.

It reminds me of the time Dr. Phil was interviewed by Katie Couric about his new weight loss book, and she asked him why he was "not fit" - his response was pretty weak - he said something to the effect that he had an old knee injury. Come on Dr. Phil....the reality is that Dr. Phil was not an expert regarding weight control or fitness---and probably hadn't even seen the inside of a real gym since college. But that's beside the point.

After losing about 50 pounds (at my peak) more than 15 years ago, the gym was my salvation, it helped secure my position as being fit- and I was proud of it. I was no longer the "fat" kid. I actually had real muscle. And I never wanted to go back to those "fat" days, and going to the gym gave me that feeling. More than 2 ½ years ago I made a mistake, I was working out and was not focused, and hurt my neck and shoulder very badly. The injury was horrific; there was also a bit of nerve issue going on. So, I couldn't strength train, swim - it cause excruciating pain. Thank goodness I didn't gain all the weight back that I lost, but I lost a lot of my muscle tone - I was no longer had the body I wanted, but at least I didn't get fat again.

The good news is that this past two weeks, I've been back to the gym. Not quite back to my old routine, but at least I was able to do some of the exercises that I longed for. How did I heal (or at least get functional)? I've been in physical therapy for the last 2 years, twice per week. I was actually skeptical, and didn't think that my damaged neck, shoulder and spine would heal to a point where I would be without pain. But, I'm happy to say that I'm moving in a great direction. And although after a workout, it's a bit painful, it's not too bad. Thanks to physical therapists - and if you are injury free - and can get that body of yours in shape - do it. Now all I have to do is start doing more yoga, drink a few cups of green tea (and stop drinking diet soda), and relax a bit more and I'll be all set.