Book Review: Total Activation: The New 5 Step Fitness Mantra

Author: Madeline Ellis

I recently had the opportunity to read the new book Total Activation—The New 5 Step Fitness Mantra, penned by author, Nitin Chhoda. Chhoda was born and raised in Mumbai, India and moved to the United States in 2002. He and his wife are both licensed physical therapists and fitness professionals in the state of New Jersey. They also own Total Activation Fitness and Physical Therapy, a company dedicated to the enhancement of the mind, body, and spirit.

The first section of the book is written in a conversation-type format between two characters named Madan Gupta and his friend Rita. Gupta portrays a young man who immigrated to the land of plenty at 23 in order to live a "richer, happier and longer life." He left his modest Indian lifestyle behind and embraced the lavish American lifestyle, finding that America did indeed have plenty to offer-plenty of food and plenty of choices. "They say, when in Rome, do as the Romans do, which is exactly what I did when I first moved to the United States," he says. "I started eating pasta, red meat, and sugars that are part of the American diet." It wasn't long before Gupta joined ranks with the majority of Americans who are overweight and unhealthy, gaining 50 pounds in 4 years.

Rita, on the other hand, is American born and an exception to the rule. She is very health conscious, working our regularly and eating a healthy diet. Throughout the book, Rita nags Gupta about his weight and they trade ideas about the reasons why there is an obesity problem in America and ways to resolve it. Their conversation allows the reader to explore some of the differences between the Indian and American lifestyles and the way each affects our health. For example, a child growing up in India is taught to eat a healthy, balanced meal regardless of taste, smell and visual appeal, whereas Americans let their taste buds dictate their food choices. Gupta also recalls that the meals in India are prepared fresh with no processed ingredients, but a large portion of the food in America is prepackaged, processed foods.

The story eventually leads to a 30-day step-by-step plan designed to slowly integrate changes in five dimensions of your life: emotional, physical, spiritual, social, and intellectual. Each day you incorporate one change in each of the five dimensions. You begin each day with meditation, which is a big part of the plan, and incorporate one change in each of the five dimensions. Nitin provides detailed instructions for each step as well as worksheets for each day.

For example, day 1 is about powerful personal change. Emotional–throughout the day, try to concentrate on the task at hand, not worrying about tomorrow or fretting the past. Physical—make it a point to walk a little more than usual by parking further away from the office or farther down in the grocery parking lot; something that you aren't accustomed to so that you burn calories. Social—look at your friends and family more closely, unraveling new ways to connect with them. Spiritual–pay more attention to your surroundings. Intellectual-begin a journal to record your thoughts and feeling.

I personally found the book very enlightening. I liked looking at the facts through the eyes of someone who has seen both sides of the coin; a healthy underweight child growing up in India who was transformed into an unhealthy overweight adult shortly after moving to America. We all know there is an obesity problem in the U.S. and it appears that nothing we have tried so far is working. I feel there is much to be learned from the Indian culture and have decided to give the 30-day plan a try. I will return at the conclusion of the program to report on my progress and I encourage you to join me in my quest. I must admit that I am looking forward to Day 20 where I can take time to smell the roses!