Dearest: My guest tonight is Rochelle Rice, certified by the American Counsel on Exercise, on the board of directors for the National Association for the Advancement of Fat Acceptance (NAAFA). Rochelle is the author of "Real Fitness for Real Women: A Unique Workout Program For The Plus-Size Woman." Rochelle is a writer, teacher, activist, lifestyle consultant and movement therapist. She is the president and creative energy behind In Fitness & In Health, the lifestyle choice of movement for women worldwide whose appetite for life is anything but petite. Rochelle is a leader in the fight to end stereotyping and discrimination practice for an under-represented majority of real women with real sized bodies. She embraces life and help others to move beyond the small prejudice of a size seduced world into the flow of possibilities that should exist for all people. "My belief is that self-esteem, a sense of personal purpose, size of spirit and bigness of heart are the true measures of a life well lived." Welcome to Power Surge! We're very informal, so I hope it's okay if we call you Rochelle. Rochelle Rice: Yes Dearest: Rochelle, in a world where full-figured women seem to no longer be the exception, where clothing manufacturers seem to be providing larger sizes, yet we still focus on appearances. Can you share some of the behavior and prejudices you've witnessed toward women as a result of their size? Rochelle Rice: As an expert in the fitness industry, my biggest concern was prejudice by nutritionists, doctors and personal trainers. Discrimination is across the board, but the thing that worries me the most is the fitness profession. Jane25: I started Pilates a year ago and they have helped me a lot. What do you think of them? Rochelle Rice: I think Pilates are excellent for all women to achieve stronger abdominal and back muscles. The strength in the core will help prevent or alleviate low back pain or discomfort. The most important thing for all women is to find some type of movement that works best for them. This can be anything from a traditional aerobic exercise class to going out dancing on Saturday night. We seem to have forgotten that movement can be fun. It's not about doing time on the treadmill. My suggestion would be to explore numerous types of movement, especially those you found pleasurable as a child. What I'm finding more exciting in my work is the opportunity to share with women skills and tools to help maintain or develop a deep mind/body connection. Often when women come to me to begin a program, there is a sense of living in their heads without necessarily any feeling of the body and the relationship of the two. My role is to work with her to develop her unique program to assist her on her journey. Dearest: Rochelle, is this journey you speak of to better self-esteem? Rochelle Rice: Yes, it includes self esteem, but also what I'm talking about is living life. It starts with small, gradual steps that I like to think of as stringing pearls, as transformation. Movement creates momentum and invites a sense of curiosity. Curiosity releases energy and energy allows that woman to move forward. Dearest: The movement you speak of - how is it different for the larger woman? Rochelle Rice: The focus of my program is an anatomical approach which focuses on lengthening and strengthening those muscles that are being used to support a larger woman. For example: upper back muscles are generally tight from pulling forward either because of poor self esteem or a large abdomen; back pain from weak abdominal muscles; knee pain from weak leg muscles. SoBlest: Are you familiar with Chi machines (oxygenators)? If so, what do you think of them as a form of passive exercise? It does make me feel better, but it seems like cheating! Rochelle Rice: Chi machines are great for having more energy through the body. It will make you feel better because you can unblock the energy. TygerLilly: How can we protect ourselves from the constant negative "affirmations" of advertising etc. that tell us only thin is acceptable? Rochelle Rice: Continuing to develop a good sense of self-esteem and self- worth by being part of communities such as this one which accepts women just as they are. Dearest: Why do you suppose so many women have such unrealistic expectations regarding their bodies, about how they look, and have such difficulty accepting themselves? Rochelle Rice: I can't really give a clear answer because I have recently been working with a woman from Scotland who is here in NY with me. All of the issues are exactly the same, which makes me sad to think that this is truly a global issue. I can't understand yet where it all started because it's so multi-faceted. SuperGrammieJean: So are you saying that it's OK to be a plus size woman? Aren't there health issues for being overweight? I personally would not be able to accept my body if I was a plus size. I lift weights and use THE FIRM workout videos. Rochelle Rice: What I'm saying is that each woman has to begin healing by accepting where she is first. While there are health issues such as diabetes, heart disease, etc., that are associated with being overweight, many of these can be regulated or monitored by regular exercise. The Firm videos are excellent. Marbles: I do exercise, but I am also overweight. So many health specialists now say forget dieting, just exercise. I think carrying too much weight is still bad for overall good health. What's your opinion? Rochelle Rice: I'm glad to hear the health specialists say to forget dieting, since 95% of diets fail. By removing the word diet from your vocabulary should help desensitize the emotional aspects. My only thought about weight is it's impact on joints. Jane25: There are times I don't feel like working out at all. I do a combo of weight training, aerobics, yoga, Pilates etc. I can not tell you how much more energy I have after working out and how much better I feel in general and about myself. Rochelle Rice: When you don't feel like working out, try to remember the good feelings you refer to and see if that helps to motivate you. Sandi: How do you keep up the motivation? That's my problem. I'll do great for two days, then I get off and blow it for a while. Rochelle Rice: The problem is many women set unrealistic expectations. My introductory program is 1 hour once a week for 6 weeks. After 6 weeks, a habit begins to form and the body starts to look forward to movement. When women set out on a program they vow to do it every day and once they miss the first day, they're back in a vicious cycle. TeeBee: Hi! Do you know of a video tape that would work at home in a small apartment setting for general fitness? Rochelle Rice: My fitness video is for real beginners and much of it is done sitting or standing, holding onto a chair. Living in New York, I understand what living in a small apartment is like! Dearest: I can tell you I have a copy of Real Fitness for Real Women beside me and the photos and exercises are excellent - and so easy to do from home! SusJag: Is poor circulation tied in with peri-menopause? What type of exercise would be best for circulation? Which is better, 15 minutes a day or 1 hour a week as far as exercise regimen? What do you think of Pilates? Rochelle Rice: Yes, poor circulation can be a part of perimenopause. Any type of cardiovascular work would be best for circulation. 15 minutes a day is better, if you can do it. Pilates is excellent. Kataneena: After we accept where we are now, how do we begin to heal? What are you suggesting one do? Rochelle Rice: You've got to hook into some kind of movement program, whatever that means for you. A walking club, aqua aerobics class, dance lessons, sports like golf. The movement then creates momentum forward. Dearest: Are there cases in which you find certain plus-size women shouldn't be starting your fitness program? Rochelle Rice: No, my introductory program is a program that is accessible and achievable with a focus on daily living. I also have an assessment form or questionnaire in the book that addresses climbing stairs, getting in and out of bathtubs, how you feel afterwards, how you feel while you're walking and so on. Dearest: By the way, thank you for using plus-size women in your book. It's refreshing to see a book about larger women without pictures of size 4 models :) Rochelle Rice: It was a thrill Time Warner to accept the photographs, although there was some discussion on how large I could go. Cassie: I have gained 25 pounds in the past year, and it is depressing. It is hard to have esteem with all of the changes going on. I am going to start working out on a treadmill. Any suggestions for a beginner? Rochelle Rice: Start slowly and gradually work your way up. There needs to be a great deal of compassion and understanding for your body while it makes its way through all these changes. If at all possible honor the process. Chantal: Good evening, all. This is my first time here and I am glad I found this site. Rochelle would your book be of benefit to all women? All sizes? With just a few extra pounds to lose? Rochelle Rice: Yes, and if you're in New York my studio is located at 555 Third Avenue. My phone number is 212 689-4558 and my website is www.rochellerice.com The book is about any woman trying to connect with her body and understand her muscles. SuziQ: I have Fibromyalgia. All exercise, even walking is painful for me. What type of exercise program would you suggest for this condition? Rochelle Rice: I have many clients with Fibromyalgia. Fibromyalgia, arthritis and joint pain - whatever exercise feels best for you and helps keep you in a more even balance. You need to be aware of how much is too much and what the right amount is for you. Dearest: Rochelle, how about giving us an exercise we can do NOW sitting at our computers :) Rochelle Rice: Let's do a breathing exercise.
Sit with your feet flat on the floor Palms resting on your thighs Begin to breathe in and out through your nose As you inhale, your belly should rise As you exhale, the belly should fall Most people do the opposite of this Repeat the breathing in and out 4 times The benefit is to help slow you down, decrease the stress and help you reconnect with your body and help you get on with your day. Many women want to disconnect from their bodies when there is so much change going on. Dearest: Thank you, Rochelle. Alicia: What do you think about yoga? Rochelle Rice: I think yoga is excellent for all women to deepen their sense of breath and body awareness. It really helps to connect you even on a spiritual level when all else you feel in your body is letting you down. SturdyWoman: I have lost 50 lbs and have hit that plateau every one talks about, it's so frustrating. I don't want to lose ground now. Any suggestions? Rochelle Rice: Plateaus are normal and have various lengths of time. To stay where you are without going backwards, try not to beat yourself up over and be proud of your success thus far. Dearest: Can you explain what "set point" is? Rochelle Rice: Set point is generally "natural" weight that the body will rest at. If the metabolism has been destroyed through yoyo dieting then the set point will be confused. If, for example, you maintain a balanced lifestyle, your mind may be a size 10 but your body may be a size 12. Trying to whittle yourself to a 10 would feel futile. That extra bit of weight can make you feel deprived, cranky or even bitchy. Chantal: Where would I find your book in Canada? Rochelle Rice: How about amazon.com? Do you have Barnes and Noble? Dearest: You can also go to amazon.com's Canadian site and buy it there. There are links on the transcript. Leslie: After the exercise, I was wondering if you feel that mediation and visualization fit into your program also? Rochelle Rice: Absolutely. We just did a program tonight that helps women feel the full effect of the exercising on a body-mind and spirit level. Dearest: Rochelle, why don't diets work? Rochelle Rice: Because there's this preconceived idea that starvation will lead someone to a perfect life. It's an unrealistic thing to do with a lot of propaganda attached to it. Marbles: Rochelle, were you ever overweight? What got you into exercise programs for women who are overweight? Rochelle Rice: As a professional dancer, I was overweight. The joy and passion I have for this program is in helping women of all sizes move with grace. All women deserve a movement program. My research found that there was a real need for the plus-sized woman because there was so little available. Chantal: Rochelle what do you consider overweight? 10 pounds or more? Rochelle Rice: It's different for everyone. There are specific guidelines on height-weight charts, but it's what you're comfortable with. KatieK: Hi. I've been overweight ever since I could remember and that's really bad considering that I'm only 16 years old.. I've tried so many programs and diets I don't know what to do anymore. I'm so scared because I weigh over 450lbs and I know I will die if I don't lose this weight. Can you help me please? Rochelle Rice: Don't be scared. Absolutely, you must go to a doctor to see what the reason is for your weight gain. Your weight gain could be caused by hormones and you need to get that checked out. KatieK: I've already been to so many doctors and they didn't help. Rochelle Rice: Have you been to an endocrinologist? KatieK: I've have also been tested. Yes. Dearest: KatieK, can you please email me at Dearest@aol.com and I'll try to connect you with someone who can help with your weight issues. Ok? Rochelle, thanks for a fascinating chat about fitness, self-esteem and "acceptance." I highly recommend Rochelle Rice's, "Real Fitness For Real Women" and Rochelle Rice's Introductory Video, which you can find on her Web site at www.rochellerice.com. Rochelle Rice: Thank you. I've enjoyed it. Disclaimer: Every guest in Power Surge is a highly respected professional whose opinions are his/her own. An appearance in Power Surge does not constitute an endorsement of a guest's views. None of these transcripts may be reprinted or reproduced without the express permission of Power Surge™ and the respective guest. Read other transcripts by returning to the Library. Dearest aka Alice Stamm Power Surge Founder, Facilitator, Host Copyright©1994- by Power Surge. All Rights Reserved.