I truly believe I am one of the luckiest people in the world ....I say this for a number of reasons - but the one I am thinking of right now is because of the fact that I have one of the most rewarding jobs in the world!

Where else do you get hugs & kisses, warm smiles & sincere 'thank-you's' on a regular basis - not to mention an overwhelming feeling of pride that comes from being witness to a long list of sometimes even unbelievable life changing experiences!

My job is so much fun & I sincerely mean 'fun' - it's hard to even call it a job. I mean I motivate & inspire people to become accountable for their health & to get out & get moving - & by doing so I get the chance to meet & touch the lives of so many wonderful & interesting people everyday.

Whether it's at one of my Free Keenfit Walking Clinics or during one of my speaking engagements it's always so interesting to see how people transition, from searching (for a solution to variety of personal issues) - to becoming empowered & accountable for themselves!

To start out I always ask the question – "Who here exercises on a regular basis?" To which I am never surprised – about an average of 20% of the group put up their hands.

Then I ask – "Who here 'try's' to exercise on a regular basis?" To which usually I get more hands - aprox. 50%.

Finally I pose the question "Who here 'thinks' about exercise on a regular basis?" To which I always get an overwhelming majority – along with many laughs & sheepish grins.

Why? Because we all know we are 'supposed' to exercise – we all know how important it is….but unfortunately that isn't always enough.

Everyone is looking for something – something that will hopefully inspire & motivate them to make a change in their lives - a change towards a healthier life.

We all know exercise will help make a difference & that it can affect all aspects of our lives. But - it can't be too hard to do, it can't take up too much more of our already so limited time & for some of us, it can't make those chronically pained areas hurt much more.

So needless to say – for most people - finding the answer is hard, if not impossible. Most people have very high hopes & expectations when it comes to their exercise options. That's why I'm always so excited to see people getting curious enough to check-out & try this European fitness secret for themselves. I have found most people have either seen someone out walking with poles, have read something somewhere about Pole Walking or have a friend who has taken it up – so the next logical step shall we say, is to give it a try.

Wow & has it ever been wonderful to watch the most skeptical of people become the most impressed – sometimes fanatical actually!

I'm not exaggerating - I've seen people who walk regularly – ramp up their walk like they never thought they could. I've seen people who walk very little or not at all (some because they can't)….actually get addicted to walking! All this just from adding walking poles to their workout!

From losing loads of weight; to being more energized; to lessening or eliminating minor to major chronic pain issues; to lessening or eliminating some medications - I have seen truly amazing things.

It's not uncommon for me to be brought to tears a couple times a week by someone's story & "thanking" me for changing their lives! It's truly wonderful….you can understand why I say what I do is so rewarding.

But I can't take the credit for changing peoples lives - because nothing would have happened if they hadn't opened up their minds to trying something new & different. If they hadn't made up their minds that it was time to doing something about their situation – to actually do something about it – not just 'think about it'.

Pole Walking is of course, still viewed to some as a little weird & different – so you have to be somewhat brave to venture forth & try it….let alone be seen doing it!

For those who have been willing enough to take a chance & give this sport a try – my hat is off to you. I wish to congratulate you for taking the risk to try it. But most of all I want to congratulate you for caring enough about yourself to not just think about it – but to get out & to do something about it!

For those of you who haven't tried it yet – I invite you to give it a shot …who knows it might be the answer you've been waiting / looking for.