Meet Rick Schaff, M.S.H.N.
Healthy Lifestyle Consultant
My experience and knowledge has culminated into a rare ability for me to detect the many half-truths, misconceptions, and lies that flood our health-related industries. My information as an insider in the health and fitness industry, coupled with my intense desire to learn has set me apart from my colleagues, and as a result, I believe I can help you create genuine health and weight loss. Please see my Healthy Lifestyle Consulting Services for more information.
Photographer/Writer
For the last fifteen years I have been a professional photographer and writer in the health and fitness industry. My work has been published in some of the most influential health and fitness magazines in the world, and my photos have helped create successful advertising campaigns for elite industry leaders like Gold’s Gym, MetRx, and Weider Nutrition. Please see my Photography Section to review some of my work.
Entrepreneur
Between 2001 and 2003 I co-published my own women’s fitness magazine called DIVAS. This was a bilingual publication targeting the Latina population of the United States, Mexico, Spain, and Canada.
In 2002 I created an innovative protein fiber drink called E2. It was a simple and effective way to supplement the typical American diet with both fiber and protein. E2 
also contained helpful vitamins and antioxidants, and had no artificial sweeteners. At that time, I thought it was a great idea and could be very beneficial. However, the more I began to learn about nutrition, the more I realized that my creation was just going to become another misused substitute for wholesome, natural foods. As a result, I stopped my plans to market E2 and focused on something that could really help people, like my book Misled.
Between 2001 and 2007 I became the co-owner of a successful, health conscious fast - food restaurant in Marina Del Rey called Spin, a somewhat unique concept in that industry. Our goal was to introduce healthier, gourmet food into the “fast food” environment by using fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as hormone and antibiotic free chicken.
Fitness Enthusiast
I have spent the last quarter of a century in the health and fitness industry in the following ways: as a professional trainer, photographer, writer, fitness magazine owner, owner of a supplement company, a fitness model, and as a health-oriented restaurant owner.
I have also spent the last two decades reading hundreds of books and thousands of articles on health, fitness and nutrition. I hold a Masters of Science in Holistic Nutrition, and I have spent my life learning everything I can about healthy living. It’s a path that God put in my heart, and I am passionate about learning how to take care of the body I have been given. With that said, here are some details for your consideration.
In 2008 I collaborated with renowned hypnotist, Matt Sison, to create an innovative audio CD on weight loss that helps simplify the tidal wave of information we are constantly bombarded with, and provides 2 powerful hypnosis sessions to help you create genuine weight loss and improved health. The CD is called Weight Loss Made Simple.
In 2007 I wrote a book about disease prevention called MISLED. It investigates many dangerous practices in the health and fitness fields and speaks from both a Biblical and holistic perspective.
* For the last fifteen years I have been a professional photographer and writer in the health and fitness industry.
* Between 2001 and 2003, I co-published the women’s fitness magazine called DIVAS, a bilingual publication targeting the Latina population of the United States, Mexico, Spain, and Canada. During that time, I was also part owner and creator of a supplement company that produced an innovative antioxidant - protein - fiber drink called E2.
* From 2001 to 2007, I was the co-owner of a successful, health-conscious fast-food restaurant in Marina Del Rey called SPIN, a somewhat unique concept in that industry. Our goal was to introduce healthier, gourmet food into the “fast food” market by using only fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as hormone-free and antibiotic-free chicken.
* In 1996, I competed in a natural fitness competition and won for best physique. I was also the featured fitness model for Bowflex’s I-trainer DVD series 2003 to 2007.
But beyond these things, I know the principles I believe in work because I feel as good as I did when I was a teenager. At over 40 years old, I can honestly say that my health is as good now as it was in my early twenties. I have no chronic back problems, sleep disorders, bouts of depression, allergies, chronic fatigue, headaches, digestive problems, or other aches and pains many people my age seem to suffer from. Furthermore, I rarely get colds or the flu even when people around me become ill, and when I do get sick my recovery time is usually quite faster than most people. Incidentally, I do not need glasses and my teeth are also in great condition, with no receding gums or any other dental problems. Simply put, I feel the same way I have always felt: GREAT!
Minister? Doctor?
Not even close. But I did start a fitness ministry in 2003 that I call Health and Inspiration. The goal of Health and Inspiration is to help people live their healthiest life possible. To do this I provide guidance through inspiration and truthful information. I derive my philosophies and opinions from extensive research, the unchanging wisdom of Godly principles, and through my experiences in living by them.
I often tell people the two most powerful forces I have ever witnessed are the power of health and fitness, and the truth of God’s word. I have seen the power of fitness change people’s lives by giving them confidence and discipline, and I have also seen countless people change dramatically by accepting the truth of God’s word into their life. Examples like these have made me realize that it is these forces of truth that provide the best chance for TRUE change to occur, not the forces of deception and lies that many in the advertising industry, their supporting media, and other powerful organizations have been using to successfully manipulate us.
I believe there is power in every religion, and I have a deep respect for everyone’s own personal choice. For me, however, the power that comes from knowing Christ has provided me with my greatest inspiration, and learning about Christ has made a big impact in the way I see the world. Let me explain how this impact plays a role in my views as a fitness educator. If you believe in God, and you believe God has a plan for your life then you must understand that your body is a vehicle that helps you get where God wants you to go. My question to you is, “How can you expect to get where God wants you to go if your vehicle keeps breaking down?” Health and Inspiration is a tool to help you service your vehicle for peak performance. Get on God’s highway, and don’t look back!
My decision to pursue the truth often goes against the opinions and positions of many established organizations, including some Christian organizations. As a result, my ministry may lack the support of the more common distribution channels. Although I realize this approach may cause difficulties and possibly limit my financial earnings, the reason I have decided to take such a position is simple; the TRUTH matters.
Visit Rick’s site at: Health and Inspiration
