As much as I love teaching others how to improve their physical health and enjoy observing their self-confidence increase, at times I've felt an important element was missing.

It took adding a word to my vocabulary to find the missing element. “IntenSati” translates to intentional mindfulness. My first exposure to intenSati was last month when I was on my favorite cardio machine at Sierra Athletic Club watching the “Today Show.”

Patricia Moreno was a guest touting her New York Equinox Club's group fitness class she developed and named intenSati. Great, I thought, another super special, best ever, gimmicky way to get people to buy yet another exercise DVD that they may use a few times at best. As I continued to listen, passing the time as I watched my heart rate stay in my training zone, I became more and more intrigued.

I have since learned that this method is an innovative exercise program that some are calling “spiritual aerobics.”

I immediately ordered Moreno's book “The intenSati Method, 7 Principles to Thinner Peace” and two of her exercise DVDs: “Intention and Power” and “Great Body, Great Life”. I have been practicing this workout daily. I am hooked by the way I can get a strength training, aerobic, spirit empowering workout from it.

Just think about the energy that would be created from a live class of intenSati.

Moreno has endured weight and body image issues for most of her life. I have a tendency to follow those who have struggled personally and have miraculously overcame the darkness. People like this have true strength and dedication.

From Patriciamoreno.com: “IntenSati is a revolutionary workout developed by Patricia Moreno, fusing high-energy aerobics, martial arts, dance, yoga and strength conditioning. Combining spoken affirmations with simple choreography, intenSati provides a heart-pumping, exhilarating workout that builds physical, mental, and spiritual muscle.

“IntenSati is fitness at its most efficient and empowering: One hour allows participants not only a fantastic physical workout but also the mindfulness and tranquility usually derived from yoga.

“Courage, confidence, willpower, enthusiasm, self-respect, and a strong, healthy body are all results of this powerful practice. The goal of intenSati is to enable a seamless and total integration of body and mind, allowing you to be and experience all you deeply want.”

Some of the affirmations I've memorized:

Every day in a very true way I co-create my reality;

I am stronger now;

I am leaner now;

I am focused now.

There are many testimonials of people losing up to 100 pounds practicing this method. I look forward to it every morning and have shed some body fat since beginning.

The greatest thing is that no matter how much you might dislike exercise, this class will get you so focused on the affirmations that you shout while moving that you forget about the work you are doing.

I'll be offering intenSati classes this spring at various venues around town. Come and join us if you want a truly life-changing experience. Keep reading this column for more information, or send your e-mail address to Rhonda@tahoetrainer.com to get on my mailing list.

Rhonda Beckham is owner of Help Me Rhonda Personal Fitness Training. She is a nationally certified personal trainer operating out of Kahle Community Center and Sierra Athletic Club, and a Pilates instructor at Emerald Bay Physical Therapy. She may be reached at 530-208-6369, www.tahoetrainer.com and by e-mail at Rhonda@tahoetrainer.com