By: Jan Blake
“I looked perfectly fit, and every test said I was healthy. But I felt like I was dying.”
At 19, Rich Chi was in what many would call peak physical condition. He was physically strong, disciplined, and training for a mixed martial arts fight. But just days before stepping into the ring, his body gave out.
That moment changed everything.
The Breaking Point
Rich’s collapse was not due to any injury or diagnosed condition. It was simply exhaustion — deep, cellular, and invisible to standard evaluations. He had followed every mainstream fitness and nutrition rule.
Still, he hit a wall.
“I was eating clean, training hard, getting eight hours of sleep,” he recalls. “But I woke up every day feeling like I had nothing left.”
His energy was totally depleted, and he couldn’t understand why. This led him to search outside traditional methods for answers.
Rebuilding From the Ground Up
After his near-collapse, Rich co-founded a wellness center with an acupuncturist and a yoga instructor. There, he began learning what he believes most people overlook: the daily tension trapped in the body.
“I spent years stretching, lifting, and sprinting,” Rich says. “But I never learned how to release muscle tension.”
Right away, he started developing a system that released deep layers of muscle and spinal tension.
The goal? Improve flexibility, promote healthy blood flow, oxygen, nutrients, and boost overall energy.
Rich recently presented at a Wellness Expo where he was able to work with four people dealing with sciatic nerve/low back pain. He walked them through his system. Afterwards, they reported feeling considerable pain relief.
He also began working with ancient healing systems like Chinese and Ayurvedic practices. These traditions emphasized rest, alignment, and balance.
These were principles that Rich had never prioritized before.
Facing the Mind
While recovering physically, Rich sat in meditation and made another discovery.
“I realized my thoughts were poisoning me,” he admitted. “I kept hearing, ‘You’re no good. You’ll never succeed.’ That’s when I understood I had to rewire my mind, too.”
This mental shift was as important as any physical change. Rich committed to transforming his internal dialogue. With time, he began to experience what he now describes as sustainable, energized living.
“‘Haelth,’ is how you feel.” Rich reminds.
Credentials and Method
Rich doesn’t just rely on personal experience. He’s also a registered dietitian, certified diabetes care and education specialist, certified personal trainer, and registered yoga teacher.
But he makes it clear: the certifications are only part of what sets him apart.
His approach, which he calls Recharging Wellness Coaching, centers on practical, daily habits. Clients receive personalized nutrition and fitness plans, but also something rare in wellness programs: consistent encouragement and lifestyle accountability.
“Each person I work with gets a clear routine and real support,” he emphasizes. “I’m not just giving you a plan and disappearing. We talk every week. We text. We problem-solve together.”
A Five-Pillar System
Rich organizes his coaching around what he calls the five pillars of a new kind of wellness:
- Sleep – Prioritizing true rest to give the body time to heal and recharge.
- Physical Activity and Flexibility – Including his muscle release system for deeper restoration.
- Mind, Emotions, and Relationships – Identifying toxic thought loops and building emotional awareness.
- Diet and Hydration – Tailored to each client with oversight from Rich himself.
- Energy Awareness – Noticing how daily choices impact energy and overall well-being.
Beyond the Gym
Rich is building a coaching program and a purpose-driven community. He’s developing wellness retreats in the Smoky Mountains and Miami that combine group workouts, clean eating, and relaxation.
He’s also planning an “Encouragement Buddy Program” to foster connections between people walking similar paths.
“People are tired of going through life alone,” he explains. “We need connection. We need support that’s real and consistent.”
The Mission Today
Rich’s journey – from nearly collapsing at 19 to guiding others through their own transformations – is now the heart of his mission. His goal is to help people feel energized, balanced, and excited about life again.
His approach is not about gimmicks or fast fixes. It’s about rebuilding from burnout using daily routines, mindset shifts, and consistent support. His method doesn’t promise overnight transformation, but it does offer something better: a path back to balance.
“I want people to know they don’t have to struggle so much in the name of “h_ _lth & wellness” and stay stuck in burnout,” Rich Chi says. “They can wake up with real energy and happiness, excited about life! They can build a life that supports them, not drains them.”
Rich Chi’s book, Get Recharged Now: Have More Energy with the Secret to Longevity, is available for those looking to begin the journey on their own terms.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, nor does it replace professional medical expertise or treatment. If you have any concerns or questions about your health, always consult with a physician or other healthcare professional.
Published by Joseph T.
