Famous actor's exercise-guru mom publishes 'Breakthrough'

VINCE VAUGHN WITH HIS MOTHER, SHEA

Reviewed: "Shea Vaughn's Breakthrough: The 5 Living Principles to Defeat Stress, Look Great and Find Total Well-Being," by Shea Vaughn (HCI Books, October 2011, $16.96, 230 pp.)

Vince Vaughn, my actor crush since the fine 1996 comedy/drama film "Swingers," has a totally hot mom who has written about how to look and feel good in her recently-published book "Breakthrough."

On an Amazon.com review of Shea Vaughn's book, the now 43-year-old actor writes, "I'm grateful my mom took the time to share her passion in this book. Her work ethic and optimism have always inspired me."

Disclaimer: Vince is only mentioned in the acknowledgements portion of Shea's book. He's not included in the book itself - I just use this flimsy excuse to put a smoldering photo of Vince, below, on my blog. The blood connection was enough for me to request a review copy of "Breakthrough" from Ascot Media Group/HCI Books, which they kindly provided.

VINCE VAUGHN

Vince's mom, Shea Vaughn, a 25-year veteran of the fitness industry, describes her "breakthrough" as the moment she realized that where we are right now in life is more important than the future.

"So while we plan for the future, we also need to make the most of today," she writes.

"And this is what I hope, for you to experience a radical shift in how you perceive yourself and find freedom from self-limiting thoughts and behaviors, negative self-talk, and unrequited dreams and goals, and see yourself for who you really are - committed, strong, vibrant, loving, loyal, gifted, and deserving of the very best life has to offer. This is your Breakthrough, and once you have it, you will be ready to seize the immense greatness that is within you and fully capitalize on your personal power."

Shea Vaughn uses this book to very simply spell out her breakthrough philosophy, which spotlights her "5 Living Principles of Well-Being":

1) Committment - "a promise to do something, whether it is to work out, seek better health, find a new job, or be a better person."

2) Perserverance - "the perpetual belief that it I try I will succeed."

3) Self-control - "the realization that you are responsible for everything you do."

4) Integrity - "the level of honesty in the quality of effort you give to the execution of whatever you strive to do."

5) Love - "openness and respect for yourself, for otheres and for life itself."

Vaughn uses examples from her own life - especially her childhood - and stories about those she knows to illustrate and underscore each principle. She incorporates her passions for exercise and health onto the pages and prettily demonstrates yoga-inspired stretching techniques in several series of photos. These are exercises Shea uses in her own workout strategy, SheaNetics.

"In addition to exercising your body, it is critical to engage both the mind and heart in the process," she writes.

Also included is Shea's Five-Day Breakthrough Boost. She includes daily mantras such as "Do not allow negative thought to sabotage your endeavors" and "Hug and love yourself" for attaining the principles. For each of the five days, she includes a healthful recipe, such as Shea's Healthy Energy Smoothie that uses Cod liver oil, flaxseed oil, peanut butter, blueberries and almond milk, among other healthy ingredients.

While Shea's advice in this book is positive and life-affirming, there's just not much of it and the advice is nothing particularly earth-shattering. It's a pleasant book, written in a light tone and printed in an airy font that's double spaced; It could easily be read in one sitting.

I would've liked to have seen more exercises and recipes, and perhaps an accompanying DVD of the exercises.

Random fun fact about Shea Vaughn: She had a bit part as a church-goer in her son Vince's fairly forgettable 2008 comedy film "Four Christmases," with Reese Witherspoon.

About the book (from the publisher):

SHEA VAUGHN DEMONSTRATING AN EXERCISE

If you don't wake up every morning eager to see what gifts the day has to offer, Shea Vaughn has a few words for you. She is the founder of the SheaNetics® concept, a fresh and thorough approach to wellness, exercise and mind-body health. “SheaNetics takes the benefits of fitness one step further,” she says. “It's about uniting the mind and body to reach your goals.”

"Breakthrough – The Five Living Principles to Defeat Stress, Look Great and Find Total Well Being" (HCI), tells the story of the mental and emotional sides of SheaNetics® and the inspiration and answers to living life on your terms and living it well. This doctor-endorsed practice reflects Vaughn’s east-meets-west life philosophy and has found universal appeal and application; placing her on the leading edge of the expanding interest in holistic lifestyle thinking and the positive effects it creates for individuals and corporations alike.

In her book, Shea shares how The 5 Living Principles of Well-Being lie at the heart of SheaNetics® and are powerful tools used in individual coaching and corporate lectures on how to create meaningful and productive results. She also explains how the exercise portion of SheaNetics® is an inspiring and time-saving blend of many respected formats for a creative and effective total body experience – strength, flexibility, body-sculpting and stress relief in one.

"Breakthrough" provides great life lessons and simple recipes for well-being including Shea’s 5-Day Breakthrough Boost. 

“All together it's an easy and effective way to jumpstart your journey to a healthy lifestyle, defeat stress, look great and find total well-being,” Vaughn explains.

About the author:

SHEA VAUGHN

A professional trainer and wellness coach, Vaughn is a spokeswoman for helping others create individual and business well-being. Vaughn is the founder and CEO of SheaNetics®, the revolutionary wellness and exercise lifestyle practice that delivers a powerful mind-body experience and ignites your potential to look and feel your best on the inside and out. Her clients include Chicago Bear teammates and Oprah executives.

Trained in ballet, Tai-Chi, martial arts, Zumba, yoga and pilates, Vaughn is well-versed in Eastern practices including meditation for growth and stress reducation.

She resides in Chicago.

For more information on Shea Vaughn and "Breakthrough," visit www.sheanetics.com.