I learned about DirectLife from NY Times columnist David Pogue several weeks ago and he was spot-on about DirectLife being the best of these types of programs. DirectLife's 3-pronged approach makes success so easy. For me, the most essential ingredient is my wonderful coach, José. He is so thoughtful and encouraging and positive. Many days, it is a challenge for me to get to the 100%, especially since I upped my goals, and he is so creative about suggesting ways for me to add activity. He gives clear explanations of fitness issues and I am forever grateful about his riff on 'natural weight'.

He freed me from being a slave to the scale. The next most helpful part of the DirectLife program is the monitor. I have affectionately renamed it e-José. Can't fool e-José. I plug that baby in every night and hold my breath, and wait for the score. When I fall short, it makes me more determined to add activities the next day. If I hit 100% or go beyond, I am energized the next day to try to meet that same goal. The third leg of this DirectLife tripod is the group of generic emails I get from DirectLife. With all these different parts monitoring my efforts, failure really is not an option. Can't thank all of you enough for this simply brilliant, brilliantly simple program. (March 2010)

Read David Pogues article in the NY Times