By: Annie Lee

We’ve all seen the headlines about record-breaking athletes, yogis who can control their heart rate, or martial artists with seemingly limitless endurance.

But according to Rich Chi, a registered dietitian and wellness coach, these “electric superhumans” are not necessarily rare outliers. They could be indicative of the fact that we may have been approaching wellness differently in the West.

“Our bodies are electric,” Rich says. “But no one teaches us how to recharge them.”

This belief isn’t merely a concept for Rich. It’s rooted in his personal experience after nearly collapsing at 19 and the years he has spent since focusing on rebuilding from the inside out.

The Collapse That Sparked Change

At the time, Rich was training for a mixed martial arts fight.

By all visible metrics, he appeared to be in peak physical condition. He was strong, disciplined, and focused. But internally, things weren’t quite as they seemed.

“I looked perfectly fit. But I felt like I was dying,” Rich recalls.

He was grappling with deep, invisible exhaustion, which he now believes stemmed from a significant energy imbalance in the body. That experience led him to ask questions that most trainers and diet programs rarely consider.

Why can someone do everything “right” and still feel depleted? And what if energy itself—not just calories, muscle mass, or lab results—was the real foundation of health?

Learning From the East

Rich’s turning point came when he co-founded a wellness center with an acupuncturist and a yoga instructor. There, he encountered practices rooted in Eastern traditions that focused on restoring energy, rather than simply expending it.

That’s where he first observed practices that Western fitness culture tends to overlook. People there were using breath, intention, and specific movements to unlock physical energy, enhance mental clarity, and restore emotional balance. Today, he trains in the same discipline as his master, who is said to be able to channel electricity through his hands during acupuncture treatments.

“I was always fascinated with the concept of energy in the body, or ‘qi,’ as Chinese Medicine refers to it. I wore Yin/Yang t-shirts and imagined I could shoot energy balls out of my hands like characters from classic 90s video games. Now, I’m almost there!” Rich exclaims.

Inspired by this experience, Rich began studying ancient healing systems, refining his wellness approach, and ultimately developing what he now refers to as the Muscle Release System.

The Muscle Release System

The Muscle Release System (MRS) is a set of 5-15 minute daily routines Rich created to help decompress the spine, relieve deep muscle tension, and encourage better movement. “Stretching just yanks on tight muscles, making them even tighter. So if the muscles stay tight, what ends up ‘stretching’ is actually your joints, while the muscles remain tight,” Rich suggests.

“Most people think they need to stretch more or work out harder,” Rich says. “But if your energy and circuits are blocked due to years of tension, you might find yourself with less energy overall.”

What sets the MRS apart is its emphasis on release rather than force. Rich explains that by reducing resistance in the body, circulation improves, which may lead to better blood flow, oxygen, nutrients, and, of course, energy.

Marathon runners Rich has worked with have reported improving their race times by an average of 15 minutes. Even runners in shorter races have noticed gains of two to seven minutes per race.

And according to many of Rich’s clients, it’s the first time they’ve felt significant relief from years of muscle tightness and fatigue.

What We Might Be Missing in the West

Rich believes that the Western approach to wellness has become somewhat mechanical. It often focuses on tracking steps, macros, and reps, but tends to overlook energy levels, emotional well-being, and the role of the nervous system in recovery.

“In the West, we’re taught to push through,” Rich says. “But in the East, they teach you how to restore.”

This distinction is at the heart of Rich’s philosophy. You don’t build wellness by overexerting yourself. Instead, it’s about understanding the body’s internal systems and supporting them with habits that recharge, rather than deplete, your energy.

The Five Pillars of H-A-E-L-T-H

Rich’s coaching method revolves around what he calls the five pillars of “haelth,” a term derived from an older concept representing wholeness in mind, body, and spirit.

• Sleep – Prioritizing both the quality and quantity of sleep, ensuring sufficient rest as the foundation for energy replenishment.

• Physical Activity and Flexibility – Using muscle release and gentle movements to reduce muscle tension and decompress the spine.

• Mind, Emotions, and Relationships – Rewiring negative thought patterns and rekindling that natural excitement for life.

• Diet and Hydration – Providing the body with real food and proper hydration, tailored to individual needs.

• Energy Awareness – Learning how your daily habits impact your energy, mood, and long-term wellness.

A Path Forward

Rich’s Recharging Wellness Coaching program brings these elements together into a personalized, step-by-step plan. Clients receive up to:

• A custom meal plan designed by Rich himself

• A personalized Muscle Release and movement program

• One-on-one coaching calls for instruction, support, and accountability

• Unlimited text support for questions and encouragement

The goal? Sustainable energy, meaningful transformation, and a return to a version of yourself that feels revitalized, grounded, and fully alive.

The Bigger Vision

Rich is also working on something beyond individual coaching. He is planning retreats in scenic locations like the Smoky Mountains and Miami, where participants will engage in movement, mindfulness, clean eating, and community activities.

He’s also launching an “Encouragement Buddy Program” to help people support each other through genuine connection and accountability.

“People need more than just plans,” Rich says. “They need people. They need real connection. That’s how you stay recharged.”

Final Thought

Electric superhumans aren’t born with some innate gift. They’ve simply learned something that most of us haven’t: how to work with their energy instead of against it.

Rich Chi believes that we all have the potential to get there. We just need to stop pursuing exhaustion and focus on building routines that help recharge us.

His book, Get Recharged Now: Have More Energy with the Secret to Longevity, offers a valuable first step for anyone looking to explore that path.

Because when your body is electric, the most logical step is learning how to recharge!

 

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and reflects the views and experiences of the individuals involved. It is not intended as professional advice or a substitute for consultation with a healthcare provider. Individual results may vary, and readers should approach any wellness practices with consideration of their own personal circumstances. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making significant changes to your diet, exercise, or wellness routine