Operation Fitness is proud to announce the next phase of our "fitness for all" philosophy - the launch of "Healthy Pet Nation."

Michael Torchia, Fitness Advisor to the stars, and Chris DeRose, one of the foremost leaders in the animal rights movement, travel across the country helping people in need to create healthier lifestyles for their pets. Healthy Pet Nation’s mission is to take people who have typical excuses of why they can’t make time to give their pets exercise and help them eat right, helping them make the necessary changes in their lives to permanently maintain a healthier way of living for them.

A habit is something we do without thinking. Studies have shown us that our normal behavior is based on our habits. That means how we spend our money, what we watch on TV, what we eat and how we take care of our pets. 90% of the time we are on autopilot. We're on the phone or texting while we're walking our dog or feeding the cat, so they don't get the care and attention they deserve. So if you need to create a healthy lifestyle for both you and your pet, you need to identify your bad habits and then start to make changes. It’s easy not to take your dog for a run or long walk and let them eat anything they want, but you have to give up some of your time to keep them healthy and happy. It will be uncomfortable and a struggle at times, but they will become healthier and happier pets because of it.

Michael Torchia is one of the foremost fitness experts in the country and is dedicated to fighting the epidemic of obesity. Chris DeRose has 30 years of expertise in saving the lives of animals around the world. This combination of experts and the Healthy Pet Nation research team will change the epidemic of obesity and cruelty to animals across the country.

Healthy Pet Nation will focus on educating people about the physical impact on their pet’s bodies whether it’s because of time constraints, stress or over indulgence. There should be no stress over what and how people and their pets eat. Starting a fitness program for your pet doesn’t mean you have to spend 2 hours a day in the park and weigh every morsel they eat. What people need is to understand the effects and the benefits of smart decision making when it comes to exercise, nutrition and taking better care of their pets.

"Health Pet Nation" will provide the crucial information in a fun, entertaining and inspirational way and Torchia’s style of fitness combined with Chris DeRose’s reputation as an animal activist makes them the perfect team for this mission.

When I was a young boy I dreamed of being a veterinarian one day and when old enough, took a job at an animal hospital. 

Eventually, becoming a veterinarian's assistant, I helped save the lives of many family pets. But one day, I witnessed a poor little doggie name Molly just pass away of liver failure, after the Doctor and I tried every method to save her life.  The Vet asked me to go out to the waiting room to tell Molly's owner her best friend didn't make it.  This woman was devastated, as I was, and we sobbed together. After she left, I spoke to the vet and he quietly explained to me, "It was partly her fault." She never gave her dog proper food, constantly fed her pet too many food scraps, so Molly was obese.

I realized that even though it was rewarding to save the lives of so many dogs and cats, I also knew to constantly face these poor little animals dying on a constant basis was not the job for me.  One thing this vet told me was that so many of the diseases that these pets were dying of were preventable with proper nutrition and physical exercise. This is why I have created Healthy Pet Nation, to help people and their pets around the World live healthier and better quality lives.

Michael Torchia will show you that getting your pet mentally, emotionally and physically fit doesn’t require a rigorous training program. Utilizing household items, junk from garages and office furniture, people can create simple ways of making a fun obstacle course for their pets along with participating in stimulating activities in the wilderness or at a park. In addition, hiking and jogging are just some activities that are great for the mind and body that both people and animals can do.

Michael Torchia will teach people how to feed their pets and create a healthier, nurturing and thriving environment for them. Pet owners will learn how to establish healthy lifelong eating habits for their pets. Our nation truly needs to be inspired to make the necessary transitions to create a healthier and happier lifestyle for both ourselves and our pets.