Thursday, 28 September 2006

Cameron Shane: I got Jen Aniston to focus

The man who helped her over heartache

Whatever the state of her love-life, there’s one man on whom Jen can depend if she needs to.

Cameron Shane, who visited Jen up to three times a week after her break-up with Brad, is the man behind a mind-body fitness trend that not only gave the star her super-toned body, it also offers a great calmness and peace of mind.

Budokon is a mix of ancient arts

Martial arts black belt Cameron has adapted ancient practices used for hundreds of years by Buddhist monks and created a new blend of yoga, martial arts and meditation, called Budokon, that has taken America by storm.

He takes an holistic approach to health – looking at both the body and mind – giving advice to clients on everything from their emotional state to nutrition.

His technique has been dubbed the Hot Hollywood Workout and Cameron has used this approach to train stars including Jennifer, Courteney Cox Arquette, Rene Russo and Meg Ryan.

It aims to train the mind to avoid negative thinking

Jennifer was introduced to Budokon through her Friends co-star Courteney Cox Arquette. ‘Courteney and her husband David have taken classes for years,’ says Cameron.

Working on the spiritual side of his client’s lives is as important to Cameron as the physical elements of the discipline and for that reason he agrees that in many ways he’s a counsellor, talking about the hopes – and fears – of those he instructs.

‘In many ways I’m like a therapist. I sit with my clients and we talk as equals. There’s no room for false egos and anyone I work with has to let their guard down,’ he says.

Focus on things that help

As much as Budokon trains the body, it’s also aimed at training the mind to avoid negative thinking patterns. Of Jennifer he says: ‘Relationship breakdowns leave you in a state of self-doubt. I encourage those that I work with to stop over-analysing everything – you have to live more for yourself and for the moment.’

But Cameron accepts that moving on is often easier said than done. ‘You have to constantly work towards achieving that state of mind. Some times will be easier than others, but you just need to recognise that and focus on things that help.’

It’s not sympathy that Cameron offers, but rather a way to look to the future: ‘I don’t focus on the whole: “Isn’t this tragic?” element. That’s not what someone needs. It’s not healthy to be with someone who doesn’t love you, is it? Let’s be honest here – you know when someone has fallen out of love with you. When they’re not happy and you’re not happy.

Jen likes the yoga

‘It’s not uncommon for two people to make different choices and move in different directions. You can’t really blame anyone for that. The only thing that people don’t agree with is the manner in which that sometimes happens.’

With Budokon classes taking off all over America, Cameron’s now hoping to bring his discipline to the UK. ‘This training system offers something for everyone,’ he says. ‘For example, Courteney likes the martial arts aspect of the practice, while Jen likes the yoga.’

There’s no doubt in Cameron’s mind that a practice that focuses on a healthy mind, body and spirit is a great way to help you get back your sense of self-worth. ‘Budokon is the pursuit of self knowledge – it’s about remembering what you’re about and what you’re capable of.’ And, since Jennifer has jshown she's determined to move on, it seems that Budokon – which means ‘spirit of the warrior’ in Japanese – has indeed helped Jen come out fighting.

For more information on Cameron’s DVD Budokon Beginning Practice (£9.99) call 01926 816177 or visit www.gaiamdirect.co.uk