Colossians 2:20-23

If with Christ you died to the elemental spirits of the world, why, as if you were still alive in the world, do you submit to regulations— “Do not handle, Do not taste, Do not touch” (referring to things that all perish as they are used)—according to human precepts and teachings? These have indeed an appearance of wisdom in promoting self-made religion and asceticism and severity to the body, but they are of no value in stopping the indulgence of the flesh.

-Colossians 2:20-23

Paul is asking his readers why "do you submit to regulations".  NLT puts it this way: "So why do you keep on following the rules of the world".  So, it's not simply any rules that he's referring to, but he is referring to "rules of the world".  Rules aren't necessarily bad, but as we read this more and more, we'll find out what Paul really means.  Paul goes on to give examples of these rules that he is talking about: " 'Do not handle, Do not taste, Do not touch' (referring to things that all perish as they are used)—according to human precepts and teachings".  We must notice the keys to what Paul is saying about these rules here.  These rules are about things that perish, which means that it's probably not heavenly or kingdom minded.  The focus of these rules are temporal things and not eternal things.  The other thing Paul says about these rules is that they are "according to human precepts and teachings".  So, not only is it about temporal things, but it's according to human precepts and teachings.  This means that the origin or the initiator of these rules are humans and not God.  We must beware of rules that are from humans (not from God) and are about temporal things (not eternal things).  Now, I don't think this means that we should disregard all rules that Paul is warning against.  We should obviously follow some or certain rules that are from humans and are about temporary things.  However, I think he's warning against making these rules the primary rules we're following and the things that help us with regards to our life and walk with God.  No, for that we should ensure that we are heavenly focused on things that come from God.  Once again, we need to be rooted in him and walk in him.