"For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come." 1 Timothy 4:8
February is an exciting month for sport lovers. The Super Bowl battle between the Colts and the Saints will whet our appetites for the Winter Olympics 2010, which is set to begin on February 12th. The world will watch, admire and be entertained by skilled athletes from around the globe as they pursue a similar mission toward, "One Dream. One Moment. One World. Under One Flame."
I have found myself thinking about these games much more so than I have in the past. I am intrigued by the amount of training, will, sacrifice, discipline and heart that it takes to accomplish even a glimmer of success given the opportunity and experience to complete at such an elite level. Many will arise to the challenge, and many will fall. Many will leave with great memories, and others will be crushed at a dream lost. I wonder greatly about the mindset of the competitors. Is this what they LIVE for? Do they understand God's Word in 1 Timothy 4:8 and that this is only a fraction of who they are? I wonder about myself.
February 12th will not only mark the beginning of the Olympic Games, but it will also mark my arrival at my first Sectional Competition for the CrossFit Games in St. Charles, MO. Top athletes (male & female) from 7 states will be competing for regional slots (only 30 available) and an attempt to qualify for national/world competition, "Fittest Male/Female on the Planet" and a $25,000 grand prize. This physical competition is much different than most. Competitors in CrossFit do NOT know the task or workout until days prior; thus training and preparations are difficult. Crossfitters are tested across broad modal domains to include strength, endurance and ability to move load (weight) quickly. This can be done in a variety of ways. They can hope that their training efforts will reap rewards and that their weaknesses will not prevail; however, it's so unpredictable that no winner has been able to sustain their title. I tell you this not to impress you with my endeavors but to give you a glimpse of a deeper passion through fitness.
Eight years ago, I was extremely ill. I was unable to run, walk long distances, and carrying children became painful. Any sort of physical activity was out of the question. In May 2002, I was admitted into a hospital in Arizona where I received 2 months of treatment while my husband stayed home with our three young children. (This was my second hospital.) Working out was something I used to enjoy in college, and after months of recovery (and most importantly God's grace and healing hand), I was able to move again. Most may think I am a fitness junkie (rightfully so), but I'm so grateful. Working out may not be "enjoyable", but I consider it a privilege and honor to God for restoring my health. Each day, I rejoice at my ability to be able to do things I never thought possible (pull ups, push ups, etc.), and I have found that there is somewhat of a "talent" there to be used to a degree. I started teaching classes, opened my own gym and am not taking the plunge to compete on a larger scale with athletes much younger than me. (Thanks to my husband for encouraging me!) Where will this lead??? It has been nothing short of amazing what God has allowed me to experience. Now I am on a mission. It is a mission to be the best competitor I can be and to do well, but all for the opportunity to say, "God did it!" I want opportunities to share Jesus and to speak boldly about Him in a community generally unbelieving. I want to be David. This is my giant. To qualify for Regional Competition would be a miracle as the competition is as great as Goliath, and I clearly cannot accomplish this by my own doing! But this is my mission field. Taking the risk, and even writing about it, is a huge undertaking for me and my ability to swallow my pride.
So now you know. From Feb 12th-14th, I will step out of my comfort zone to embrace whatever opportunities God has for me physically or spiritually in my own personal quest for gold. It is "One Dream. One Moment. Seven States. Under My God."
This time of year brings the inevitable and dreadful discussion of New Year's Resolutions in the fitness realm. Gyms flourish with new membership contracts, weight loss programs are started, and home gym equipment sales sky rocket as our society crashes into panic mode to lose unwanted holiday pounds. This is the predictable year end cycle. The only unknown is what the scale is going to say.
"No more excuses! This is the year!"
The outcome is predictable. It's only a matter of time before the crowds at the gym taper off, and diet programs go out the window as other life predators sneak in to quench our motivation. Why? I have heard all the premier excuses: work, schedules, finances, time, children, extra activities, illness, injury, etc. I have said them as well. In the list of priorities, our preventative health efforts are almost always terminated immediately to relieve the financial predator of pressures while cable, upgraded cell phones and video games are not. There is something significantly wrong with this line of thinking.
"I just don't want that extra expense."
To be a mature, growing Christian means that God must rule our life in EVERY area. There is no area of our life that is not affected by our faith or worship. To honor God with our bodies also means to preserve and nurture our temples as they are our temporary homes that were bought with a heavenly price. (1 Corinthians 6:20) Consider this analogy. At creation, we were all given a Buick of a body - a standard, dependable and functional model with moderate maintenance. When the Holy Spirit entered, he upgraded us to a nice Camry with heated leather seats, better stereo and a sun roof. No one really knows the extent of added perks and options but us. We desire to take more initiative to care for the new upgrade, but after extensive mileage and unexpected fender benders along the way, our Camry begins to start looking like the Buick again.
"I'm too tired."
Ultimately, God keeps us yearning for that Lexus - the resurrected body that we will have in heaven. Unfortunately, the Camry we were given is being treated like a Buick instead. We can't find the time to take care of it. We start showing signs of illness or fatigue. We pray for health and healing but do little about it.
"My work schedule is too hectic. I don't have the time."
If our sole purpose in life is to bring Him glory, what are you driving? Is He pleased with your efforts to maintain what He has given you? Is your Camry able to drive where He desires (efficiently and effectively) without drawing too much attention to yourself? Or are you too tired, too full or standing idle with a flat tire and praying that He will fix it?
"I have bad knees, so I can't do much anyway."
The reality is that being healthy and fit doesn't take much time or money - just discipline. God is not expecting everyone to run a marathon or bench press your Camry. The challenge is allowing God to show you how to begin to surrender this area of your life to Him for His ultimate glory. So get your Camry out of neutral and into drive! Treat your body like the Lexus you will one day receive. Stop giving excuses. No excuse is good enough.
"There is simply no other exercise, and certainly no machine, that produces the level of central nervous system activity, improved balance and coordination, skeletal loading and bone density enhancement, muscular stimulation and growth, connective tissue stress and strength, psychological demand and toughness, and overall systemic conditioning than the correctly performed full squat." Mark Rippetoe, USA Weightlifting Senior Coach and author of Starting Strength.
When it comes to exercise as well as daily activities and routines, the squat is one of the most functional and foundational movement patterns of the human body. Life demands that we do it. If you sit in a chair, get in and out of a car, get up from a fall, or go to the bathroom, you are squatting. No matter you age or fitness level, the squat happens whether you know it or not; however, the ability to move the hips, back and knees differs greatly with each individual. Most fitness and health professionals would not argue its importance, but just how low to squat causes great concern. I urge you to hear me out and let common sense be your best indicator. In order to achieve optimum health, fitness, athleticism, increased quality of life, and most importantly freedom in elder years, depends on your ability to do a full squat. In other words, "Go low." You need to drop your hips below the knees...eventually.
The significance of the basic squat is substantial, and its execution all the more. "The squat is no more an invention of a coach or trainer than a hiccup or a sneeze," says the CrossFit Training Guide. Unfortunately, too many are not properly coached, and professionals are not properly coaching others to squat effectively. Furthermore, those who are experiencing minor knee issues are often told by their doctors to stop squatting. So I guess this means you are not to go to the bathroom? Or, what happens if you were to fall? "The truth is that getting up off the floor involves a force on at least one knee that is substantially greater than the squat," CF Training Guide. The squat is the basis for all other human movements whether it's loaded or not. We simply could not function without it.
The full squat (hips dropping below parallel) is perfectly natural. I do realize that there are those who are unable to successfully descend into a full range of motion such as this. Flexibility is a common predator, but with some basic squat therapy through a variety of techniques, it can be accomplished and, while maintaining the lumbar curve, provide a well of benefit. Only squatting (or lunging, running) to a more common range of motion (90 degrees) actually increases your risk for "cranky" knees and injury. For example, have you ever thought about a runner trying to run keeping the knees at 90 degrees? It could be done, but you would be slower and just look stupid. At this range, only the quadriceps in the frontal part of your upper leg are being activated; however, by descending deep and allowing the hips to travel slightly past the crease of your hips...the hamstrings (the back part of your upper leg) and now partnered naturally with the quadriceps. No muscle is meant to work alone unless you like steroids. God is good. He provided a joint there, so we could "bend" it.
Follow me next month as I walk you through the proper way to squat safely and effectively!
As much as I will miss summer vacation and somewhat warm weather, I look forward to this year's upcoming Fitness Ministry. Starting Friday, September 18th, from 8:30-9:30am in the FCC gym, I will once again offer a free CrossFit Boot Camp fitness class that is open not only to FCC members but also the community. Students in this class will learn foundational and functional movements across three modality domains that will include gymnastic (body weight movements), weight lifting and metabolic conditioning. All workouts are scalable and designed for a wide variety of fitness levels. These classes will vary in routine weekly and will involve homework for those who are serious about taking care of their spirit, mind and body.
Classes will be held each Friday morning and will run closely with the Norwalk School District schedule. If they are delayed or cancelled due to weather or holiday, we will not meet. Childcare is not provided but older children may sit quietly with a small activity.
Invite your friends, neighbors, etc. as this ministry is here to provide not only a physical discipline but also an opportunity to experience the uniqueness and quality of FCC and its members.
3,2,1...GO!! The Hy-Vee Triathlon has come and gone, but it has been frequent talk among most fitness connoisseurs for many weeks. Athletes have sacrificed time and money to train beyond the average folk and have accumulated more miles in the pool and on ground than most will in a year. There is no doubt. It's an amazing feat. There is a unique competitive spirit in each of them - a specific "breed" of individuals that crave this sort of physical challenge. These endurance competitors encompass an enormous amount of self-discipline, mental toughness, and a degree of healthy insanity to survive such a grueling event. It is not hard to possess great admiration for those who persevered through its physical pressures. Thousands of curious spectators witnessed the blood, sweat and tears of competing family members, friends, aspiring Olympians and strangers who salivate in pursuit of the finish line. It will be the talk of the gym for weeks to come.
Despite the grandeur, long distance competitions continue to rise in popularity, participants and influence how the general populous views fitness. More and more health clubs are offering Marathon Training, Run and Swim Clubs as more and more individuals strive for competitive elite fitness. However, some fitness professionals question if endurance training is the standard of effective superior fitness. Is it? The CrossFit Training Guide reads, "There is a universal misconception that long distance athletes are fitter than their short distance counterparts...and often regarded as among the fittest athletes on earth. Nothing could be farther from the truth."
It is argued that the demand of this type of fitness standard loses consideration of significant fundamental elements like strength, speed and power among others, which help define an elite caliber of athleticism concluding that the physical stress for an endurance athlete has surpassed any health benefit. It is important to keep in mind that endurance athletes are specialized to their sport and excessive strength (for example) would hinder their ability to perform just as a competitive body builder doing excessive cardio would compromise strength and muscle definition. However, the general public still considers the metabolic domain as the pillar of supremacy for fitness.
No one can argue that the majority of those who competed in the Hy-Vee Triathlon are fit, mentally tough, and amazing people. Their efforts deserve great honor and respect. They have sacrificed more than most and encompass a very small part of our society that values a healthy lifestyle as the majority struggles with illness, disease and obesity. However, demands are so specialized "that it's inconsistent with other physical competency must haves to be considered fit among the fittest." (CF Training Guide)
Today's health and fitness magazines are filled with endless advertisements for dietary aids that claim you can look better, lose weight faster and produce "guaranteed" results in a short period of time. They are often accompanied by impressive before and after photographs of mysterious models showing drastic physical changes that secretly create a sense of personal awe and envy (that is, if you are anything like me). We become fascinated and curious of how they did it, what their diet consists of, and whether these miracle products really work. It is no wonder the fitness industry produces billions in profit each year.
I am asked occasionally about the role of vitamins/supplements, my opinion of them (that can be dangerous!) and what is part of my personal routine. As I've stated before, optimum health and fitness should not be difficult to understand or complex to manage. Is not life difficult enough? We should be extremely careful about certain products, vitamins and supplements. Investing too much in what seems like a good thing can be expensive and can produce only temporary results. For example, the latest trend is carb and fat blockers (the magic pill) for those days when you overeat. So why is America still overweight? Sure, it may be the expense of it; however, there is a more economical solution: don't eat too much.
So what about vitamins? Are they necessary? My answer is yes. If your budget allows, I think investing in a quality multi-vitamin is a worthy expenditure. Here's why. Adam and Eve had it made in the Garden of Eden. They had the purest organic selections - completely vegetarian and all carbohydrate-based diet that supplied the best nutrients. Unfortunately, the fall of man changed our dietary needs in a big way. The quality of food has never been the same, and we are now in need of protein and fat sources to supplement our new diet. Even in today's most prestigious, organic food markets, the quality compares very little to God's original recipe. Is it worth buying food that is minimally processed and organic if we can (even though organic isn't really organic)? Absolutely! The closer our diet is to its natural state the better, but even so, we are still in need of additional vitamins. It is just not possible to get 100% of what we need 100% of the time no matter how disciplined we are.
If you buy vitamins from Wal-Mart or Target (though I'm a faithful shopper there!), I would encourage you to go to a more reliable supplier or health food store. This has to do with how well the vitamin can be broken down and absorbed. Most cheap and affluent vitamins contain many fillers, artificial preservatives, dyes and artificial flavorings, which dramatically alter your body's ability to absorb all of its nutrients and line the stomach. The quality of your vitamin is crucial. Surprisingly, there are many places to get affordable selections. I pay about $11/month for an organic multi-vitamin. Children's vitamins are also equally important. Do I really need to tell you that Flintstone vitamins should go in the trash? (Tee Hee!)
In closing, I urge you to consider your nutritional needs and make small changes to encourage a long and more productive life to serve God. Supplements are another hot topic, and I will cover more on that next month. If you have any questions regarding vitamins (or another topic), shoot me an email at crossfitiowa@yahoo.com.
Here's a brief review of last month's "What Then Shall I Eat?" taken from www.crossfit.com:
What should I eat? In plain language, base your diet on garden vegetables, especially greens, lean meats, nuts & seeds, little starch and no sugar. That's about as simple as we can get. Many have observed that keeping your grocery cart to the perimeter of the grocery store, while avoiding the aisles, is a great way to protect your health. Food is perishable. The stuff with long shelf life is all suspect. If you follow these simple guidelines, you will benefit from nearly all that can be achieved through nutrition....read more on the CrossFit site...
We all have heard of "balanced" eating. In reality, what we deem "balanced" still does not effectively create the ideal solution for insulin, which is the ultimate predator of obesity, yo-yo dieting and, ultimately, the loss of productive energy. The solution is simple. To have optimal health (in mind, body and spirit) is not hard; you just have to decide to do it.
The term "wellness" is simply defined as the absence of disease. In my book, that is not good enough. Just being free and clear of any potential illness does not make one the epitome of health. You may not have the flu. You may have 20/20 vision. But you still have low energy or are out of breath when taking the stairs. Our standard for health is ultimately too low, and I insist on raising the bar. God wants us to be productive and active members of his church.
Rule #1: You must eat protein, carbohydrates and fat together. Eating one and not the others will disrupt insulin levels, and they need each other to balance out. Food causes a chemical reaction in your body, so you must give it the right formula. If you are having a granola bar for a snack and nothing else, you are unbalanced and will most likely be hungry again in an hour. My suggestion would be to eat an ounce of cheese and a few almonds with the granola bar.
Rule #2: One size does not fit all. Each individual has their own prescription for macronutrient intake; however, the general ratio should be roughly 40/30/30. (40% protein, 30% carbs, and 30% fat) There will be a slight deviation depending on activity level. For me, I have about 40-50% fat a day...good fats. You MUST eat good fat to burn fat!! Each meal that I eat has about 28 grams of protein and about 36 grams of carbs. My two snacks contain about 7 grams of protein and 9 grams of carbs. Here is a sample menu:
Breakfast:
2 egg whites, 1 egg & 1 ounce of cheese; scrambled together
1 cup strawberries
2 slices low-carb bread
15 almonds
Lunch:
2 low-carb tortillas
6 ounces lunchmeat
Pear
Small side salad w/2 T. dressing
Snack:
Yoplait light yogurt
6 almonds
Dinner:
6 ounces chicken breast
2 cups broccoli
1/2 cup peaches
1 slice of bread w/1 T. peanut butter
Snack:
1/2 protein bar
Rule #3: Don't count calories. If you look at the protein and carb content, there is no need to count. I don't buy 100-calorie packs of anything. If you look at the carb content, they are so high that it would count as a meal and not a snack. You have to think about the quality of food. The better the quality, the more in quantity you get! I love to eat, so having more food is important to me!
Rule #4: Cheat day? Yes. Sunday is more leisurely eating for me, but after eating the right way for so long, the cheat days are not about binging on the foods that I didn't have during the week. Occasional spikes (once a week) in my caloric intake (whatever they are) help my metabolism prepare for anything. Monday morning, I'm craving my good diet, and I feel good.
So how then do you desire to eat? Will you be held captive by counting calories and refusing to ever have chocolate again? Or will you embrace the greatness of the potential freedom you could have? I am always willing to help out, but you must take the iniative to take advantage of it. Take care of your precious temple, and glorify God by doing it!
April 1st marked my first day of spring training as I prepare for upcoming fitness competitions (Lord willing) that will force me to take my nutritional habits to the next level. In some ways, I feel as if I'm starting over with new dietary challenges, but with the right fundamentals, discipline and guidance from the Holy Spirit, it will soon become a part of my daily routine.
Eating is very simple. We do it every day, yet most of us claim to be too busy to eat right. This may sound logical on the surface, but most things keep us busy. So why does food fall victim to our "busyness" in life? We are lazy. In most geographical areas, McDonald's almost always sits next to a gas station. Hmmm...the dilemma. What do we choose when we are in a hurry? We may just have to get out of the car. What a tragedy. Now, I'm not knocking the Golden Arches. You will see me there occasionally. I'm just merely making a point.
In this day and age, nutrition is a hot topic. We are in no shortage of information, health clubs and weight loss programs, but ironically, America is more obese than ever. How can this be? The vast amount of conflicting weight loss theories and so-called scientific evidence is confusing. Who's right? After years of research, I have finally experienced freedom. What a sweet victory this was for me...to be free of the latest and greatest weight loss trends and yo-yo dieting. I hope and pray that others will realize it's not about fancy scientific jargon or spending hundreds of dollars on various supplements to curb your appetite or burn fat. The key to nutritional health and freedom is based solely on the CS Principle...Common Sense. Our culture may be inundated with resources, but we can't see it for what is is...not rocket science.
Just as the Trinity consists of three persons that make God who He is, so do the three macronutrients (Fat, Carbohydrates and Protein) that work together to keep us physically alive. Without Jesus and the Holy Spirit, we are spiritually dead. God is not who He says He is; therefore, the Trinity will not stand. Likewise, macronutrients cannot work alone. They each play a significant role in providing energy to our bodies needed for survival. Thus, eating just an apple or granola bar for a snack may inhibit weight loss efforts. (I will explain some of this in my next article.) There is another triangle that has made science books, (in my opinion) is like the devil and doesn't work...The Food Pyramid. For home school, I had each of my children look at the food pyramid and then draw a head, 2 arms and 2 feet. If you follow it, this is typically what you will look like! America and the FDA has had some form of this model for years, and America still seems yet to benefit from it. I am thankful for its attempt to keep us safe; however, why would I rely on the government to give me nutritional guidelines if this is not evident in our society? Some nutritionists, science teachers and health professionals will disagree with me, and that is okay. I realize I have a different line of thinking, and we all come from different experiences and backgrounds. The Bible has great evidence on how people ate in both the OT and NT. I didn't find any resemblance to the food pyramid unless He made goats with fat-free milk. (Note: The food pyramid barely recognizes fat, and we NEED it.)
Until Part Two, I want to leave you with some practical guidelines or tips to think about concerning your current nutritional habits. So let's get to it!!
If you are a calorie counter....stop it.
If you are buying fat-free products...take them back.
If you are cutting out good fats...you will be fat or lack energy.
If you are on a liquid diet...you need a life.
If you are not taking a multi-vitamin...get a good one.
If you don't make time for breakfast...go back to bed until you do.
This could be the beginning of freedom for you too!! It is my desire to humble myself before the Lord and encourage you to make better choices for a more productive and healthy life to serve our Great God!! There is no better time than now to start "considering your ways". Both you & I, through the power of Christ and discipline, can enjoy a fruitful life. Train hard!
"Eat it! Eat it! But most people are defeated. They eat a bag of Cheetos because they are in sight. It doesn't matter if it's good or if it's right. So they just eat it!"
I know...LAME intro to an old 80s song by Michael Jackson. I admit it! I loved the old Michael Jackson. I had the silver glove, the jacket, the pants, the ability to moon walk, and I could mimic the dance from the music video. Thanks, Rob, for our growth group study guide. We had some interesting conversations about music, so it's been on my mind! A blast from the past...I emphasize past.
Back to our topic. Eat it. But what, when and how do I eat? There is so much information, scientific studies and weight loss programs. Yet modern America hasn't changed much. In the 80s, there was Michael Jackson (as I have openly admitted my past) and Cheez Whiz in a tube. (I really have no idea when that actually hit the shelf.) The 90s spurred a huge infiltration of fat-free products that generated billions in profit for the food industry. America is more obese than ever before. At our current rate, by the year 2030, 91% of Americans or more will be considered obese. Staggering! Obesity is not as "genetic" as we think.
So how do we even start to defy this tragic state of America and the possible effects it could have on our health, our family's health, health care costs and more importantly our ability to be an active participant in our church? God specifically calls us to please him in ALL things. That includes our attitude towards good spiritual and physical health. Spiritual health always comes first, but I think physical health is a close second.
Imagine this. What would it be like to:
eat freely and not binge
not worry about calories or fat
to sleep well and have energy
be of healthy body and mind
have self-control and confidence with the body that God created for you
less dependence on medication and more disease prevention
be hormonally balanced and have longevity and good body composition
I'm not talking Cindy Crawford here. You can! IT IS possible though few will do what's necessary.
Eating is not an option. We have to eat. As we look forward to spring, I will begin writing about how I view nutrition. If there is a specific question you have regarding nutrition, let me know! I will do my best to answer. I don't know everything, but I always appreciate a good challenge. Please email me at angiestarmer@yahoo.com. Until then, eat it...in moderation.
This has been one of the most frequently asked questions I've heard since Christmas. The explosion of Wii has been incredible, so I'm naturally curious about the latest and greatest fitness craze. Our family does not own a Wii or any other video game devices (I guess we are old-fashioned, cheap and possibly lame), so I had to visit my sister-in-law to get a sneak peek of this thing called Wii Fit.
It is important for all of us to understand that with Christ comes much freedom. We are free in the greatest sense that any creature of God could be free...we make willing choices. This includes a radical spectrum from the types of foods we eat, the types of sports we play, the way our children are educated, how many children to have, the church we attend and even the fitness program that suits us best. I am very aware that my opinions are just that...my opinions. Whether I like Wii Fit or not really doesn't matter. But if you would like to take that journey, keep reading.
Wii Fit = Wee Results. If you are new to working out, this may be great for you, but I don't believe it will sustain a life-long habit of health and fitness.
It's still a video game. I think the creators had good intentions, but I still believe that kids and adults need to ban time from the TV - not add more time...even if it's fitness oriented.
In our society, "easy" is what sells. We want things to cater to us and be convenient, and if it looks too hard, people will shy away from it. Most of us are just lazy. I didn't find Wii Fit especially challenging - even for those who are used to doing nothing. A jump rope is cheaper anyway.
"Exercise" in my mind implies hard work such as throwing bales of hay, chopping wood, playing sports or climbing a rope...things that are functional and effective. Anyone can do this, and yes, no matter your age. Too many people use their age as an excuse to not try new things and to set very low standards. This saddens me greatly. If you are 5 or 65, our needs are all the same. Our only difference is intensity level. Dream bigger. You will never see me at a Senior Citizens Chair Aerobics class.
God designed our bodies to be machines. Unfortunately, most people don't know how to move their bodies to support even their own weight. We are relying on gadgets and other fitness gizmos to do the work for us...the Bosu Ball, the Ab Chair and Wii Fit are a couple on my list.
I often hear from parents who have Wii that they are glad their children are working up a sweat from bowling, boxing or whatever game they are doing...but really? For me, it's more important for me to teach my family proper body mechanics that will in turn provide them more useful skills to climb trees, dig ditches, build forts and chase the dog through the woods.
I highly doubt Jillian from The Biggest Loser would ever go for it either, and those folks are inspiring!
Enjoy Wii Fit for fun because it is! But don't expect to see big changes in your body shape.
Regardless of my meaningless input, be reminded of Colossians 3:17, "And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus..." We serve a great God who gives us the freedom to chose as long as we are reminded that nothing is chosen out of his power. Whatever fitness regimen you choose, do it for Him!
Now that's what I'm talking about! Unlike most people, I enjoy the physical and mental toughness (or pain as some call it) that it takes to conquer an insane workout. I welcome challenge and its invitation to sweat, smell and at times cry...and for what? Freedom. Freedom to serve God. Freedom to serve others. Freedom of physical independence in my 70s and beyond, and the freedom to explore and celebrate the abilities of my body, which was previously ravaged by illness for years.
I understand completely that not everyone shares the same appreciation and passion for health and fitness; nor do I believe everyone should. However, my heart remains heavy for our country, community, our church and our families to recognize the importance of preserving our temples and its holy gesture. In 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, Paul writes, "Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God?...Therefore honor God with your body." Your body belongs to God, so why not take care of it like a new pair of shoes or a new John Deere riding mower (referring to my family!). It's not all about aesthetics, but that is a nice bonus. If treated well...the shoes will need a shining and the mower will need an oil change eventually...they will last, and they will serve their purpose well.
"God has purposes for our lives which He has not yet revealed. Therefore, each day grows sacred in wondering expectation." - Phillips Brooks
During a recent conference in Kansas City, I was challenged with a familiar question, "What is God's will for your life?" As Christians, we may have heard this countless times, and my answer is usually the same....to worship God with all my heart, to use my gifts and talents for His kingdom, etc. I do believe these to be the most worthy and honoring to our Creator. However, I was directed to 3 John 3:2, which reads, "...I pray that in all respects you may prosper and be in good health, just as your soul prospers." Not only does God want the focus, first and foremost, to be on Him (as Rick Warren states, "It's not about you.") but that through the right establishment of priorities, God wants us to prosper in every aspect of our lives - faith, finances and even health! Who would have thought that sweating profusely in your 10-year old sneakers and white t-shirt with yellow armpit stains (I know you have one!) and gasping for oxygen would glorify God? Or make Him laugh! Well, it does. As with everything else, it takes a degree of priority and planning, but it's crucial in your service to God.
From the book Small Changes for a Better Life by Elizabeth George:
I want to emphasize here and now that taking care of yourself improves your service to God and others...There is danger in neglecting your health and good habits. After all, where does the physical energy come from for living out God's priorities and roles for your life? It comes from taking care of yourself, which is a part of God's plan for you. Please note, there is a distinction between selfishness and taking care of yourself. Selfishness is self-indulgence, self-serving and self focus, which hinders our service to God and others. Tending to yourself, however, enhances and strengthens your service to God and others...so you can live out God's priorities. As with all God's priorities, this one requires planning too.
If God's purposes for your life are not yet revealed, do you wonder why? Is there unrepentant sin? Have you asked Him about it? Is your health a hindrance to His service? Just for today, consider how your current state of health could possibly be scorching the fire to serve Him in a might way.
Angie Starmer is the owner/trainer of CrossFit Iowa and leader of FCC's Fitness Ministry. Visit the 
