Fitness Archives - FitFaith Life

Faith for the Finish

Posted on December 6, 2019December 9, 2019 by FitFaithLife

It’s hard to believe we are approaching the end of another year and another decade! What a complete blessing! This is the time of year that we begin forward thinking and setting intentions for the next year. However, I would like to challenge you to begin with the end in mind and develop “Faith for the Finish”!
When we begin any new endeavor, we usually begin strong. Think back to when you made the decision to get in shape or lose weight. The passion for and commitment to your goal was foremost in your heart. Then, life happens. Family obligations, work commitments, or even our own self doubt slows our progress. However, when we reach the point where we are feeling like we are pedaling backwards, it is time to find “Faith for the Finish”.

In order to find faith for the finish you must first, remember why you started your new endeavor in the first place. What was your motivation? Is your motivation still the same? Asking yourself these important questions can reveal a lot about your progress.

FInishing is Better than starting. — Focus on Finishing

Faith is the substance of things hoped for. Therefore, we have to understand how faith works in order to get what we have hoped for. Romans 10:17 ESV says, “So faith comes through hearing, and hearing through the Word of Christ.” What you hear, determines what you have faith for. Are you hearing faith based messages about your goals?

Having faith for the finish also requires that you have focus. When we allow distractions to come in they take us away from our goals. Matthew 14:29-31 tells us the story of Peter walking on water.
“Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. 30 But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!” 31 Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?”
Peter was walking on water until he got distracted and lost sight of his goal. Don’t let the size of your goal scare you. If we keep our eyes on Jesus he will enable us to accomplish what we have started.

Finishing what you started not only builds your confidence, it also sets you up for your next victory as well. Pastor A. R. Bernard of Christian Cultural Center in Brooklyn, NY always shares that “we live life on levels and we arrive in stages”. In order to reach our next goal we have to build on what we have finished in the past. Faith comes from finishing and finishing builds your faith.

What are you trying to finish? Is it a weight loss goal, a professional goal, or a family goal? Whatever it is, remember that faith is an action word. It is the evidence of things we don’t see. However, if we keep our eyes on God, we will see more than we could imagine or think.

Learn more about the Intersection of Faith and Fitness here. Join our Facebook Community for more Fierce Faith & Fierce Fitness!

The Intersection of Faith and Fitness

Posted on June 15, 2018 by FitFaithLife

In 2013 I embarked on a journey to lose the baby weight and get healthy. Through eating right and moving more I was able to lose 50 pounds. However, in reality I gained SO much more! The process of losing weight is challenging. It requires discipline and commitment. It requires looking at yourself and being brutally honest with yourself. It was in all of my honesty that I found the Intersection of Faith and Fitness. Because of this discovery I have embarked on helping others to find the intersection of faith and fitness in their own lives in what I hashtag as the #FitFaithMovement.

You may be thinking, THIS is what I need in my life right now! If it is, I would like you to consider a few things about faith that you can also apply to fitness.

First, Faith is more than feelings. There is a big difference between being a professor of faith and a possessor of faith. It is important to profess your faith but you must take the actions to possess the things that you believe. Talk is cheap because faith is more than something you say.

James 2:14 AMP says, ^“What is the benefit, my fellow believers, if someone claims to have faith but has no [good] works [as evidence]? Can that [kind of] faith save him? [No, a mere claim of faith is not sufficient—genuine faith produces good works.]”

Matthew 7:21 AMP says, “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven.

So real faith is an action word. Similarly, fitness is only possessed by those who take action. We could also say that Talk is cheap because fitness is more than something you say you are going to do. The only muscle that is built up by talking is your mouth.

Second, Faith is something you do. And so is fitness.

There is often a gap between behavior and belief. Sometimes what we say we believe we don’t always back up with our lifestyle. Faith will show up in the way you behave. When God comes in your life, he will change you as he stretches your faith. When Christ comes in your life, everything starts taking on new meaning, new purpose, new significance and new value. You have to ask yourself, “How am I different?”

James 2:18 AMP says, But someone may say, “You [claim to] have faith and I have [good] works; show me your [alleged] faith without the works [if you can], and I will show you my faith by my works [that is, by what I do].”

Something I discovered as I worked to lose weight was that I had to find that something on the inside of me that kept me on track. The thing that made me eat right when I didn’t want to and go to the gym when I would rather be watching tv. That thing was my faith. I had faith that if I continued to do what I was doing that I was going to get the results that I desired. This thought leads us to our third point.

Third, Faith (and Fitness) requires commitment.

Believing is not enough. Some people believe in their head but they don’t have it in their heart. They have head knowledge. I can believe a lot of things but until I accept it in my heart, I will never receive the thing that I believe. As it is with fitness, I can know all of the exercises to do, I can know all of the right things to eat but unless I am committed to doing it I will not see it happen for me.

James says, “let me see it in your life”! Jesus calls us to a relationship that makes faith more than something you believe. James 2:19 says, You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe—and shudder! Are you just talking about your faith or are you living it? Are you talking about getting fit or are you living it as lifestyle?

As you start or continue your faith and fitness journey, remember these three things: Faith is more than feelings, Faith is something you do, Faith requires commitment and so does Fitness! I want to challenge you to make a commitment to optimize your faith and fitness for the next thirty days. Join us in our Private Facebook Group to share how your faith and fitness commitment is going.

Building a Simple and Effective Home Gym for the Busy Mom

Posted on January 20, 2018January 20, 2018 by FitFaithLife

I always considered myself to be a pretty fit and active person. When I got married I did what most newlyweds do… I cooked and I ate and I packed on a few pounds! I knew that I wanted to shed a few of the pounds I had gained as a happy newlywed. I would go to the gym sporadically and saw sketchy results. Then, I had two children in two years, which changed my wanting to shed a few pounds to needing to lose at least fifty pounds! As a new mom with a toddler and a newborn there was no way I was going to the gym, even though in my mind I saw myself getting up at 5am every morning, going to the gym and getting my pre-baby body back. You know, like all those other moms out there…. Anyway, that vision did not became my reality. I realized that I was going to have get started with what I already had.

When I decided it was time to get in shape and lose the baby weight, I gathered the various equipment I had scattered all over my house and discovered that I had a pretty effective home gym. I found that you can get fit at home with no or minimal equipment that won’t break the bank! The equipment that I have includes, dumbbells, a stability ball, an exercise/yoga mat, a jump rope, and resistance bands. I use each of these in various ways to create a great workout!

I have three pound and five pound dumbbells. I use the three and five pound weights when I do squats to make them a bit more challenging. Place one weight in each hand. As you bend your knees into the squat position, lift your arms in front of you to shoulder height. Do three sets of five to start. If you can do more, increase the number of reps per set.

Although my stability ball has become more of a toy for my kids, there are some excellent core exercises that can be done using it. A simple and easy one that is very effective is crunches. To do this, lay back on the ball with your feet firmly on the floor. Place your hands with your fingertips to your ears, so you do not strain your neck and gently and smoothly lift your head pointing your chin towards the ceiling.

My exercise/yoga mat is of great use, especially since my entire house has hard wood floors! I use it for everything from sit-ups to crunches to planks and more. When choosing a mat, make sure you choose one that has enough cushioning to be comfortable and enough of a grip so you won’t slide around while exercising.

Another simple tool is my jump rope. I have to admit my rope has been under utilized. However, recently I took it along with me to my family reunion. Mostly because I had packed a jump rope for my daughter and I wanted to show her how to use it. I got a great workout on the go! That is the beauty of the rope. It is compact and travels well. With this in your arsenal there is really no excuse not to get a workout in. If you don’t know where to begin, try this jump rope workout by FitnessBlender.com. http://www.fitnessblender.com/v/workout-detail/Jump-Rope-Weight-Loss-Routine-20-Minute-Home-Cardio-Workout/8u/

Another compact and easy to use item are resistance bands. They can be used for a total body workout. I primarily use them for my arms but they can be modified to workout your legs as well. Two of my favorite resistance band exercises are a simple curl and a shoulder press, although I know I could also do this with my weights. You can also combine those two exercises to make your workout more challenging. Resistance bands come in a variety of colors which correspond to different weights. They can be bought individually or as a set. Again they also travel well eliminating excuses.

Since starting to work out a few years ago I have added Kettle bells to my arsenal. I plan to add these final items to my home gym to continue to add variety to my workouts, a Chin-up Bar, and a Bosu Ball. Kettle bells are the most trendy and popular workout equipment these days. Beside being on trend they provide an excellent upper and lower body workout. A chin up bar provides a full workout for your arms, shoulders, back and chest. They are available in sturdy varieties that don’t require being screwed into your doorway and they are compact enough to be stored under your bed. Lastly, the Bosu Ball is another piece of stability equipment. It looks like a stability ball that has been cut in half. It can be used in a variety of ways to build your core muscles.

Often people don’t embark on a journey to fitness using the excuse that they can’t afford a treadmill or a gym membership. The reality is that three out of four gym memberships go unused any way. I have introduced you to eight must have items for your home gym. If you purchase one item each month, you will have your complete home gym just in time for summer! Remember to be fit and have fun!

What is your favorite at home gym equipment?

Four Reasons You Need to Do The Core Workout

Posted on March 10, 2017 by FitFaithLife

Each week on the FitFaithLife Instagram page we share a Wednesday Workout. This week’s workout was The Core Workout. So, I am sharing Four Reasons You Need to Do The Core Workout. Core workouts target the muscles in your abdominals, lower back, and glutes. They provide power, stability and endurance. A strong core is the foundation of functional fitness.

REASON 1: Core Workouts Build Balance and Stability

Most physical activities require the use of your core muscles. A weak core makes you susceptible to injury, a weak back and back pain. By doing exercises that build your core, you will enhance your balance stability, which is important as we grow older.

REASON 2: Core Workouts Can Help You Get Flat Abs

Your abdominal muscles are only a part of the muscle group that make up your core. However, there are several core exercises that target your abs and along with a healthy, balanced diet, can help you achieve flatter abs.

REASON 3: Core Workouts Can Be Done Anywhere

Most core exercises do not require any equipment and they can be done anywhere. Exercises like planks and Supermans, only require enough space to lay on your stomach or side. The Glute Bridge is another classic core exercise. They can be done inside or outside without having to make many adjustments.

REASON 4: Core Workouts Can Help You Reach Your Overall Wellness Goals

Core exercises really should be the foundation of your exercise regime. The exercises not only tone your abdominals, but they tighten your glutes and legs and strengthen your back. If you are an athlete training for an event or someone who is striving to live a healthier life, adding these simple but effective exercises to your workouts will yield quick results if you are consistent.

Do you do Core Exercises? Do you know why you should? Here are 4 Reasons to Do the Core Workout! #CoreWorkout

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If you missed our other Wednesday Workouts, follow us on Instagram to stay in the loop. What are your exercise goals? Are you strengthening your core?

Outdoor Summer Workouts

Posted on August 11, 2016June 27, 2019 by FitFaithLife

I have always enjoyed outdoor and water activities. I guess you could call me a “water baby”. However, I have recently found two Outdoor Summer Workouts that I love and that keep me motivated. The first is good old fashioned walking and the other is Aqua Zumba! Walking is a great way to get outside and get your heart rate up. It is accessible to just about anyone who want to get in shape. Aqua Zumba is also a great way to get moving and is also an activity that just about anyone can participate in.

Walking

There are many benefits to a regular walking routine. According to the Mayo Clinic, regular brisk walking can help you:

Maintain a healthy weight
Prevent or manage various conditions, including heart disease, high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes
Strengthen your bones and muscles
Improve your mood
Improve your balance and coordination

Walking Benefits — The Benefits of Walking
Photo Credit: Prevention.com

For me, walking gives me time to relax my mind. I find that as I walk, my creativity flows, I gain insight into situations and I am able to talk to God and be focused enough to hear Him answer. I recently discovered an amazing walking group that allows women of color to connect with each other, walk and be social activists within their community. The GirlTrek website describes their mission as “a groundbreaking 3-year-old national nonprofit that mobilizes women to live their healthiest, most fulfilled lives through a habit of daily walking. Through grassroots organizing and award-winning social media campaigns, GirlTrek supports thousands of walkers, over 400 neighborhood-based volunteers, and inspires an ever-growing network of 200,000 supporters through social media. GirlTrek’s health movement is fueled by active role models, street organizers, authentic partnerships, and a whole lot of hustle!” I walk everyday anyway, why not add the component of grassroots organizing. Through the GirlTrek Facebook page I was able to connect with local GirlTrekers. Ironically, we connected at Aqua Zumba!

Aqua Zumba

Aqua Zumba

In my city, the Parks and Recreation Department operates swimming pools citywide. They offer free swimming to kids and adults alike throughout the summer. In addition, they also offer swimming lessons, and exercise classes like Aqua Zumba! This class at my local recreation center is free. If you were to take a similar class at a fitness club you would pay at least $35 per month for the membership fee. If you are not a “swimmer” it doesn’t matter because you are never fully submerged in the water. You may get splashed a little but your face and hair don’t go into the pool.

There are great benefits to water workouts like Aqua Zumba. Besides being fun, the Zumba website cites the benefits as “There is less impact on your joints during an Aqua Zumba^® class so you can really let loose. Water creates natural resistance, which means every step is more challenging and helps tone your muscles”. So far I have taken two classes this summer and I love the group aspect of the class, I love the music and the instructor, Kenyetta was full of energy. She says, “My mantra is to foster a community where everyone can have a great time once they enter my class or the pool…to leave all that you have on your shoulders at the door..and dance as if no one is watching!.”

The other great part of this class was that after all of the walking I have been doing, it is an excellent way to tone my muscles without putting too much impact on my joints. If you want to take a class check into your local recreation centers or the Zumba website.

What are your favorite outdoor summer workouts? My favorite Outdoor Summer Workouts? #AquaZumba & #Walking @fitfaithlife