Out with the New, In with the Old

“Forget about what’s happened; Don’t keep going over old history.Be alert, be present. I’m about to do something brand-new.

It’s bursting out! Don’t you see it?” Isaiah 43:19

 I love this scripture! God is about to do something new! It’s a brand new year and we have an opportunity to start fresh, a clean slate. Forget about what you didn’t do last year, or did do with regret, the past is the past. We need to be alert and ready, ready to experience God’s best for us this year.

Don’t you feel it? It’s God’s presence everywhere. He desires to move and function with us. God wants to solidify that personal relationship with you. When you surrender the body and soul to Him, get ready. He flips the impossible to Him-possible!

And yet, some missed or dismissed my article containing questions about staying healthy this New Year. Sort of like saying “Out with the New Year, bring back the old one.” I could be mistaken and just in case, here are those questions again. What are your plans to stay healthy? Do you have an exercise partner/s or a group fitness class to keep you accountable? It’s not too late to re-evaluate.

Let me say first of all, everyone has good intentions for staying healthy and no one wakes up deciding they want to be over-weight or have low energy. With that said, our weekly exercise plan needs to shift to something more intentional and strategic. Starting today be intentional by writing down what you plan to do each week. Use your iphone, ipad, computer, day planner, calendar or whatever works for you, and start scheduling at least three specific workouts a week. Submit these workouts to the Lord and you will be amazed at what He does for you.

There is something really powerful about praying, scheduling and writing down your exercise plans for the week. Your written plan does not need to be elaborate or detailed, but seeing your exercise plans in print sends a message to your body that you are serious and committed to sticking with the plan. As a reminder place the plan in an area you frequent daily. I like to use a note book or journal so my prayers and requests to God are on the same page as my exercise plans. Remember, we should take everything to God in prayer, even our fitness plans.

While working out individually can be terrific, I believe there are bonus benefits to attending group fitness classes. Time is valuable and group fitness classes take the planning of an exercise program out of your hands and into the hands of a trained professional. Because time is valuable you want to be spending your time wisely and getting the most beneficial training for the time invested.

Attending a group fitness class places you with others that share a common interest; improving health. Of course I believe the best part of a group class is the spiritual element; Praying and encouraging one another, while praising God as we work out. Faith based fitness classes are about building relationships as we shape our bodies and hearts for God’s purposes. It doesn’t get any better than this.

Recognizing that some may not be able to attend one of my classes, here’s a few helpful tips for staying healthy and fit.

 Tips

• First,  ask God to help you with your exercise plan.  Submit this to Him. Pray and seek God  daily.  He will help you.
• Invest in a good pair of running or walking shoes. (I wear running shoes to teach all my fitness classes).
• Wear light weight comfortable clothes to allow you to move freely.
• Write out an exercise plan for this next week.  Pick at least 3 days to workout.
• Find an exercise partner (one who has similar goals) or join a group exercise class
• Start exercising today!  Walking is FREE and one of the best ways to stay healthy
• Don't  do too much too soon.  Go at your own pace while exercising.  Don't compare yourself to anyone else, keep your eyes on God while you workout.
• Drink  water.  Carry water with you  everywhere you go. 
• Scoop your belly!  Naval to the spine.  Good posture is most important, especially when you exercise.      
• Exercise even if you don't feel like it.  God  will help you with this one, I promise.
• My  fitness pal is a wonderful web site that helps you track calories and helps with nutrition.  It is  FREE.  Get started with it today!
• Group  Fitness Schedule -http://www.owensborochristian.org/index.php/group-fitness/

 I would love to hear how you are doing, so feel free to contact me with your plans, prayer requests and questions. At the end of the year I will choose a person in our community who has been transformed through exercise. I will then share their fitness story with all of you in one of my articles.

 You have got to feel it now? God’s presence is everywhere, His holiness. He so desires a closer relationship and an expanded role in your life. As you surrender your body and soul to Him, get ready. He is about to do the Him-possible!