Fit for life: it's achievable with regular exercise and good nutrition

Our bodies are our temples, yet we don't honor and take the best care of them. In an American Heart Association study, 97 percent of participating African-American women acknowledge the impact of exercise and healthy eating on their health, yet only 9 percent say they are physically active. This is a serious disconnect. Black women know better, but many still don't do better. We are all in this together--you, me, your mother and sisters, girlfriends, co-workers, fellow church and club members. To claim victory in our health, we must draw on the strength of the Lord and one another. The battle for good health is not just about good looks--it is also spiritual warfare!

We must begin to break the strongholds of diabetes, obesity, heart disease and unhealthy lifestyles, and set an example for the next generation. Good nutrition alone won't make us healthy--we also must exercise, which some consider a chore. Let's change the way we view working out. Close your eyes and think "physical activity," but associate the thought with something you really enjoy doing. Some of us like shopping, some like dancing, others like concerts. And, yes, getting physical with your significant other is exercise too!

Any activity that speeds your heart rate and gets your muscles working can be a workout. You just need to increase movement and be more physically active. The next time you're at the mall, walk around the complex a couple of times before you make your purchases. When you go to the club, spend more time on the dance floor than you spend sitting at a table.

When it comes to moving your body, think about all the benefits you receive from breaking a sweat: You'll lose weight and keep it off. You'll strengthen your bones, which can drastically reduce your risk for osteoporosis. You'll have more energy and less stress. When you work out, you are calmer and better able to cope with life. You also will improve your figure.

Instead of dwelling on the things that are "wrong" with your body, concentrate on the things that are right. Work with what you've got. Exercise increases your metabolism and lessens your risk of many illnesses. You'll be more productive and more likely to perform better on your job. You'll feel better about yourself and your self-confidence will increase. And exercise improves your sex life.

Being fit for life is not a destination--it's a journey. Your daily devotion should include physical activity as well as healthy eating. There's absolutely nothing wrong with praying for good health, but there is something wrong with praying for good health while you're eating fried pork chops, fried potatoes and fried okra. In other words, practice what you pray for. Faith without work is dead. Today, take a step toward being fit for life.

Get Fit!

1. Walk-whenever you can: before work, during lunch, after dinner or at the mall.

2. Take a dip-swimming is a great workout for the entire body.

3. Go for a ride-bicycling burns a lot of calories and the entire family can enjoy it.

4. Roller skate-skating firms up buttocks and tones up your thighs. Roller skate, roller blade or even ice skate--it's all good.

5. Have a ball-basketball, touch football, softball, volleyball are all enjoyable sports that will get your blood flowing and your heart pumping.

6. Jump off the weight-it's a good, fun, calorie-burning activity. Like Aretha sings, "Jump, Jump, Jump To It."

7. Dance off the pounds-take a dance class or purchase a dance DVD and "Shake Your Groove Thing."

8. Get out and enjoy summer activities, such as tennis or golf. Recently, I caught the golf bug, and I love teeing off with the girls and playing in tournaments. I dream that one day I will win a first-place trophy.

9. Try different activities, such as Pilates, yoga, boot camp and hip-hop dance classes.

10. Play with your kids-find some activity that your family enjoys and make it a part of your weekly routine.

COPYRIGHT 2007 Johnson Publishing Co.
COPYRIGHT 2008 Gale, Cengage Learning