Live It Articles My Cup Runneth Over with Thanks

O give thanks unto the Lord; call upon His name: make known His deeds among His people. Psalms 105:1

As we take a retrospective look at the health goals we set and met this year, it is important that we make known the deeds God has accomplished in our lives, because it gives hope to others with obstacles in their lives.   Looking back over the year, many of us are moving more than last year, eating healthier, and have received an increase in our spiritual and emotional lives. In Him we Live and Move and have our being.  Acts 17:28

With cold winter weather approaching, what can we do indoors that will sustain our level of moving through the winter season? Sure, we can buy exercise videos, exercise equipment, weights, etc., but to add a different twist to strength training, try the options shown in a couple of my favorite movies.

In Rocky V. Rocky Balboa went to Russia to fight the best boxer in Russia. The movie showed the Russian boxer training on all sorts of high tech exercise equipment, and then it would show Rocky in a barn slinging an ax or pulling a load of hay. Rocky became conditioned by doing every day tasks, while the Russian became conditioned on exercise equipment. Both Rocky and the Russian became well-conditioned athletes by doing different tasks.

What I like to do is take the Rocky V approach to exercise. What can I do around the house for strength training without buying expensive exercise equipment? This will "kill two birds with one stone." You will get a workout and a clean house at the same time.

Vacuuming: This is great exercise for the arms. Push from the right side for a while, then from the left side.  It works the biceps and our floppy triceps on the back of the arm.  Enhance your vacuuming strength training by taking longer strokes.

Windows: Remember in the Karate Kid, "wax on--was off." If you get a circular motion going while doing your windows, this is a good movement for the arms.
Don't forget to use both arms.

Sink training:  While doing the dishes, stand on your tiptoes and do toe ups--up and down on the toes. This is an excellent exercise for the lower legs.

Raking leaves: Getting outside and raking the yard will make you feel great, breathing fresh air and working your arms and torso at the same time. This is a great exercise.

These are only a few beneficial activities you can do around your house to get in a bit of strength training, while accomplishing tasks to bring order to your life. Keep your eyes open for other opportunities to move and get things done around the house. Give thanks unto the Lord that you can move. Take every opportunity to move more today than you did yesterday.

Ephesians 6:16, refers to the fiery darts the enemy throws at us. My theory as an answer to this scripture is, "It is hard to hit a MOVING target." Be thankful this Thanksgiving season you can move and live and have your being in Him.

Bless you all and have a Happy Thanksgiving.

PRESS ON!

Beverly Henson
Certified Personal Trainer


Beverly Henson is a conference and rally speaker for the First Place ministry. She is also a Bible teacher and certified personal trainer. Beverly joined First Place in July 1997 and has lost 147-1/2 pounds. First Place has given Beverly a powerful testimony. She is a First Place leader and Bible teacher at Northcrest Baptist Church in Meridian, Mississippi. Beverly has a genuine love of proclaiming the word of God to His people.