Live It Articles The Spring Break TRYathlon

One of my all time favorite quotes about our Father God is that He will meet us right where we are. I don’t know about you, but I am so glad His mercy and grace can drop back to that place where I find myself lagging from time to time. The point where He meets us is the very place we need to begin again. In our minds we know that His meeting us right where we are is true, but so often we find ourselves not wanting to start at that point. Physically. God can also meet us where we are. If we are overweight and out of shape, our Father can find us in our hurt and despair and walk us into good health, one step at a time. The big issue is, “will we let Him?” Are you willing to TRY?

Exercise is the place we would rather that God would not meet us right where we are. We think we will lose weight, get into shape, and then it will be okay for Him to come and meet us right where we are with our exercise. NEWS FLASH from God! He desires to come to you right now in your flabby, “feel bad about yourself” condition, and rescue you from the mental and physical prison in which you dwell.

Our First Place groups have begun a six-week journey that I would like to share with you and your group. I am presently in training for a triathlon. (Isn’t that just like God. Five years ago I was almost 300 pounds and sitting in a LazyBoy Recliner. Now I am doing a triathlon. Neat, huh!) I was having such a good time working out, and I began to wish my First Place group could get involved in a triathlon. I knew that would be impossible, because some in our group weigh more than I did when I started First Place. At that moment in my spirit the Lord unfolded a plan they could do regardless of their fitness level…a First Place TRYathlon.

In the event you may want to share this with your groups, a triathlon is a three sport event. The First Place TRYathlon would use the three components of fitness on the Commitment Record - Strength, Flexibility, and Cardiovascular fitness. All of the sections of the TRYathlon will be in groups of three. For example:

Strength:

    * 3 exercises
    * 3 sets
    * 3 days a week

If you can only do one repetition, that is where God will meet you if you will only TRY to do one repetition. After a period of time, you will be able to add to the one and TRY two. If you will be “faithful over a few reps, the Master will make you ruler over much.” If you are physically fit, begin where you are and add repetitions. In a TRYathlon, there is a place for every fitness level if we will only TRY.

Flexibility:

    * 3 stretches
    * 3 sets
    * 3 days a week
    * No bounce stretching. Static stretch and hold.

Cardio:

    * 3 to 5 times a week.
    * At least 30 minutes per sessions.

Keep up with your time and distance. If you can only walk from one light pole to another, this is your place to TRY. If you can only walk a few steps, are you willing to TRY those few steps 3 to 5 times a week? If you will move a bit more today than you did yesterday, just think where you will be this time next year.

Spring Break is a good time to begin the TRYathlon. It will take 36 days of your life. Six weeks that could change your life. For those who have taken the Triple Dare Challenge, add the TRYathlon and it will give your workout the boost you need to complete the Triple Dare. Remember to take at least 2 days off each week as recovery time. All the Lord asks is, “Are you willing to TRY?”

To use your Personal Data Chart:

Take your measurements before beginning the TRYathlon and record by the "S" for start. Take them again at the end of the six weeks and record by the "F" for finish.

If you would like the Record Chart I used with my First Place Classes send
a self-addressed, stamped envelope and I will be glad to send you one.

Beverly Henson
5312 West Gate Hills Drive
Meridian, Ms 39307
If you have any questions feel free to email me.

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.