Live It Articles Fitness For Everyday Life

This time of year the outdoors “calls our name.” we breathe in the fresh air and step outside to take a walk, and we all know it is good for us.  Walking is a great activity that has fitness benefits for both the heart and lungs, and we should all strive to fit it into our life on a regular basis. If you can only manage 15 minutes a day of walking, start with that. If you are a “multi-tasker,” combine it with prayer and meditation for an outdoor quiet time alone with the Lord. Take along a 3x5 card with Bible verses on it and work on your memorization while you walk, or turn on your iPod full of upbeat worship music that will help you speed up your pace.

Walking for Fitness =  Catching Up With a Friend!

For variety, plan days when you can walk with a friend; you can keep each other accountable, catch up on prayer requests, family news and laugh together–all while you are both building your fitness level. You’ll be amazed how fast the time goes, and before you know it, a half hour will have passed and the steps on your pedometer will have added up!

Dog = Fitness Friend!

Here’s another thought—do you know that your pet can be your fitness friend? Instead of thinking of walking the dog as something you have to do, think of it as a chance for both you and your pet to get healthier. Many times it just takes a change in attitude to make the same daily habit into a joy instead of a chore.

Yardwork = Calorie Burn!

But there’s more! What about yard work? You can supplement your regular fitness routine with activities that accomplish tasks around your home and be encouraged that you are burning calories doing that too. Here are a few outdoor endeavors, along with their calorie expenditure for a 30-minute time frame, that was recently published by the Cooper Institute in Texas: watering the lawn or garden—63 calories, planting seedlings—188 calories, cleaning gutters—209 calories. Basically, everything you do that requires activity and effort will help you burn calories and improve your fitness. You don’t have to be a sports fanatic; you just need to live an active productive life! And isn’t that our goal anyway? Let’s guard our health so we can serve the Lord with gladness and energy!

Enjoy the beautiful world that God has created.

Wishing you strength and health,

Jeannie Blocher

President, Body and Soul Ministries

www.bodyandsoul.org