Since 2009
THE PRAYFIT DEVOTION
A CRY AT THE DOOR
November 6, 2011Read: Joshua 1
"As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you." --Joshua 1:5
As a new dad, one of the toughest things to do was to leave my daughters. Each morning, when I would head out into the garage to depart for work, I'd have to endure the heart-wrenching sound of their screams from behind the kitchen door. They were so distraught that I was leaving that my wife's explanations of my eventual return seemed to do little good. But that was then. Older and more confident that I'll always come back, they hardly notice my departures now. Whether I'm heading to the store for milk, or dropping them off at grandma's for the weekend, I'm lucky to get a second look when I'm heading out.
I'd be lying if I said I didn't miss them missing me so much. I know they love their daddy but part of me wishes that they were always a little more aware of my absence, a bit more hungry for my presence -- anything to make for a more dramatic, lasting embrace when I return!
At times, it may feel as if we've been left alone -- like our desperation has us crying at door for a father that is ambivalent to our desperation. But our heavenly Father never leaves our sides. We are His work so while there's never occasion for such a conspicuous exit -- at least there hasn't been in 2,000 years -- just know that He still loves it when we hunger for His presence and that our eventual reunion with Him will be all the more sweet as a result.
--Eric Velazquez Co-Founder, Prayfit
WORKOUT OF THE WEEK: RUNNER'S CORE
In an effort to become more efficient runners, people will often train their legs harder. A few more miles per week, a few more lunges in the gym -- legs, legs, legs. But as any experienced runner will tell you, legs are only part of the equation. Core strength and stamina are incredibly important for maintaining proper mechanics, whether you're training for a 5K or running out a double in a softball game. Muscles in your abdomen, such as rectus abdominis, obliques and deep transverse abdominis, help to keep the torso stable when running, allowing the legs to do what they need to. But simple crunches won't suffice. Your core needs deep and dynamic work in order to strengthen your stride. If you're a runner, or just someone looking for a more athletic core, this routine will come in handy.
Plank - 30 sec. Side plank - 30 sec. (each side) Ab rollout - 10-12 reps Bicycle crunch - 30 sec. Mountain climber - 30 sec. Medicine ball twist - 30 sec.
>> Perform all exercises as a circuit with little to no rest between moves. Do the entire circuit 2-3 times total, 2-3 times per week on non-running days. If you must perform your core work and runs on the same day, go running first -- doing your abdominal work first could compromise your running form, putting you at risk for injury.
OUR DAD ROCKS
October 19, 2011Read: Revelation 21
“God will take away all their tears. There will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All the old things have passed away.” --Revelation 21:4
Recent business took my husband half way around the world to Hong Kong and Singapore, and after two weeks, my three young children missed their daddy. While he was gone, it was business as usual -- homework, projects, bath times and bedtimes -- but there was a huge part that felt empty. Though we were doing our best, I knew the kids missed those special moments that only a father can provide and I missed the comfort and security I feel when I lay in bed with him at my side. We had a few incidents including, but not limited to, rain storms, tornado warnings, power outages, falling from a tree and crashing a bicycle. Part of our well-oiled machine was missing, and we felt it.
The day finally came to pick up dad at the airport. Two full weeks of stumbles and bumbles and he was finally home to put us back together. The kids made signs saying, “Our Dad Rocks” to make sure anyone and everyone knew that our dad, in fact, rocks. My daughter even had her favorite stuffed animals to help greet him as he arrived. I told them before we left, “Now, when you see your father, don’t drop everything and run. Give him a minute to get through the doors.” But as we looked down the corridor and finally spied his blonde hair walking swiftly toward us, all three kids dropped everything and took off at lightening speed to tackle him. Home at last. Hugs, kisses and tears of celebration. In a moment, all was right again.
I wonder if that's how we'll be when we finally get to meet our Heavenly Father. I'm not sure, but I have a feeling that we will drop all of the things we carry -- all the stuff that seemed so important -- in a millisecond and run with wild abandon to embrace Him. In that moment, all will be right (for good). After all, He not only keeps us from falling apart, but He's the only one who can put us back together. So, while we await His return, may our lives be a sign that says to anyone and everyone, "Our Dad (our Abba) Rocks."
--Allison King Earnst
PrayFit's newest executive team member is a fitness expert, motivator, competitor and mother of three. She's been featured in numerous magazines including FitParent, Natural Muscle and Oxygen magazine. She has shared her fitness story on Good Morning America, Extra TV and Lifetime's "The Balancing Act."
PRAYFIT NUTRITION TIP by Emily Ann Miller, MPH, RD
A salad before dinner is a great way to fit one or more servings of vegetables into your day. Try using bagged coleslaw mix (it usually contains shredded green and red cabbage and carrots) or broccoli slaw as an alternative to bagged lettuces. Cabbage and broccoli are packed with nutrients, provide a satisfying crunchy texture and are almost always cheaper than the bagged lettuce mixes -- you can often get the same amount of coleslaw mix or broccoli slaw for half the price of the bagged lettuces! Some of my favorite add-ins are chopped tomatoes, a sprinkle of sunflower seeds, and 1-2 tablespoons of balsamic vinaigrette, which contains plenty of healthy fats.
GOING BACK
February 4, 2011Read: John 4
"A woman from Samaria came to draw water. Jesus said to her, 'Give me a drink.'" -- John 4:7
Call me sentimental, but today marks a year to the day of my neck surgery. Today's check-up gave me assurance of a successful operation and my physician sent me away with a clean bill of health. To celebrate, I wanted to train. But on my way to the gym, I first walked to the edge of the rehab pool. Corny, sure. But I gave my life to that water, and it returned the favor. So I guess I went back to say goodbye.
You know, I wonder if the woman ever made her way back to that well, or if Peter ever wandered off alone to dip his toe in the sea of Galilee, remembering his stroll on the water. But whether it's to remember where you've been, or what you were given, going back does a body (and soul) good. Do you need to go back? If so, go ahead. Find your well, your shore, or your pool...and just thank God for living water.
--J.P.
QUIZ KEY
Yesterday, we dished you five "true or false" questions on fitness and nutrition. Still wondering how you did? Here's the answer key:
1. You burn more calories warming the body than cooling it. TRUE 2. You cause more muscle damage walking downhill than struggling to walk uphill. TRUE 3. The longest muscle in the body is the sartorius. TRUE 4. Stretching doesn’t prevent injury. TRUE 5. The safest time of day to have a cheat meal is immediately following a workout. TRUE
PRAYFIT: A WEEK IN REVIEW Revisiting a handful of healthy-living tips
WORKOUT: A simple superset can do wonders for your arms
NUTRITION: Is it possible to have sides that are slammed with flavor and health?