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THE PRAYFIT DEVOTION
WHAT DID YOU EXPECT?
August 24, 2010Read: 1 Chronicles 4
“Oh Lord, that you would bless me indeed and increase my land. Keep your hand upon me and protect me from the evil one, so that I may not cause pain.” –-1 Chronicles 4:9-10
Most news networks finish their broadcast on a lighthearted note, and if you missed this one, allow me. A high school basketball coach was bet by the students that he couldn’t make a shot from half court. If he made it, they’d give him courtside tickets to this year’s NCAA Final Four Tournament; a crown jewel to many a basketball fan. But in order to make it to the promised land of hoops, he’d have to make the shot…blindfolded.
Okay, I’ll be quick…he made it alright. I mean, they gave him the ball, he dribbled it a couple times and woosh…nothin’ but net. The students went crazy, partly because it was an unbelievable shot, but also because they never had those tickets in the first place (oops!). Improbable odds with an impossible prize.
You know, I wonder what Noah thought, when he felt that first drop of rain. Or the look on Peter’s face when his boat was sinking from all the fish he caught. I’m sure any doubts were either washed away or grilled.
Friends, it’s time to pray big and give God the ball. He can make our one-in-a-million shots with our eyes closed.
--J.P.
WATER: THE ULTIMATE FAT-BURNER Turns out that the clear stuff may be an effective way to lose weight -- and keep it off
The fitness industry is bursting at the seams with dollars made from fad diets, here-and-gone workout programs and pricey supplements. People are looking for the magic bullet for weight loss and while the aforementioned methods can have some benefit, it turns out that water may be your strongest ally in your war on fat.
A recent study published in the journal Obesity showed that subjects on a low-calorie diet who drank 16 ounces of water prior to meals lost an average of 15.5 pounds over three months and kept it off -- or lost additional weight -- after a year of the same regimen.
While the mechanisms aren't fully understood, it is thought that water helps to fill you up ahead of your meal, reducing the amount of food you're likely to consume at each sitting. Also, consuming more H2O means that you are less likely to guzzle calorie-laden beverages.
So if you're looking to lose weight, try drinking 16 ounces of water prior to meals, while also sticking to a modest-calorie diet and regular exercise.
Source: CNN Health
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DEFINE YOURSELF
August 23, 2010Read: 1 Corinthians 3
"...the spirit of God lives in you." --1 Corinthians 3:16
Image is everything, right? Just ask those who worked at the Ritz-Carlton during the depression. After the crash of 1929, when neighboring store fronts were closed and out-of-business signs were in full view, it was business as usual at the Ritz (or so it seemed). Management asked the few remaining staff to turn on all the guest room and ballroom lights, so it would appear from the streets that the hotel was unaffected by the economic tragedy when, in truth, the heart of the hotel was empty.
Can you relate? I know I can. If you're like me, you sometimes turn on your smile and muster up that charm in order to hide what's really going on inside...or what's not. We don't want anyone to know when we're low on energy, short on answers and slow to joy. No matter what, we're open for business.
But God knows our hearts and loves us despite them. He understands when we feel empty, and filling that vacancy is His specialty. Once He checks in, He never checks out.
>> Do you feel His presence daily? Share your thoughts, experiences and comments below.
--J.P.
PRAYFIT WORKOUT OF THE WEEK: THE GIDEON Make room for this week's holiday feast with this fitness gauntlet
Today and each Monday we'll post a sample workout routine for you to try. On any given week, it could be a run, a resistance workout or a boxing-inspired bout. Whatever it is, we hope you try it and enjoy. Give it your best, log your workout in the forums and encourage others to do the same. You'll need your stopwatch or a nearby clock and a notebook to journal your numbers.
Your workout today is one we like to call, The Gideon. Anyone can try it because it's all relative to your own fitness level.
>> For complete exercise descriptions, click here.
>> New to PrayFit? Click here to learn how to get started.
Exercise Warm Up: Jog in place or use a treadmill for 5 minutes.
Jump squats for 30 seconds | Record total jumps Bodyweight squats for 30 seconds | Record total squats Wall squats for as long as possible | Record total time
>> After reaching failure -- the point at which you can no longer hold this position -- on wall squats, stand and rest for 1-2 minutes. >> Complete the entire workout five times total.
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SUPER SAVIOR
August 20, 2010Read: Isaiah 53 “But he was wounded for our transgressions and bruised for our iniquities and by his stripes we are healed.” –Isaiah 53:5
If you happened to see the Kentucky Derby earlier this year, you were witness to a fantastic story, both on and off the track. One man’s name was selected in a raffle among 67,000 others, then he was given $100,000 to place a bet on any horse in the field. Winner take all.
When Glen Fullerton entered Churchill Downs that morning, all he had was a gift and a choice. And after all the pre-race advice, he used both.
The split-second that Super Saver crossed the finish line in front of nineteen other horses to win the fastest two minutes in sports, Glen Fullerton became a wealthy man.
It seems we walk into this life a lot like Glen did the Derby; with a gift, a choice and a super Savior to do the rest.
--J.P.
OBESITY: A SECURITY ISSUE?
If you think that fitting into our clothes better is America's only incentive to get fit, think again. The problem, illustrated by the following statistics, has continued to make it apparent that our declining dedication to health is putting us at much greater risk than we may think.
>> The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention classify more than 34 percent of American adults age 20 and older as "obese" -- or having a body mass index higher than 30.
>> Up to 9 million Americans ages 17 to 24 -- or nearly 27 percent of the prime military recruiting age demographic -- are "too fat to serve in the military," according to an April study from Mission: Readiness, a non-profit group composed of senior retired military officials.
>> According to the study by Mission: Readiness, more than 140,000 individuals failed their military entrance physicals between 1995 and 2008 because of weight problems -- a 70 percent increase over that same period.
Read the full story by ABC News: TOO FAT TO FIGHT?
IT'S A JUNGLE DOWN HERE
August 19, 2010Read: Psalm 32
“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you.” –Psalm 32:8
Not sure if you’ve seen Bear Grylls in The Discovery Channel’s Man vs. Wild series, but he’s a former military guy with some serious survival skills. Each show begins with a helicopter dropping him in the middle of some uncharted land where his mission is simple but brutal: Get through the dangerous, unfamiliar territory until he’s lifted to safety. And while each episode finds him in a different death trap, his advice always has some consistent themes: stay nourished, use the sun as your guide, look for shelter before the weather hits, and seek the higher ground.
I particularly enjoyed one segment when he revealed what keeps him going when the going gets rough; he hides a laminated photo of his loved ones in the sole of his shoe. Hmm…love in his soul.
When our days are like the jungle, I say we take Bear’s advice. Let’s stay nourished with God’s word and use the Son as our guide. Seek His higher ways in the storm, and one day, He’ll be back to lift us all to safety.
--J.P.
PRAYFIT RECIPE OF THE WEEK:Nectarine and Avocado Salsa Add some new flavors to a traditional Latin favorite
Nectarine & Avocado Salsa
Makes about 4 cups
Ingredients: 3 nectarines, chopped ½ red bell pepper 2 scallions, finely chopped 1 jalapeno pepper, finely chopped 1 avocado, diced ¼ cup chopped radish Juice of 1 lime 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro ¼ teaspoon kosher salt ½ teaspoon hot sauce (or to taste)
>> Place ingredients in a medium bowl and toss to combine. This fresh salsa is fabulous with tortilla chips, fajitas, or fish tacos.
Nutrition Info Per Serving Serving Size: 1/4 cup
Calories: 32 Total Fat: 1.5 grams Saturated Fat: 0 grams Carbohydrates: 4 grams Protein: 0.5 grams Cholesterol: 0 grams Sodium: 24 milligrams Fiber: 1.5 grams
PrayFit contributor Dana Angelo White, MS, RD, ATC is a nutrition expert for Food Network.com and the Healthy Eats blog. She is a registered dietitian, certified athletic trainer and owner of Dana White Nutrition, Inc., which specializes in culinary and sports nutrition.
CHASE WHAT MATTERS
August 18th, 2010Read: Matthew 6
“Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness. And all these things shall be given to you.” –Matthew 6:33
Ironic that a credit card company would give such great advice: encouraging us to seek out only what we need. But credit is all about trust, isn’t it? Because of our history, we’re allowed only so much, and we’re trusted to pay it back.
When God looks at our lives, He doesn’t see us, He sees Jesus. His blood-line of credit extends to you and it extends to me. Appropriate for today's topic, my mom will tell you it reminds her of the song, “He Paid a Debt.”
He paid a debt, He did not owe. I owed a debt, I could not pay. I needed someone to wash my sins away.
And because of that, we do get to chase a life that matters…and the credit is His.
PRAYFIT FOOD: SOUP OF THE DAY! Try a great, quick recipe from the Food Network's nutrition expert and PRAYFIT contributor Dana Angelo White. Amen and bon appetit!
http://www.foodnetwork.com/conscious-cooking-healthy-and-fast/package/index.html
Dana Angelo White, MS, RD, ATC is the nutrition expert for Food Network.com and the Healthy Eats blog. She is a registered dietitian, certified athletic trainer and owner of Dana White Nutrition, Inc., which specializes in culinary and sports nutrition.
THE BIGGER PICTURE IS YOU
August 17th, 2010Read: Psalm 139
“I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” –Psalm 139:14
Have you ever noticed that when you’re shown a photo, the first thing you do is look for your own face? Mission #1 is to find yourself in the frame, and only after you’ve done so, can you fully enjoy the bigger picture. Not sure why, maybe it’s just our nature.
Aren’t we glad that's God's nature? Take a snapshot of the world, and all He sees is you. To Him, as it turns out, we are the bigger picture. (So...smile!)
DID YOU KNOW? Because of the obesity epidemic, a child born today may not outlive his or her parents. What can we do as a country to reverse this trend? What are we obligated to do as believers? On that note, here's a question: Should Christians be the healthiest people on earth?
Send your thoughts to [email protected] or post your comments here.
BECAUSE HE TRAVELED
August 16th, 2010Read: Matthew 26
“Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, ‘My father if it’s possible, let this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.’” –Matthew 26:39
Getting ready for a business trip is no easy task. From the packing and planning, to some unpacking and repacking, it becomes quite the endeavor. Work before work. And while I’m grateful for the opportunities that business travel allows, I always have one thing on my mind — one solitary vision, and the reason I’m up for the fight — getting home. Even before I leave, I find that I’m homesick and still in my living room.
I wonder if Jesus ever got homesick. I mean, if anyone had the right to miss where they were from, He did. But something made Him leave. That something? Our helplessness.
Divine irony: Because He traveled, we’ll get home.
WORKOUT OF THE WEEK: TRICEPS Let's hit the back of the arms this week, shall we? Known as the triceps because of the three muscles (long, medial, and lateral heads), the tri's make up the majority of the upper arm.
While you can't completely isolate any one of the three muscles, you can engage one over the others based on the angle of your arm. For example, anytime you raise your arm overhead and extend the elbow, you hit the long head with better accuracy. Regardless of your fitness level, from beginner to seasoned athlete, these moves can improve your upper arms with laser-like accuracy.
Pressdown 3 sets of 12-15 repetitions Seated Overhead Extension (with a dumbbell, cable or even a soup can) 4 sets of 8-12 repetitions Lying Triceps Extension 3 sets of 8-10 repetitions Close-grip Push-ups 4 sets to failure
DAD HANDS
August 13, 2010Read: John 20
"So the other disciples told him, 'We have seen the Lord!' But he said to them, 'Unless I see the marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were and put my hand into his side, I will not believe it.'" --John 20:25
The older I get, the more my hands are looking like my dad's. I'll be typing or writing something, and I'll pause to look at my hands and immediately think of his. But unlike my clumsy paws, Dad can actually put his to work. He can fix everything or put anything together. Weld it, untie it, prime it, paint it, dig it...you name it, if we put it in his hands, he's able.
It's funny...despite that knowledge, I've often handed something to Dad for help, and immediately began to tell him how do it or what I think should be done next. To which Dad simply says, "James, am I doing this, or are you?" Gulp!
I think we have the tendency to do the same with the Lord. We pray for His guidance, ask for His help, and we "give it to Him," yet we never really let go of worry, doubt or control. (A show of hands of those who can relate...)
But we need to remember that the very same hands that reached for a sinking Peter on the water, assured a doubting Thomas in the upper room and rubbed mud into the eyes of the blind, are the very same hands that still reach for us today. They assure us in hospital rooms and lead us through the dark times. He can hold us like a newborn baby in one hand, while holding off Satan's army with the other. He wants us to bring Him our knots each day. It's what He does. After all, He's got Dad hands, and He is able.
--J.P.
PRAYFIT NUTRITION: PROTEIN RECOMMENDATIONS Make sure you're getting enough each day to reach your goals
So how did everyone do yesterday with their goal of having protein at every meal, even snacks? Easy? Not so much? Well, that was sort of a can't-miss, broad strokes recommendation. Today, we'll discuss exactly how much you should be getting on a daily basis.
Although the recommended daily allowance (RDA) is less than half a gram per pound of bodyweight per day, research shows that athletes need roughly double that amount, or about 1 gram per pound of bodyweight per day. Put another way, a 150-pound athlete should get roughly 150 grams of protein in a day. If you were getting about 20 grams of protein six times per day, that puts you at 140 grams -- pretty close. This amount may seem high, but if you're a hard-training individual, flooding your muscles with this much protein is critical for rebuilding muscle and recovering for your next session.
Beginners can benefit from a slightly higher uptake -- about 1.5 grams of protein per pound of bodyweight per day.
Protein choices should come mainly from animal sources such as chicken, turkey, lean beef, fish, eggs and dairy. These are the most complete sources, meaning they provide your body with every essential amino acid -- those your body cannot manufacture on its own.
Complete protein: A complete protein is composed of 20 different amino acids. Some are more critical than others. At the top of the list are the BCAAs (branched chain amino acids), that include leucine, isoleucine and valine. Arginine is crucial for helping production of nitric oxide (NO),which dilates blood vessels, taking more nutrients to muscles during workouts. Glutamine is also high on the list because it keeps muscle protein synthesis high and breakdown low and helps to boost your immune system.
>> WAIT...WHAT? Got another question about protein or nutrition in general? Head to the fitness forum and ask the trainer!
DRAFT DAY
August 12, 2010Read: Matthew 20 "So the last will be first, and the first will be last." --Matthew 20:16
Some of you might be football fans. And if so, draft day is always exciting. Interestingly though, some of football's greatest Hall of Fame legends were some of the last picked on draft day. Curtis Martin, the NFL's fourth-leading rusher of all time (and PrayFit endorser) was selected 74th in 1995. Joe Montana, arguably one of the top three quarterbacks to ever throw a football didn't make the top 10 of his draft -- try 82nd. And as far as Tom Brady, three-time Super Bowl Champion and multiple MVP award winner? Only 198 players were chosen before his name was called.
Just goes to show that what the world sees as a long shot can be a winner in disguise.
Paul persecuted Christians, Moses had a stutter, and when others saw David as a simple shepherd boy, God saw a king. So if you're feeling like a long shot, have faith that you're a winner, not in disguise, but in His eyes.
--J.P.
PRAYFIT NUTRITION: GET YOUR GOAT There's a good alternative for those sensitive to cow's milk
If you're sensitive to cow's milk, you might try the goat variety. Did you know that goat's milk has more essential amino acids and more omega-3 fatty acids, calcium, phosphorus and magnesium than cow's milk? With all that said, its protein is easier to digest than cow's milk and has less lactose. Wondering about the taste? It's a bit on the sweeter side.
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WHAT PLAN B?
August 11, 2010Read: Joshua 1
"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." --Joshua 1:9
Chances are good that you've heard the expression, "Burn the boats!" They say Cortez was the first to make that announcement when he arrived in the new world. Upon reaching land, setting the ships ablaze sent a message to his men and his enemies that retreat never was an option -- that whatever the odds, a fight was coming.
Do you believe Christians should be the example of honesty in the workplace? Of course. Would you also agree that Christians should be best at showing love to neighbors? Without a doubt. So why are we so reluctant to take a stand on the subject of better health? Shouldn't Christians be the most health conscious people on earth? Some might argue, "Well, Jimmy, the Lord looks at the heart." True, but doesn't that mean it's the effort that matters? And to be honest, not caring for the body that carries the soul just might be a heart issue after all.
So if this is an uncomfortable subject, mark it down. Because this will become an increasingly sensitive topic the bigger and bigger we get. But I believe it's the church's responsibility to lead the fight. A fight that we are losing. Where's Cortez when you need him?
Lord, we love you. Help us as believers become better stewards of our bodies. Help us learn to make better choices in what we eat and what we do. Help us commit to taking care of ourselves, not only so we can serve you better, but to be examples for the rest of the world. Amen.
--J.P.
FIT IT IN A few things to ask yourself as you work toward your healthiest body ever
- In what ways are you making positive change in the area of food choices?
- How have you been able to modify your meals to accommodate your goals?
- What are some ways that you're not winning the battle? Any specific struggles?
- What time of day is the most convenient for you to train? Are you making it a habit to fill that time with exercise?
- What's most important to you, eating right or exercising? If you could only do one, which would you do?
DID YOU KNOW?: Eating late at night won't automatically make you fat. If you have not exceeded your recommended daily caloric intake and you've kept your daily expenditure high, eating right before bed will not cause weight gain.
PRAYER REQUESTS: First and foremost, we are a community of believers. Stop in here to make your prayer requests or just read up and pray for others.
MARCHING ORDERS
August 10, 2010Read: Joshua 6
Joshua could relate to our steep challenges. His neck cramped as he surveyed the impregnable wall of Jericho. "Gonna need a bigger army," he whispered out of the side of his mouth. You might be saying the same about your predicament. Does something at school or work have you hoping for reinforcements? If so, stand next to Joshua as he listens to God's strategy.
"But the seventh day you shall march around the city seven times, and the priests shall blow the trumpets. Then the wall of the city will fall down flat."
"That's it?...That's the plan?," this time out of the side of your mouth. I wonder if Joshua paused when he heard the order. After all, he was among men of war (v. 3) and probably dressed for the occasion. Not sure if he hesitated, but I know we sure do. When we have to respect a less than respectful boss, or when it seems the rules only apply to us, obeying God's marching orders is sometimes the last thing we want to do (or actually do), especially if we're ready to fight.
But we all know the story. Joshua's army walked around Jericho for seven days without making a sound or saying a word. Then when it was time: the trumpet, the shouts, and the walls came tumbling down. God's enemies might have laughed and scoffed for a week, but being obedient has never proved popular or easy, just effective.
So the next time we feel like taking the wall ourselves, let's wait with Joshua. He listened, walked without talking, then praised God on day seven. Sooner or later, like Jericho, the world will see we're not just walking in circles.
--J.P.
HEALTHY, HUNGER FREE KIDS U.S. Senate takes steps to curb the spread of child obesity
Last week, the U.S. Senate passed the Healthy, Hunger Free Kids Act which is designed to improve the nutritional standards in schools and to increase the number of low-income children that receive free or reduced cost meals. The price tag? A hefty $4.5 billion over the next 10 years.
All 100 Senators sped the bill through by way of unanimous consent, meaning that there was no need for a voice vote. The House of Representatives would need to pass its version of the bill in time for President Obama to sign the legislation before Sept. 30, when it is set to expire, or the programs risk losing the newly found funding.
The bill is lauded as a great first step in the battle against child obesity which has soared to alarming heights in recent years. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the prevalence of obesity among children aged 6 to 11 years increased from 6.5% in 1980 to 19.6% in 2008. The prevalence of obesity among adolescents aged 12 to 19 years increased from 5.0% to 18.1%. An advocacy group called Mission: Readiness has cited the rising obesity statistics as a national security threat, suggesting that greater numbers of potential recruits are unable to meet the physical standards of the armed forces.
"I think the news of this legislation is wonderful and long overdue," says PrayFit founder Jimmy Pena, MS, CSCS. "It's great that the government recognizes the need for action. Now, we need to make sure that we support the bill by sending our kids to school with healthy offerings and making good, nutritional choices when dining together as a family."
>> What do you think about the legislation? Leave your thoughts in the comments section below, or e-mail us at [email protected].
THE CARE GIVER
August 9, 2010Read: Revelation 3 "Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me." --Revelation 3:20
"Who in their right mind would say no?" I said to myself as I sat in my annual CPR training last week. As it turns out, a conscious adult in a life-threatening emergency has to give consent in order to be helped. In fact, during our in-class role play, we'd practice saying, "I'm trained in emergency service. I'm here to help you. Do I have your consent?" It sounds absurd to think someone would deny being saved, right?
It was kind of easy to think about Jesus during the course. In our (life) time of need, He knocks on the door of our dying hearts saying, "Here I am!". He's the care giver who knows exactly where it hurts and the only one qualified to help.
--J.P.
PRAYFIT WORKOUT OF THE WEEK: TREADMILL TIME
It is easy -- far too easy -- to get bored of the treadmill. After a while, your seemingly ceaseless jaunt makes you question your entire motivation for exercise. If this is the best way to get fit, you rationalize, then someone pass me a towel and a donut.
Well luckily, there are ways to add some spice -- and greater productivity -- to your treadmill time. As it turns out, variety is not only advisable but required to keep your body changing. This workout forces you to adjust your speed, incline, duration and rest all in the same workout, keeping your lungs and limbs guessing. This interval-style scheme promotes speed, power and endurance, all while increasing your total work capacity.
If you're looking for a brutal but effective way to shake up your current cardio routine (and burn a few extra calories), then this workout is for you.
SPEED INCLINE TIME REST 5mph 5% 2min 1min 6mph 6% 1min 1min 7mph 7% 1min 1min 8mph 8% 45sec 1min 9mph 9% 30sec 1min 10mph 10% 20sec 1min 9mph 9% 30sec 1min 8mph 8% 45sec 1min 7mph 7% 1min 1min 6mph 6% 1min 1min 5mph 5% 2min 1min
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WILSON!
August 6, 2010Read: Luke 18 "Indeed, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God." --Luke 18:25
In the movie "Cast Away," Tom Hanks' character, Chuck Noland was a time-obsessed FedEx analyst with a simple job: deliver the mail on time. After his plane crashed, he got washed up on a deserted island where he spent four lonely years. Well, he wasn't totally alone.
Wilson, a volleyball Chuck found in the wreckage, became more like a friend than a piece of sporting goods equipment. Clearly out of his mind, Chuck would talk and even argue with the ball. But when he finally escaped from the island, his raft was hit by a storm. And when he woke up, he realized Wilson had been thrown overboard (cue the sad music). After attempts to retrieve Wilson failed, a heartbroken Chuck realized he couldn't take it with him. He knew he had to decide: Be saved or go in after his prized possession.
Silly, right? I mean, who in their right mind would act that way? When I saw that scene, I was shaking my head thinking, "It's a VOLLEYBALL, you NUT!" But then I thought of the rich young ruler, and the answer Jesus gave him. Haven't we all been in that boat? Ever gone overboard on stuff? Funny, like watching Chuck, I wonder if the Lord ever shakes His head at how crazy we get about our toys.
--J.P.
WHICH BURNS MORE FAT? Learn the benefits of high- and low-intensity exercise I've often been asked which burns more fat, training at a low intensity or high intensity. The answer is both. Let us explain.
Let's take an hour worth of exercise as an example. At a low intensity, the body will burn more fat relative to the total number of calories burned, so percentage-wise, low-intensity activity burns a higher percentage of fat calories. But take that same person and have him/her train at a high intensity, and they'll burn more total fat calories, even though as a percentage of the total, it's less.
But let's apply some numbers to make things a little more clear:
>> Person A walks for an hour and burns 2oo calories. And of those 200 calories, 80% of that comes from fat. So he burns 160 calories just from fat.
>> Person B does high-intensity intervals for an hour and burns 500 calories. And of those 500 calories, only 50% comes from fat. So he burns 250 calories from fat.
So even though Person B burns less fat as a percentage of the total (50 compared to 80), he/she still burns more absolute fat calories as well as total calories than person A. The summary? Both are good but it's always good to challenge your body to do more and to change your workouts from time to time to get the greatest results.
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THE RECRUIT
August 5, 2010Read: Luke 5 "Simon answered, 'Master, we've worked hard all night and haven't caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets.'" --Luke 5:5
Smelly, dirty, grimy -- these are just a few of the ways to describe Peter and his buddies. After all, they spent their days baiting hooks and cleaning fish. I'm smiling as I picture Jesus the recruiter walking up to this crew. Did He pause and grin, crouching down to watch and listen to them work? Maybe after a few minutes, He looked skyward with a smile as if to say, "I found them."
I'm not sure, but I like to wonder what happened in that moment just before the call. What we do know is that of all the fishermen that came off the water, this bunch caught God's attention. And not long after Christ borrowed Peter's boat, the two were catching fish in water too deep for the nets to reach; Peter's preview to the depths of His love.
So as we start our cars, open our offices, enter our cubicles or prepare for housework, let's do what Peter did and abandon control. Let's just imagine Him saying with a grin, "I found them", and this is that moment just before the call.
--J.P.
PRAYFIT TIP OF THE DAY: TAKE A BREAK
Of all the things that we recommend at PrayFit, we probably don't mention proper rest often enough. But the idea that you can take fitness too far is serious business. Overtraining Syndrome is real and it's serious. Here are just a few of the actual symptoms that some people experience when diagnosed with overtraining problems. Are you overtrained?
1 Sleep disturbances: Getting too much sleep or too little sleep; waking up fatigued despite a normal amount of sleep. 2 Psychological Reactions: Burnout, boredom, depression, irritability, anger. 3 Impaired performance: Decreased strength and endurance, delayed recovery, general intolerance to training. 4 Decreased immune function: Increased susceptibility to colds, flu and infections, or a slow rate of healing.
If you are suffering from any (or all) of these conditions, you may want to take a step back and look at your training program. You are likely doing too much of something. It's a good idea to reduce your workout frequency (how often you train), volume (how much you do), intensity (how heavy you're going) or just to get more rest between sessions. Also, you will want to make sure that your nutrition is adequate enough to support your training -- some people who are striving to lose weight will mistakenly slash calories in an effort to speed weight loss.
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"IT'S A RENTAL"
August 4, 2010Read: 1 Corinthians 6
"You are not your own. You were bought at a price, so honor God with your body." --1 Corinthians 6:20
Somewhere, on some rental car lot -- with the sounds of inbound flights drowning out the hum of transit buses coming and going from the terminal -- an economy sedan sits in solitude, used, beaten and soiled. Coffee stains, cigarette ashes, Slim Jim wrappers. An inadvertent pen mark is making a home in the upholstery and the suspension on the car is aching from the accumulation of sharper-than-normal turns and a Dukes of Hazzard approach to the speed bumps on the return route to the terminal.
Why are we so hard on our rentals? Because we don't have to take it home with us, of course! Strangely, the same person who would put their Avis in door-dinging peril prefers to park their high-priced Mercedes in the remotest corner of the grocery store lot at home.
Our bodies are rentals -- they are only ours for a fleeting moment of time in eternity -- but we need to treat them more like our own credit depends on the condition in which we return them. Today, take to cleaning out your personal make and model -- better fuel, a spotless interior and a shiny, polished coat. You'll feel better and the ultimate Lessor will be appreciative of the upkeep.
--E.V.
RESISTING BONE DEPLETION Keep bone density high with resistance and high-impact training
Training is all about progression. No matter what your goal is, you should always work on beating yesterday's best. This is the only way to ensure drastic, lasting change in your physique and overall health. But just in case you needed another reason to bust your tail in the gym or elsewhere, increased intensity can also boost your bone health.
A study published in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research reports that long-term running and resistance training helped to increase bone mineral density. They also found that high-impact activities, such as running, have a greater positive effect on bone mineral density than resistance training.
So two activities that many people still shun because of their perceived difficulty -- weight training and running -- hold myriad benefits, not just for those looking to become leaner or more athletic, but for anyone looking to fortify bone structure. By training this way, you could literally be adding years to your life clock and keeping yourself out of the urgent care in the meantime.
ALL TO HIM WE OWE
August 3, 2010Read: Mark 12 "Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, "I tell you the truth, this poor widow has given more to the treasury than all the others." --Mark 12:43
Clive didn't really start living until he gave his heart to Jesus. Nine days after he and a writing buddy went for a long walk, Clive -- a known agnostic -- accepted God's grace and used the rest of his life as an offering to the Lord. Two thousand years earlier, Jesus watched a poor widow offer her life's savings -- two copper coins (worth about half a penny) -- into the church plate.
Two people that changed our world with one offering. Their offering of all.
Who's world would change if you asked God to help you give your best to your health? Your spouse? Kids? Remember, it's not about perfection, but diligence. We're called to care for the body that carries the soul. After all, "We don't have souls, we are souls. We have bodies." Clive said that. But you know him better as C.S Lewis.
--J.P.
OBESITY BY THE NUMBERS
In a 2007 study cited by The Obesity Society, the alarming trend of weight gain was made clear. Of the respondents in a Centers for Disease Control (CDC) analysis...
--25.6% were obese.
--26.4% of men and 24.8% of women were obese.
--the obesity prevalence ranged from 19.1% for men and women aged 18--29 years to 31.7% and 30.2%, respectively, for men and women aged 50--59 years.
--by race/ethnicity and sex the obesity prevalence was highest for non-Hispanic black women (39.0%) followed by non-Hispanic black men (32.1%).
--The obesity prevalence was higher in the South (27.3%) and Midwest (26.5%) and lower in the Northeast (24.4%) and West (23.1%).
A separate but related survey showed that approximately 75% of Americans identify themselves as Christian.
Sources: ReligiousTolerance.org, The Obesity Society
HE RULES THE SCHOOL
August 2, 2010Read: Psalm 23 "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me." --Psalm 23: 4
I used to dread 5th period math. Oh, I was fine with the subject matter, but it was the getting to class that had me shaking in my little boots. Each day that semester, a small group of bullies would hang out by my locker, calculating ways to torment me. Until one day, I got smart and asked Bubba to walk me to class. Little did they know that the skinniest kid in school was the younger brother of the toughest. They did the math.
Mondays can push us around sometimes. The mere thought brings a collective sigh at my house -- a show of hands for those who had the Sunday night blues -- but there aren't enough problems waiting around today's corner that can add up or stand up to the One you bring with you. And when you think of it that way, the day doesn't seem so tough after all. So, Monday...we meet again.
--J.P.
PRAYFIT WORKOUT OF THE WEEK: Shouldering the Load
The shoulder is a pretty dynamic bodypart. It is a ball and socket joint, similar to the hip, though not nearly as stable. It's important to warm-up extremely well, working your shoulder in all sorts of directions with very light weight before moving on to anything heavy. And remember, stretching does not warm-up your shoulders. The best warm-up is a light mock of the exercises to come.
Today's workout is what we call a pre-exhaust routine, where you work the shoulder using isolation (single joint) exercises (lateral raises, front raises and rear delt raises) to exhaustion, before moving onto an overhead press (a compound exercise involving more than one joint). The overhead press allows more than just the shoulder joint to participate in the move after the shoulders have been pre-fatigued by the isolation moves. It's a simple routine, but tried and true.
Exercise Sets Reps* Dumbbell bent-over lateral raise 3 12-15 Dumbbell lateral raise 3 12-15 Dumbbell front raise 3 12-15 Dumbbell Overhead Press 4 10 * Be sure to reach failure or close to failure at the rep range listed.
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SIDE SHOW
July 30, 2010Read: Psalm 148
"Let them praise the name of the Lord, for his name is exalted. His splendor is above the earth and the heavens." --Psalm 148:13
"The kid's got skills," I said to myself as I sat at a traffic light. Waiting my turn, I looked to my right to see this kid on the corner. He was dancing with one of those big cardboard ads, flipping and turning it with ease. Effortlessly, he'd toss it up and catch without even looking. He had all the drivers mesmerized. He probably flipped it a dozen times while I sat there and never once did he drop it.
Well, the light changed, and I went on my way. "The kid's got skills", I said again with a half smile as I drove off, but then it hit me. I have no idea what he was advertising. Talented? Absolutely. Dedicated? Unquestionable. But for the life of me, I couldn't tell you what he stood (there) for. All I know is that whatever he was asked to promote took a back seat to his show.
I couldn't help but think that we're sometimes like that kid on the corner. We've been called to share the truth of Jesus, but we often do our own song and dance, amusing or confusing those around us. Lord, help us remember that you're the star of the show, and we'd be wise to drop the act.
--J.P.
ON YOUR MARK
Leave it to a couple of weights guys to encourage you to go for a jog, but that's exactly what we're encouraging you to do. Few exercises will burn as many calories as an all-out run. According to the American College of Sports Medicine, running at 6 mph for 30 minutes will burn approximately 389 calories in a 160-pound individual.
But if you're currently not running, we're not saying you should take to the streets with Usain Bolt-like enthusiasm tomorrow, but rather, ease into the routine. In fact, be sure you have some good and supportive shoes that can withstand the pounding long before you head out for your run.
And for those of you who either used to run or have just been itching to see what a good, solid jog can do to your mood as well as your physical health, try this for the next four days:
Find a safe, unimpeded area like a stretch of road or a football field and do a five-minute "up and back." Start the clock and jog to a point on the street (roughly 100 yards) and jog back. Do that as many times as you can in five minutes. Over the next four days, do more laps in five minutes each day than you did the day before. Then at the beginning of the next week, bump up your time to seven minutes and each day beat your previous day's laps again.
If you're not quite ready for a jog, try a jog/walk. Jog to the point, walk back, so on and so forth.
POP QUIZ: What is your VO2 max? a. the newest teenage dance craze b. the latest hair volumizer c. the dog's name on The Jetson's d. your body's rate of oxygen consumption
(Hint: For the answer to the quiz, rule out the three insanely ridiculous answers!)
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THE PRICE OF HEAVEN
July 29, 2010Read: 1 Corinthians "You were bought with a price." --1 Corinthians 7:23
A few days ago, my wife and I made our way to the mall. And as is typical of me, when she decides to go inside a shop, I stand at the outer marker. It's almost like a Field of Dreams moment with Kevin Costner, where if the kid steps off the field, he can't go back. Yeah, that's me at malls.
So there I was, window shopping, shielding the glare from my eyes as I stood close to the glass. Curious, I looked up and saw that everything in the store was ten bucks. Each item as different as the next was of equal value; each could be bought with one price.
You know, all of us are equal in God's eyes, and we have no idea what all Heaven has in store. But we do know that it was bought with one price. And since something already paid for is a gift, all we have to do is receive it. Window shopping at the outer marker won't cut it -- yet one step of faith will make all our field of dreams come true.
--J.P.
HOW'S YOUR TRAINING JOURNAL? Add a splash of accountability to your training
If you're new to PrayFit, please get used to us talking about logging workouts and tracking progress. One of our core values is the idea of progression. Simply put, the body will change according to the level at which you stress it. And one of the basic and yet most critical ways to determine progress is to "keep score" by keeping a journal of performance.
No matter what you choose to do to keep fit -- run, bike, swim, lift, etc. -- start tracking how well your workouts are going so you can improve upon or augment your training from one week to the next. We have forums for you to use or you can use a simple diary, but by all means, jot it all down.
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CORNERMAN
July 28, 2010Read: Matthew 11
"Come to me, all of you who are weary and burdened and I'll give you rest." --Matthew 11:28
We've all heard the phrase "God is in your corner." Sounds comforting, no? But if you've ever seen a cornerman at work, the phrase takes on new meaning. Especially if you compare what he does to what we know of God, the similarities are striking.
Let's see: He has his fighter's best interest in mind. He knows what his fighter can handle. He never takes his eyes off his fighter. He knows his fighter's strengths and weaknesses. He knows the opponent's strengths and weaknesses. He treats his fighter's wounds. He gives wise advice on how to win the fight. He knows when his fighter's had enough. Win or lose, he's always there to pick him up.
(Now, compare all that to what a cornerman does.)
Come to think of it, have you ever seen a fighter avoid his corner between rounds? Me neither.
--J.P.
PRAYFIT TIP: THE TIMING OF IT ALL You need your abs and core fresh during your entire training session, especially during bent-over moves like Romanian or stiff-legged deadlifts, and during all types of squatting moves. And that goes for both men and women!
Many of you might be working with a trainer who has you going from an abs move into a bent-over move or squat-type of exercise in superset fashion, and I realize he or she is doing it to keep your heart rate up, to keep it fun with lots of variety, etc. But realize that you could be putting yourself at risk of injury by doing so.
During squatting moves or bent-over moves, your core and abs work to stabilize your spine -- think of them as an inner weightlifting belt -- but if they’re weak and fatigued, you won’t be able to generate the necessary pressure inside to hold your spine in perfect alignment. The result: a weaker lift and a more unstable core.
Please don’t buy into the notion that you “fire up” the abs and core by training them first. That makes no sense and it won’t help you achieve your goals and, it bears repeating, could be promoting injury.
Finally, why put anything in a situation where you won’t be at your very best? By sacrificing your strength on multi-joint lifts that involve more muscle, you are working with less strength and building less muscle. You can always fatigue your abs last, when the need to have a stable core is not imperative.
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