By Jimmy Page

Jimmy Page Executive Director of FCA Fitness.

“Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says…the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it—he will be blessed in what he does.”
– James 1:22, 25 (NIV)

Remember those things that we were so committed to doing at the start of 2006? You know, those resolutions? Some of us may have resolved to read the Bible more or to pray every day while others may have made commitments to get in shape or to lose weight. Whatever our New Year’s resolutions, chances are good that by now we’ve already broken or forgotten them altogether. So with all these good intentions, why is it always so difficult to actually do what we say we are going to do? With respect to our health, most of us have heard and know what we need to do to get in shape. But hearing, knowing and doing are very different things!

So, what I’ve decided to do is to give you the top eight things you can do to get in shape. I’ll trust you to take the action!

1. Strength Train: Cardiovascular training is essential to overall health, but it is simply
not enough to get you into peak condition. Since muscle is active tissue and burns calories even at rest, you will boost your metabolism, burn calories more efficiently and have more energy if you add strength training to your routine.

2. Eliminate Simple Sugars: Eliminate simple sugars from processed food sources. That means no regular soda or deserts like cookies, cake, etc. The only simple sugars you should get
should be in the form of fresh fruits and vegetables.

3. Drink More Water: Almost every important bodily function requires water in abundance. Being properly hydrated can improve your memory and sports performance, remove toxins and even prevent headaches and illness.

4. Eat Whole Grains: Complex, unbleached, whole grains such as oatmeal, whole grain
breads, pasta and fresh vegetables are the best choices. These foods have a lower Glycemic Index, which means that your blood sugar levels (and energy) will be more consistent over time. You will be more likely to burn these calories as fuel instead of storing them as fat.

5. Eat Big Early: Eat your biggest meal for breakfast and your smallest meals later in the day. Also, eat more frequently throughout the day, and don’t eat within two hours of bedtime.

6. Get Your Heart Pumping: Cardiovascular activities that get your blood flowing will help you
manage your weight, sleep better, keep your heart healthy, and will improve your endurance.

7. Be Accountable: Pick specific days and times that you will consistently exercise each week and try to go with a friend or family member. Accountability can help you in being consistent and can also bring spiritual and physical benefits!

8. Renew Your Mind: Most battles are won and lost here! Commit five encouraging scripture verses to memory and recite them every day! Start with this one: “For nothing is impossible with God” (Luke 1:37, NIV).