Attaining and Maintaining Personal Fitness Requires No Procrastinating!

Hopefully, each one of us is committed to an exercise, and/or relaxation routine.  Because of our uniqueness, our programs are individualized.  Obviously our lifestyles, body rhythms, health concerns, exercise preferences, and financial capabilities all play a part in what we do.

 Exercise and relaxation, along with daily prayer, give us a better understanding of the mind, body, spirit connection.  We need all three. 

 Exercise isn’t about getting a buff body.  It’s striving to be physically fit in order to better handle life’s complexities, adding flexibility, maintaining a healthy weight, and possibly delaying the onset of some medical complications—diabetes for one. 

Several VPC members, one VPC minister, and two VPC Tai Chi class participants, who realize they cannot procrastinate when it comes to their health, share their unique exercise and/or relaxation disciplines.

Dorothy Murphy, Editor

My Family Deserves My Best

Over the last four years, I’ve gained over thirty pounds.  In May I made an unexpected trip to the emergency room with sharp chest pains.  Thankfully, no medical interventions were necessary, but the experience activated me to follow my physician’s advice and begin a regular program of exercise.  With my doctor’s encouragement, I signed up in June with a personal trainer at the YMCA.  Having the accountability of a personal trainer has made a world of difference to me, as I’ve struggled in the past with exercise regimens which did not last.

 My goal each week is to do a full-body workout with weights three times a week plus at least thirty minutes of cardio work three times each week.  With a busy schedule and a young family, I find the best time for me to work out is at night when the kids go to bed.  Plugging in my headphones, I enjoy watching and listening to the YMCA’s mounted televisions as I exercise on my favorite piece of equipment, the elliptical cross trainer.

 This summer I also received the wonderful gift of a Nordic Track treadmill that I use on the days when I don’t make the trip to the gym.  The treadmill is actually in my office at church, just a few feet from a kneeling prayer bench.  These two prominent pieces in my study remind me that my work must be balanced and sustained by spiritual and physical well being. 

Thanks to regular exercise, I have more energy than I’ve had in years.  The pounds are coming off slowly, but I have to remind myself that the path to physical fitness is a marathon and not a sprint.  I’m committed to fitness not just for myself.  My family deserves my best.  The church benefits from a healthy pastor.  And physical self-care (healthy fitness—not obsession with body image) is a way of honoring God (see 1 Corinthians 6:19-20). 

Thanks for your prayers and encouragement as I strive to enjoy a more healthy life—and thanks to the many of you whose dedication to fitness inspires me!

Pastor Christopher Romig, VPC Head of Staff

Relaxation Is Also Important to Me

My fitness routine consists of exercising three days a week at Life Styles where I incorporate machine, floor, and cardio exercises.  For most weeks, two walks are a part of my plan.  Besides being a good weight-bearing exercise, I find walking to be relaxing.

With a busy life style, relaxation is important to me.  Watching the birds on our lake brings a sense of peace.  I also read, meditate, and sometimes just sit and do nothing!

Pat O’Gorman, Stephen Leader