Spiritual Health Archives • Health Fitness Revolution https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/health/spiritualhealth/ Thu, 10 Apr 2025 14:42:03 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.7.1 48187903 The Physical Health Benefits of Gardening: Boosting Endurance Through Kinesiology https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/the-physical-health-benefits-of-gardening-boosting-endurance-through-kinesiology/ https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/the-physical-health-benefits-of-gardening-boosting-endurance-through-kinesiology/#respond Wed, 19 Feb 2025 14:25:00 +0000 https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/?p=26750 As our lives become increasingly sedentary, finding engaging ways to stay active is more important than ever. One surprisingly effective solution lies in a beloved pastime: gardening. More than just a way to beautify your surroundings, gardening provides a multitude of physical health benefits, including enhanced endurance and fitness. Let’s explore how this outdoor activity serves as an exercise regimen and how it ties into the principles of kinesiology.

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Gardening as a Form of Exercise

Gardening encompasses a variety of physical activities that make it an excellent form of exercise. Whether you’re digging, planting, weeding, or harvesting, these tasks demand movement that engages multiple muscle groups and elevates your heart rate. Here’s how gardening functions as an effective workout:

  • Caloric Burn: Depending on the intensity, gardening can burn between 200 to 400 calories per hour. Activities such as shoveling, hoeing, and raking elevate your heart rate, providing a cardiovascular workout that is both enjoyable and productive. This means that, while you’re nurturing plants, you’re also actively supporting your fitness goals.
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  • Muscle Engagement: Gardening involves a wide range of movements that require the use of various muscle groups. From lifting bags of soil to squatting while planting seeds, these actions enhance strength and coordination, essential components of overall fitness. The dynamic nature of gardening means you’ll be using your arms, legs, and core muscles, providing a comprehensive workout.
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  • Balance and Coordination: Navigating uneven terrain and reaching for plants cultivates balance and coordination. This dynamic movement engages stabilizing muscles, improving proprioception—the body’s awareness of its position in space. Improved balance not only benefits your gardening efforts but also enhances your performance in other physical activities and reduces the risk of falls.

Boosting Physical Endurance

One of the standout benefits of gardening is its potential to enhance physical endurance. As you regularly engage in gardening activities, your body adapts to the demands, leading to improved stamina. Here’s how gardening promotes endurance:

  • Cardiovascular Fitness: The sustained physical effort required for gardening tasks increases your heart rate, which, over time, can improve cardiovascular endurance. A stronger heart pumps blood more efficiently, allowing you to engage in other physical activities with greater ease. Over time, you may find yourself able to perform gardening tasks—and other physical activities—without getting winded.
  • Repetitive Motion and Muscular Endurance: The repetitive nature of gardening tasks—like digging, weeding, or pruning—helps build muscular endurance. As you perform these activities regularly, your muscles become more resilient, allowing you to work longer without fatigue. This is especially beneficial for older adults, as it can help maintain muscle function and overall physical capability.
  • Increased Activity Levels: Gardening encourages a more active lifestyle. The more you engage in gardening, the more likely you are to seek additional forms of exercise, creating a positive feedback loop that enhances overall physical fitness. You might find that gardening leads you to explore other outdoor activities like hiking or cycling, further enriching your health journey.
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The Kinesiology Connection

Kinesiology, the study of human movement, plays a crucial role in understanding the physical benefits of gardening. This field explores how movement affects the body and how it can be optimized for health. Here’s how gardening aligns with kinesiology principles:

  • Biomechanics of Movement: Gardening requires various physical movements that can enhance biomechanical efficiency. Proper techniques in lifting, bending, and reaching not only improve performance but also reduce the risk of injury. For instance, using your legs to lift heavy items instead of straining your back can prevent chronic pain and injury.
  • Muscle Dynamics: Kinesiology emphasizes the importance of muscle groups and how they work together during movement. Gardening engages multiple muscle systems, including the core, legs, and arms, promoting overall strength and functional fitness. Understanding how these muscle dynamics work allows you to make the most of your gardening efforts while ensuring your body stays healthy and injury-free.
  • Functional Training: The movements involved in gardening mimic those we perform in everyday life, making it an excellent form of functional training. This type of training enhances strength, balance, and coordination, making daily tasks easier and more efficient. For example, the squatting and reaching required for gardening can translate to better performance in activities like lifting groceries or playing sports.
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Additional Health Benefits

Beyond boosting endurance and fitness, gardening offers a plethora of other physical health benefits:

  • Flexibility and Mobility: The varied movements in gardening—reaching, squatting, and stretching—enhance flexibility and joint mobility, which are essential for maintaining an active lifestyle and preventing injuries. Improved flexibility can also contribute to better posture, reducing the risk of discomfort and strain.
  • Stress Relief and Mental Health: The act of gardening has been shown to reduce cortisol levels, leading to lower stress and improved mood. This psychological benefit can enhance your motivation to stay active and engaged in physical activities. The calming effects of tending to plants can also provide a mental reset, making it easier to face daily challenges.
  • Vitamin D Production: Spending time outdoors while gardening allows for natural sunlight exposure, crucial for vitamin D synthesis. This nutrient is vital for bone health, immune function, and overall well-being. Adequate vitamin D levels have been linked to improved mood and decreased risk of chronic diseases.
  • Social Interaction: Gardening can also foster social connections. Whether it’s through community gardens or gardening clubs, engaging with others who share your passion can provide motivation and support. Social interactions can also enhance mental well-being, creating a sense of community and belonging.

Getting Started with Gardening

If you’re looking to reap the physical benefits of gardening, here are some tips to help you get started:

  • Start Small: If you’re new to gardening, begin with a small plot or a few potted plants. This allows you to gradually build your skills and stamina without becoming overwhelmed.
  • Choose the Right Tools: Invest in ergonomic gardening tools to reduce strain on your body. Tools with comfortable grips can make tasks easier and more enjoyable.
  • Incorporate Variety: Mix different gardening tasks into your routine—planting, weeding, and pruning. This variety keeps your workouts engaging and ensures you’re using different muscle groups.
  • Set Goals: Set achievable gardening goals to keep you motivated. Whether it’s growing a certain number of vegetables or creating a flower bed, having specific objectives can enhance your experience.

Gardening is more than just a recreational activity; it’s a comprehensive workout that can significantly boost your physical endurance and overall health. By integrating the principles of kinesiology, gardeners can optimize their movements and maximize the benefits of this enriching pastime.

So, whether you have a large backyard or a small container garden, consider harnessing the power of gardening to enhance your fitness levels. Grab your tools, immerse yourself in nature, and cultivate not just plants, but a healthier, more active lifestyle! Gardening is a pathway to physical health that nourishes both body and mind, making it an ideal choice for anyone seeking to improve their well-being. Start your gardening journey today and experience the transformative benefits it can bring to your life!

]]> https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/the-physical-health-benefits-of-gardening-boosting-endurance-through-kinesiology/feed/ 0 26750 71GrAWYYDyL.__AC_SX300_SY300_QL70_FMwebp_ (1) 61rYfH5goaL._AC_SX679_ 7153O5iEvkL._AC_SX679_ Spring gardening concept – gardening tools with plants, flowerpots and soil Spring gardening concept - gardening tools with plants, flowerpots and soil 81A+VLUPX0L._AC_SX679_ 91qFY3-tD9L._AC_SX679_ 1729003717234-27c697dc-310b-410d-953b-45d9447ec488_1 The Health Benefits of Deep Breathing (and 4 Easy Techniques!) https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/the-health-benefits-of-deep-breathing-and-4-easy-techniques/ https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/the-health-benefits-of-deep-breathing-and-4-easy-techniques/#respond Fri, 24 Jan 2025 13:40:05 +0000 http://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/?p=14575 Breathing is a natural and involuntary action that happens in order for our bodies to take in and release air. It is a required action that helps our bodies function through everyday life. Breathing helps our respiratory system move oxygen in and out, and all throughout our body so that we are able to move and function properly. If you focus on your breathing you will find that you can control and reduce any stress or anxiety that you may be feeling. Deep breathing exercises are the center point focus of activities such as yoga, pilates, and meditation. Practicing breathing techniques can be beneficial to coping with stress-related health problems such as panic attacks and digestive disorders and can ultimately help ease your mind and body. A study was conducted to see the effects of controlled deep breathing on patients who were dependent smokers going through withdrawals. The study found that smoking withdrawal symptoms and cravings for cigarettes significantly dropped when patients practiced controlled deep breathing. Practicing controlled breathing can be beneficial not only physically but also mentally as well. Did you know that deep breathing can help lower blood pressure and heart rate, which can help prevent stroke and lower risk of cerebral aneurysm?

We did some research and found a few breathing exercises that you might want to try. Try these deep breathing exercises at home or on your free time!

Bellows Breath (The Stimulating Breath)

Bellows breath is a breathing exercise practiced in yoga techniques that focuses on raising vital energy and helps increase alertness. It is a noisy exercise that produces rapid movement of the diaphragm and if done properly, should heighten your sense of awareness. Try this when you feel a lack of energy for a boost. If done properly, you should feel rejuvenated.

  • Rapidly inhale and exhale while keeping your mouth closed.
  • Make sure your breaths are short, equal breaths.
  • Practice 3 in-and-out breath cycles per second and breathe normally after every cycle.
  • If it’s your first try, do not try to exceed 15 seconds. You can increase your time each time you practice the stimulating breath.
  • As you practice, try to work up to reach a full minute.
The Relaxing (4-7-8) Breath Exercise

You can do this exercise anywhere and in any position, but it is best to do it sitting with your back straight. Through the entirety of the exercise, have the tip of your tongue placed against the tissue behind your upper front teeth. Slightly purse your lips if needed. For this exercise you will silently inhale through your nose and audibly breathe out through your mouth while keeping your tongue in place the whole time. This exercise will help ease any internal stress or tension when something upsetting has happened or to help you sleep.

  • With your mouth closed, inhale silently through your nose while counting to four.
  • Hold your breath for 7 counts.
  • While making a whoosh sound, exhale out of your mouth for 8 counts.
  • This whole process is one breath.
  • Repeat the cycle 3 more times.
Breath Counting Exercise

This technique is typically used in the practice of Zen. Sitting in a comfortable position with your spine straight and head slightly tilted forward, take a couple deep breaths before letting it come naturally without any force of influence. Do not count higher than “five” for this exercise and only count once you have exhaled. Try to practice this for 10 minutes.

  • Count “one” as you exhale.
  • Exhale again, and count “two.”
  • Repeat this up until you reach “five.”
  • Then begin a new cycle again counting “one” when you exhale.
Morning Breathing

You can practice this exercise when you wake up in the morning to help relieve any muscle stiffness and to clear blocked off breathing passages and throughout the day to alleviate back tension.

  • In a standing position, let your arms dangle by your side close to the floor while bending forward from your waist with knees slightly bent.
  • While slowly and deeply inhaling, slowly roll up until you have returned to a standing position. Your head should be the last part of your body to come back up.
  • Hold your breath for a few seconds in this position.
  • Slowly exhale as you return to the original position, bending forward at the waist.
  • Repeat these steps as necessary.

 

]]> https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/the-health-benefits-of-deep-breathing-and-4-easy-techniques/feed/ 0 14575 The Crucial Role of Dental Health in Overall Wellness https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/the-crucial-role-of-dental-health-in-overall-wellness/ https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/the-crucial-role-of-dental-health-in-overall-wellness/#respond Wed, 04 Dec 2024 18:41:24 +0000 https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/?p=27099 Oral hygiene plays a crucial role beyond just maintaining the health of your teeth and gums. It serves as a significant indicator and contributor to overall well-being, influencing various body systems, immunity, and even mental health. From heart and lung health to brain function and pregnancy outcomes, dental health is deeply interconnected with your body’s overall wellness. Let’s explore the numerous ways in which dental health impacts other aspects of your health.

Protecting Cardiovascular Health

Oral bacteria from gum disease can enter the bloodstream, contributing to inflammation and the buildup of fatty deposits in blood vessels, which may lead to atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries). According to Harvard Health, this increases the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and high blood pressure. By managing dental health, you support a healthy heart and lower the chances of cardiovascular diseases, which are the leading cause of death globally.

Managing Blood Sugar Levels and Diabetes

There’s a strong two-way link between diabetes and gum disease. Infections in the gums can raise blood sugar levels, complicating diabetes management. Conversely, diabetes can make gum disease more likely and severe. By keeping the gums healthy, individuals with diabetes may experience improved blood sugar control and a reduced risk of diabetes-related complications.

Reducing Respiratory Infections

When bacteria from gum infections are inhaled, they can affect lung health, leading to respiratory diseases such as pneumonia, bronchitis, and COPD. This risk is particularly significant for older adults, those with chronic respiratory conditions, and people with compromised immune systems. Regular dental hygiene can decrease the chances of oral bacteria traveling to the lungs, contributing to a healthier respiratory system.

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Supporting Kidney Health

There is a link between chronic gum inflammation and kidney disease. Inflammatory responses triggered by gum disease can strain the kidneys and potentially worsen chronic kidney conditions. By reducing inflammation through proper dental care, people can lower the risk of overworking the kidneys, helping to preserve kidney function over time, according to the National Kidney Foundation.

Promoting Brain Health and Reducing Cognitive Decline

Research published by the National Library of Medicine shows a potential link between gum disease and cognitive disorders like Alzheimer’s. Inflammatory responses and bacteria from gum disease may reach the brain, leading to chronic inflammation that contributes to neurodegenerative diseases. Prioritizing oral health can reduce the risk of bacteria and inflammation affecting cognitive function, potentially playing a role in preserving memory and brain health with age.

Improving Pregnancy Outcomes

Pregnant women are at increased risk of gum disease due to hormonal changes, leading to a condition known as “pregnancy gingivitis.” Infected gums can trigger immune responses that may affect the fetus, increasing risks of preterm birth, low birth weight, and pre-eclampsia. Maintaining oral hygiene during pregnancy supports not only the mother’s health but also fetal development and birth outcomes.

Pregnant women are at increased risk of gum disease due to hormonal changes, leading to a condition known as “pregnancy gingivitis.” Infected gums can trigger immune responses that may affect the fetus, increasing the risks of preterm birth, low birth weight, and pre-eclampsia. Maintaining oral hygiene during pregnancy supports not only the mother’s health but also fetal development and birth outcomes1. A study published in Frontiers in Oral Health highlights that treating gingivitis during pregnancy can reduce the risk of preterm birth by approximately 50% and improve birth weights. Additionally, the American Dental Association emphasizes the importance of oral health care during pregnancy to prevent adverse outcomes.

Strengthening Immune System Resilience

When the mouth harbors large amounts of harmful bacteria, it places continuous demand on the immune system, triggering chronic low-grade inflammation. This can lead to immune system fatigue, reducing its ability to fight infections effectively and increasing vulnerability to autoimmune disorders. By keeping the mouth healthy and minimizing inflammation, you’re aiding the immune system to function at its best across the body. Research published in Frontiers in Oral Health highlights that microbial imbalance and sustained inflammation are involved in disease progression, and the adverse interaction triggered by a host immune response to microorganisms can lead to both oral and systemic diseases.

Balancing Gut Health and Reducing Digestive Issues

Your digestive system starts in your mouth, and poor oral health can lead to an imbalance in the body’s bacterial environment. Chronic gum disease and bacterial buildup in the mouth can impact gut health, leading to issues such as acid reflux, intestinal infections, and even inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). By reducing harmful bacteria through oral hygiene, you support a healthier, more balanced gut microbiome.

Alleviating Chronic Pain and Improving Mental Health

Persistent oral issues, such as gum disease or untreated tooth decay, can lead to chronic pain that significantly impacts mental health and overall quality of life. This discomfort often contributes to heightened stress, anxiety, and even depression. Research has shown that individuals suffering from chronic dental pain are more likely to experience mental health challenges. By addressing oral health problems, it is possible to alleviate pain, reduce stress, and enhance both emotional and psychological well-being.

Furthermore, the interconnectedness of oral health and mental health highlights the importance of a holistic approach to healthcare. Maintaining good oral hygiene practices and seeking timely dental care can prevent these issues and contribute to a better quality of life. Studies have demonstrated that individuals who prioritize their oral health often report improved mood, better sleep, and higher overall life satisfaction.

Lowering Cancer Risks

Certain oral infections and chronic gum disease have been linked to an increased risk of cancers, particularly oral and throat cancers. Tobacco and alcohol use further increase this risk, especially when combined with poor oral hygiene. Research from Harvard’s T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that gum disease was linked to an increased chance of suffering from stomach and esophageal cancer. Maintaining good dental health helps reduce these risks, supporting longevity and overall health.

Your dental health is a crucial factor in achieving optimal overall health. Far from being limited to your teeth and gums, oral hygiene affects the body in numerous ways, from cardiovascular and cognitive health to respiratory and immune system functioning. By understanding these connections and prioritizing dental care, you protect yourself from a range of health issues, both short-term and long-term. Regular brushing, flossing, and dental visits go beyond creating a radiant smile—they foster a healthier, stronger, and more resilient body.

]]> https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/the-crucial-role-of-dental-health-in-overall-wellness/feed/ 0 27099 l(7) 71xGQ469WvL.__AC_SX300_SY300_QL70_FMwebp_ Top 10 Benefits of Taking Fish Oil Daily https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/top-10-benefits-of-taking-fish-oil-daily/ https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/top-10-benefits-of-taking-fish-oil-daily/#respond Mon, 25 Nov 2024 21:52:53 +0000 https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/?p=27070 Fish oil, extracted from the tissues of fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, and sardines, is packed with omega-3 fatty acids, particularly EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), which are essential for many bodily functions. Scientific research supports fish oil’s numerous health benefits, ranging from heart health to mental wellness. Here’s a deep dive into the top 10 benefits of including fish oil in your daily routine:

1. Supports Heart Health

Fish oil is one of the best supplements for heart health due to its high omega-3 content. Studies indicate that omega-3 fatty acids can help reduce triglyceride levels by up to 30%, a significant factor in heart disease. Additionally, fish oil may reduce blood pressure slightly in people with hypertension, which can lessen the risk of heart attacks. It’s also known to prevent arterial plaque formation, reducing the chance of blockages. Research published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that regular fish oil intake lowers the risk of cardiac arrhythmias, which can lead to sudden heart failure. Together, these benefits make fish oil a powerhouse for cardiovascular health.

2. Reduces Inflammation

Chronic inflammation is linked to many health issues, from arthritis to diabetes. Fish oil has strong anti-inflammatory properties, making it effective in reducing inflammation throughout the body. EPA and DHA found in fish oil interfere with inflammatory pathways, helping to decrease the production of pro-inflammatory chemicals like cytokines. A study in the Journal of Translational Medicine revealed that fish oil could reduce C-reactive protein (CRP), a common marker of inflammation. By taking fish oil regularly, people with inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis may experience less joint pain and stiffness. Overall, fish oil can help manage both acute and chronic inflammation, benefiting those with autoimmune and metabolic disorders.

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3. Enhances Brain Function

The brain relies heavily on omega-3 fatty acids for both structural and functional purposes, especially DHA, which constitutes a significant portion of brain cell membranes. Studies show that regular fish oil supplementation can improve cognitive function, focus, and memory retention. MedicalNewsToday wrote that patients who took fish oil supplements had slower cognitive decline compared to those who didn’t. Fish oil also plays a role in neuroprotection, potentially delaying the onset of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s. Furthermore, fish oil’s anti-inflammatory effects protect neurons from damage, which is vital for maintaining cognitive health as we age. For those looking to keep their minds sharp, fish oil can be a key supplement.

4. Improves Mood and Mental Health

Fish oil’s impact on mental health has gained considerable attention, with research supporting its role in reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety. Omega-3s influence serotonin and dopamine, two neurotransmitters that play significant roles in mood regulation. Harvard Health wrote that fish oil supplements were effective in reducing depressive symptoms, especially in individuals who had low dietary omega-3 intake. Fish oil’s anti-inflammatory properties may also help, as chronic inflammation is linked to mood disorders. Studies suggest that taking fish oil can stabilize mood swings in people with bipolar disorder and reduce anxiety in those with generalized anxiety disorder. Daily fish oil intake can, therefore, be a natural aid in promoting mental well-being.

5. Supports Eye Health and Vision

DHA is essential for the health of the retina, the part of the eye that receives light and sends visual signals to the brain. Fish oil has been shown to reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), which can lead to vision loss. A study published in ScienceDirect found that individuals with a higher intake of omega-3 fatty acids were significantly less likely to develop AMD. Fish oil also alleviates dry eye symptoms by improving tear production and maintaining eye moisture. Additionally, research indicates that fish oil can reduce the likelihood of diabetic retinopathy in individuals with diabetes. By supporting eye health, fish oil can help maintain clear vision as we age.

6. Promotes Joint Health and Flexibility

Fish oil is particularly beneficial for joint health, especially for individuals suffering from arthritis and other joint-related conditions. The anti-inflammatory effects of EPA and DHA help reduce joint pain and stiffness, providing relief to those with rheumatoid arthritis. Versus Arthritis reported that fish oil supplementation led to a significant reduction in the need for NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) in arthritis patients. Fish oil’s omega-3s also enhance the production of lubricating molecules that keep joints moving smoothly. It can prevent or slow down cartilage breakdown, a critical factor in arthritis progression. For maintaining healthy, flexible joints, fish oil is an excellent addition to a daily wellness regimen.

7. Boosts Immune System Function

Omega-3s have been shown to support immune health by enhancing the function of immune cells. Fish oil’s DHA and EPA boost the activity of white blood cells, making the immune response more effective against pathogens. A study in the National Library of Medicine indicated that omega-3s can reduce the production of inflammatory cytokines, supporting a balanced immune response. Fish oil also reduces oxidative stress in cells, which can prevent immune cell damage. Some research suggests that regular fish oil intake may even help reduce the frequency and severity of colds and respiratory infections. Thus, fish oil provides a natural way to keep the immune system robust.

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8. Aids in Weight Management

Fish oil may assist in weight management when combined with diet and exercise. Omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to increase metabolic rate, leading to greater calorie expenditure even at rest. Research published in Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition found that individuals taking fish oil experienced reduced fat accumulation, particularly around the abdomen. Fish oil also helps balance insulin levels, which can reduce cravings and prevent overeating. Additionally, it has been suggested that fish oil may improve muscle mass retention, which is crucial for maintaining metabolism during weight loss. By aiding fat reduction and enhancing metabolic health, fish oil can support healthy weight management.

9. Supports Skin Health

Fish oil is known for its skin-enhancing benefits, largely due to its anti-inflammatory and moisturizing effects. Omega-3 fatty acids help maintain skin hydration, reduce redness, and even improve symptoms of conditions like eczema and psoriasis. Arthritis Australia wrote that omega-3 supplementation led to significant improvements in psoriasis symptoms. Fish oil’s antioxidants also protect the skin from UV damage, which helps reduce premature aging. Furthermore, omega-3s aid in collagen production, keeping the skin firm and youthful. For a natural way to achieve radiant, healthy skin, fish oil is a valuable addition.

10. Promotes Healthy Pregnancy and Infant Development

For expecting mothers, fish oil is essential for the healthy development of their baby’s brain and eyes. DHA is a major structural component of the fetal brain and retina, and studies show that fish oil can enhance cognitive and visual outcomes in infants. Fish oil may also reduce the risk of preterm birth and support a healthier pregnancy. Moreover, omega-3s are linked to better birth weight and a reduced risk of postpartum depression. For both maternal and infant health, fish oil is a beneficial supplement during pregnancy.

Incorporating fish oil into your daily routine can provide a wide range of health benefits, making it a wise choice for anyone seeking a natural way to support long-term wellness. However, as with any supplement, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the right dosage and ensure it complements your unique health needs.

]]> https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/top-10-benefits-of-taking-fish-oil-daily/feed/ 0 27070 71pG28r1M6L._AC_SL1500_ l(5) 71XHz77JJIL._AC_SL1500_ Top 10 Fittest Gospel Singers 2024 https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/top-10-fittest-gospel-singers-2/ https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/top-10-fittest-gospel-singers-2/#respond Thu, 01 Aug 2024 17:43:05 +0000 https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/?p=26025 Gospel music. When we hear of this musical genre, we think of church choirs or of songs we hear on Christian radio. However, the genre has a bigger influence and impact than what may first come to mind. Big name artists, such as Aretha Franklin and Elvis Presley both were impacted by the genre. Aretha got her start singing in the gospel choir at church, and Elvis was inspired to sing by the gospel he heard in church. And that is just to name two. Countless others in the music industry have been influenced by gospel music.

Gospel music has a far reach; in both the US and the world. Many artists on our top ten list are Grammy nominees and winners, and have sold millions of records both nationally and worldwide. As a result, these people are viewed as influences and role models, so it is their responsibility to be a good role model in health and fitness to influence their audience.

We have compiled a list of the top ten gospel singers who we find to currently live the healthiest, by eating well and working out regularly. We chose these singers by researching all available data online: from magazine interviews, to video interviews and even to personal websites. Some singers did not necessarily start off as healthy. Quite a few had some health problems along the way; however, those represented on the list have demonstrated that they now live actively healthy lifestyles.

“Spiritual awareness is one of the key components of a healthy lifestyle that impacts the whole body and rejuvenates the spirit. Physical fitness and healthy nutrition allows that spirit to flourish to new dimensions and many people experience a closer relationship to God.” -Samir Becic

Here is Samir Becic and Health Fitness Revolution‘s list of the Top 10 Fittest Gospel Singers 2024:

YOLANDA ADAMS

Credit: @yolandaadams Instagram 

Fitness:

Nutrition:

  • She eats salads, fruits, fish, and gluten-free toasts
  • Yolanda disclosed in an interview that she eats fruits and vegetables that are alkaline to flush out the system and keep her body’s pH balanced
  • She also clarified that she doesn’t eat high sugar foods or drink alcohol

Mental Health Practices:

JUANITA BYNUM

Credit: @iamdrjuanitabynum Instagram

Fitness: 

Nutrition:  

Mental Health Practices: 

ERICA CAMPBELL

Credit: @imericacampbell Instagram

Fitness:

Nutrition:

Mental Health Practices:

JEKALYN CARR

Credit: @jekalyncarr Instagram

Fitness:

Nutrition:

Mental Health Practices:

KIRK FRANKLIN

Credit: @kirkfranklin Instagram

Fitness:

Nutrition:

Mental Health Practices:

LECRAE

Credit: @lecrae Instagram

Fitness:

Nutrition:

Mental Health Practices: 

TASHA COBBS LEONARD

Credit: @tashacobbsleonard Instagram

Fitness: 

Nutrition:

Mental Health Practices:

TAMELA MANN & DAVID MANN

Credit: @cre8tivephotography Instagram

Fitness:

  • Tamela mann is one of Weight Watchers ambassador and lost 40 pounds during the first month of being an ambassador
  • They both have a personal trainer they work with to achieve their fitness goals
  • Tamela had to undergo a knee surgery and overcame it once she took her health and wellness journey serious
  • David Mann was diagnosed with diabetes in 2010 and decided to prioritize his fitness journey
  • They both participate in extremely intense workouts such as burpees, sit-ups and weight-lifting
  • Cycling and swimming is also a major part of their fitness activities
  • Walking is the biggest part of their journey, it starts from one to three miles each day and then gradually progressed to thirty to forty-five minutes on the elliptical machine.

Nutrition:

Mental Health Practices:

SANDI PATTY

Credit: @nouveauproductions Instagram

Fitness:

Nutrition:

Mental Health Practices:

MICHELLE WILLIAMS

Credit: @michellewilliams Instagram

Fitness:

Nutrition:

Mental Health Practices: 

]]> https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/top-10-fittest-gospel-singers-2/feed/ 0 26025 IMG_3390 IMG_3404 IMG_3393 IMG_3399-1 IMG_3389 IMG_3403 IMG_3396 IMG_3391 IMG_3395 IMG_3398 Top 50 Fittest Mega Churches in America https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/top-50-fittest-mega-churches-america-2015/ https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/top-50-fittest-mega-churches-america-2015/#comments Fri, 15 Dec 2023 21:24:00 +0000 http://healthfitnessrevolution.com/?p=5059 Regardless of religious preferences, Samir Becic and the Health Fitness Revolution Team have made a list of the Top 50 Fittest Mega Churches in America. We’ve researched all the possible data that was available on over 1,000 churches and what they offer their members. We’ve complied a list of the different churches in America and narrowed it down from 500, to 250, to 150, to 100, and finally to 50.

We used a combination of interviews, internet, library, industry literature, and Samir Becic’s knowledge of over 25 years in athletics coupled with his experience as a four-time No. 1 Fitness Trainer in the World.

“Spiritual awareness is one of the key components of healthy lifestyle that impacts the whole body and rejuvenates the spirit. Physical fitness and healthy nutrition allows that spirit to flourish to new dimensions and many people experience a closer relationship to God.” – Samir Becic

“The Mega-Churches of today hold a strong influence on the general opinion of mainstream America. Followers look for daily guidance from pastors and heads of ministries on the best way to live their lives and raise their families. It is enormously important to provide the churches with the correct knowledge on fitness and proper nutrition so they can influence and better their members lives.”-Samir Becic

Here are the Top 50 from Health Fitness Revolution and author of the book ReSYNC Your Life Samir Becic:

 

Lakewood Church – Houston, TX

lakewood church

  • Attendance: 43,500
  • Members: 45,000
  • Offers yearly Total Life Challenge (currently in fourth year) class for complete physical fitness and inner peace.
  • Provides strength and conditioning class
  • Zumba class
  • Nutritional classes
  • Has a basketball court
  • One of the first mega challenges with fitness expert Samir Becic
  • Pastor Joel OSteen is very fit himself, and by appointing Samir Becic as head of Health and Fitness is trying to make a point that fitness is an important factor in the Church.
  • Has many trainers to expand healthy lifestyle choices to all of the congregation.
  • Invites many fitness experts to participate in discussions
  • Many pastors from the church are very fit and health conscious
  • Both Pastors Joel and Victoria Osteen made out list of the top 10 Fittests Pastors of America
  • They do many promotions with their members can buy health products at an affordable price.

Second Baptist Church – Houston, TX

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  • Attendance: 23,659
  • Gym
  • Personal trainers
  • Fitness classes include: core conditioning, interval, TRX, bootcamp, aerobics, Spin, foam roller.
  • Indoor and outdoor track
  • Whirlpool and sauna in locker rooms
  • Full size weight room and plenty of cardio equipment
  • Sports leagues

Willowcreek Community Church – South Barrington, IL

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  • Attendance: 22,500
  • Has a sports ministry that runs several Fall, Winter, and Spring leagues, including co-ed volleyball, women’s basketball, and men’s flag football
  • During the Summer, they offer weekly sand volleyball pick-up games, running clubs, and yoga groups
  • Tae Kwon Do classes meet year-round

LifeChurch.TV – Edmond, OK

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  • Attendance: 20,823
  • Employees receive quarterly reimbursements for gym memberships, sporting fees, fitness equipment, and more
  • Partners with Compassion International’s Child Survival Programs, which provides parents with education about various things, including health and nutrition
  • Also partners with The Chalmer Center, which teaches people about managing their businesses, households, and health

Saddleback Church – Lake Forest, CA

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  • Attendance: 23632
  • Installed an outdoor fitness course on its property that is free for the community to use
  • The half-mile course includes five stations, featuring a variety of equipment designed to target different muscle groups
  • Pastor Rick Warren wrote the book “Daniel Plan: 40 Days to a Healthier Life”
  • The Daniel Plan is a healthy lifestyle program that shows how the powerful combination of Faith, Food, Fitness, Focus, and Friends can change your health forever
  • The Daniel Plan Health initiative now influences hundreds of churches across America
  • Hosts an annual Daniel Plan Health & Fitness Rally, the most recent being in January 2015
  • Hosted the Daniel Plan Fun Walk & Run
  • Has a Sports and Fitness ministry, which organizes recreation, leisure, and sports activities to benefit participants’ physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health (examples include: softball, basketball, soccer, golf, badminton, cycling, surfing, hiking, fitness, youth sports, prison sports, karate, tennis, and sports clinics)
  • Has the Saddleback Organic Garden Ministry, which aims to grow organic produce that will be distributed to needy families
  • Lead Pastor Rick Warren made 2 of our lists: Top 10 Fittest Pastors in America and Top 10 Fittest Christian Leaders

Calvary Chapel Fort Lauderdale – Fort Lauderdale, FLcalvary

  • Attendance: 18,000
  • Has an on-site restaurant (The Grill) that offers healthy menu items
  • Calvary Sports exists to make disciples by connecting people with a passion for sports/fitness and a passion for Jesus
  • Offers 17 fitness classes for men and women, including strength and conditioning, Zumba, core stretch, indoor cycling, power cardio, kickboxing, and more
  • Also offers youth and adult sports programs

The Potter’s House – Dallas, TX

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  • Attendance: 17,000
  • Pastor T.D. Jakes has been at the forefront of the health crusade in the black church
  • Has a Health Ministry
  • God’s Leading Ladies Life Enrichment Program includes physical fitness and healthy habits as part of the curriculum
  • The Medical Ministry consists of health care professionals and lay individuals dedicated to promoting health awareness, safety, and health maintenance in the church and community
  • Partnered with the YMCA, the American Heart Association, and Walgreens to host the Walkin’ and Rollin’ For Life Event in 2012
  • The event promoted exercise as part of a healthy lifestyle at any age and included a 5K walk/run/bike ride followed by a health expo

Southeast Christian Church – Louisville, KY

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  • Attendance: 16,264
  • Has a Sports and Fitness Center, a 64,000+ square-foot facility and resource for the development of overall health
  • The indoor area includes basketball courts, volleyball courts, racquetball courts, a suspended walking track, and group fitness rooms
  • The outdoor area includes baseball fields, softball fields, soccer fields, sand volleyball courts, and a walking track
  • The Sports and Fitness Ministry offers many programs that encourage participants to stay fit and connect with others through fitness; programs include seasonal Boot Camp classes, mini marathon training, and group fitness classes
  • The Ministry also offers a variety of youth and adult sports

Hopewell Missionary Baptist – Norcross, GA

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  • Attendance: 16,000
  • Has a Fitness and Wellness Center on campus with the purpose of providing creative and meaningful fitness activities for members in a Christian environment
  • The Music, Worship, and Creative arts ministry includes dance
  • Has a Health Ministry; its mission is to educate the congregation and surrounding community about living a healthy lifestyle and choosing healthy behaviors
  • Has a Recreation and Athletics ministry, which makes athletics and recreational activities available to both youth and adults
  • Hopewell has made efforts to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS in the black community

New Birth Missionary Baptist – Lithonia, GA

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  • Attendance: 15,000
  • Held a “Go Red” Sunday in February to bring awareness to the importance of “Heart Health” in the community
  • New Birth Student Ministries involve arts, sports, community service, business, and education
  • Held a “Diabetes Day” in 2009 in which members of the congregation participated in diabetes screenings and attended information sessions following Sunday services
  • At the event, pastor Eddie Long said, “We can take steps to reduce our risk – like eating healthier foods and exercising regularly”
  • Has a fitness center on campus
  • Held a fitness webinar in June 2010 that addressed how to live long, live strong, and live well by making a few adjustments to your daily habits

Green Acres Baptist Church- Tyler, TX

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  • 15,000 members
  • Weight room
  • Cardio room
  • Full size gym
  • Zumba classes
  • Bodypump class
  • Body Vive (low impact cardio) class
  • Yoga
  • Pilates

Prestonwood Baptist Church – Plano, TX

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  • Attendance: 14,450
  • Prestonwood Sports Organization (PSO) offers children’s and adult sports programs and leagues
  • Opened the Prestonwood Sports & Fitness Center in 2000
  • The indoor facilities include three basketball courts, a weight room, cardio room, aerobics room, and an indoor walking/jogging track
  • Outdoor facilities include two sand volleyball courts, and football, softball, and soccer fields
  • Children’s sports leagues and camps include baseball, basketball, football, cheerleading, and soccer
  • Adult sports leagues include basketball, softball, volleyball, and martial arts

McLean Bible Church – McClean, VA

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  • Attendance: 13,699
  • MBC Body & Soul Fitness has classes and other activities designed to help people get (and stay) in shape
  • The MBC Tysons Athletics Ministry has leagues and pick-up sports, including basketball, hiking/camping, indoor soccer, ultimate frisbee, and ping pong

Harvest Christian Fellowship – Riverside, CA

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  • Attendance: 12,000
  • Has a basketball, Harvest fitness boot camp, softball, surf fellowship, volleyball, and youth soccer ministry
  • The Harvest fitness boot camp offers weekly workout classes to maintain a lifestyle of fulfillment and fitness

 Champion Baptist Forest Church- Houston, TX

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  • 12,000 members
  • Cardiovascular equipment
  • Weight room
  • 2 full size gyms
  • Jogging/walking track
  • Racquetball courts
  • Adult sports: Ultimate frisbee
  • Kids sports: basketball, tae kwon do, volleyball, martial arts and summer camps
  • Low impact aerobics class
  • Pilates class
  • Body blaster class (weights and running)
  • Wholyfit
  • Kickboxing
  • Cardio/weights fusion
  • Flex and flow
  • Refit
  • Nutrition class
  • Made our Top 20 Fittest Churches in Texas list

Fountain of Praise – Houston, TX

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  • Attendance: 11,752
  • Aims to develop a kingdom of empowered people for God that are committed to revitalizing and establishing ministries that teach and encourage believers to return to spiritual integrity, and restore emotional and physical health to all of God’s people
  • Has a health and wellness ministry
  • The ministry’s goal is to educate members and the community on the importance of having a balanced life, which includes spiritual and physical fitness
  • Educating the congregation and the community on healthy living is a priority for the wellness ministry

Free Chapel Worship Center – Gainesville, GA

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  • Attendance: 11,500
  • Has basketball, flag football, golf, softball, hiking, running, and tennis groups

Lake Pointe Church – Rockwall, TX

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  • Attendance: 11,133
  • Lake Pointe Sports, an outreach ministry of Lake Pointe Church, offers children ages 4 through 8th grade the opportunity to participate in recreational sports leagues in a non-threatening, non-competitive environment; also offers sporting opportunities for younger children and adults
  • Helps out with Hope Clinic, which exists to share the love of Jesus Christ by partnering with the community to provide primary health care and resources for healthy living to the underserved population

Hyde Park Baptist and the Quarries Church- Austin, TX

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  • 11,000 members
  • Rockwall
  • Fitness center
  • Weight room
  • 100 yard indoor running track
  • Tennis courts
  • Basketball courts
  • Youth sport leagues
  • Zumba class
  • Stretch class
  • Pilates class
  • Step aerobics class
  • Senior fitness class

Harvest Bible Chapel – Rolling Meadows, IL

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  • Attendance: 10,988
  • Has a Sports Ministry, which utilizes sport and fitness to help build men and women into passionate followers of Christ
  • The Sports Ministry hosts leagues, events, and classes

The Rock Church – San Diego, CA

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  • Attendance: 10,878
  • Has a skateboard ministry that has daily skate sessions
  • Has a food cooperative ministry, which provides food and an entire wellness program for churches around San Diego County; includes nutrition and physical activity education
  • Has a nutrition ministry that equips individuals with knowledge on how to strengthen and heal their bodies with food and lifestyle choices; offers a 6 month transformation class or an 8 week devotional series, which provides tools to lead a healthy lifestyle
  • From the church’s website: “Let’s get healthy in 2015 and show that the Church is the place for healing and health!”

Gateway Church – Southlake, TX

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  • Offers and encourages community events, which also includes sporting events for kids and adults
  • Skating nights/events
  • Men’s flag football league
  • Men’s Softball league
  • Dance’s such as father daughter dances, and also family dances
  • Holds seasonal camps for kids

BaySide Covenant Church – Roseville, CA

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  • Attendance- 10,052
  • Held an event called CPR Saturday. American Red Cross volunteers gave free CPR lessons at Bayside. Program granted a year-long CPR certification to the participants. About 500 people attended.
  • Bayside with the help of local businesses raised relief effort funds for the devastation caused by  2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami.
  • Every year Bayside hosts a week-long festival for children called Breakaway. A day camp with activities such as, water games and arts and crafts. About 3000 children participate.
  • Bayside’s Global Outreach Ministries sends a 100 church members every year to Cambodia, Colombia, India, Kenya and Nigeria to feed the hungry, fight to stop sex-trafficking of teen girls in Cambodia and provide education to end HIV/AIDS in Kenya.

St. Matthews Baptist Church – Williamstown, NJ

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  • Attendance: 10,035
  • Features a dedicated Health Center
  • Which includes fitness, aquatics, tennis, and community center
  • Fitness center has a (Cardio) section treadmills, bikes, elliptical machines and steppers,
  • Also has (Strength) section,Leg press, leg extension/curl, Lat pulldown, multipress,a bicep/triceps machine and free weights and body balls  (A full fledged gym pretty much)
  • Computers are also available for use with internet access
  • Has a Junior Olympic competition pool with 6 lanes, and Various swim instruction and safety equipment
  • 2 indoor tennis courts for year round play
  • Has a community development and recreation center
  • Which includes community center, senior center, day camp, after school care, computer care, literacy center, counseling center and food pantry
  • Their purpose: “St. Matthew’s Baptist Church. Its mission is to be a faith-based service provider. Our ultimate goal is to meet the physical, mental, spiritual, nutritional, social and educational needs of the community to enhance its quality of life.”

Faith Community Church – West Covina, CA

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  • Attendance: 10,000
  • Has common interest groups for walking, hiking, Jiujitsu, and faith sports (including basketball, volleyball, flag football, and softball)
  • Supports Mutual Faith Ministries, which renovated a building in Beirut, Lebanon that provides a free medical health clinic

Faith Landmark Ministries – Richmond, VA

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  • Attendance: 10,000
  • Offers classes regarding healthy eating, “Fit to serve” classes
  • Offers fitness classes as well
  • Has various different classes on the daily bases of the weekly calendar, which include healthy eating (Healthy Diet) and Fitness (exercises) combination classes. “Fit to serve special needs fitness class”.
  • Holds youth gathering events such as super  bowl parties and also youth educational classes regarding fitness and health.

First African Methodist Episcopal – Los Angeles, CA

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  • Attendance: 10,000
  • Holds Boys Scouts meetings
  • Has different types Dance/ rehearsals events
  • Offers Yoga meditation classes
  • Has Monthly blood pressure and blood sugar testing sessions.
  • Has various drives for a good cause, such as a Bone Marrow Drive.
  • Has various other meeting for good causes like, the “Care Givers” and “WMS Monthly Fedding”.
  • Has a dedicated Counseling Center. to serve the purposes such as, Family, Couples, and Individual Counseling, parenting support, stress-management, self enhancement, help with depression, Anxiety and many other life issues, Grief and loss support and counseling, Child/Adolescent counseling and groups.

Mount Zion Baptist Church – Nashville, TN

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  • Attendance: 10,000
  • Has a special program called “Church Fit Challenge”.
  • At the end of the “Church Fit Challenge” $10000 worth of prizes will be given away. WOW what a great way to motivate and encourage people towards a healthy lifestyle.
  • Challenge may be taken individually or as a team.
  • The “Church Fit Challenge” incorporates class such as, Kickboxing, Pilates, Zumba, and cardio
  • Nutritional cooking class are also available.
  • With this wonderful program in place we are guessing then the church also has gym facility/equipment to accommodate the “Church Fit Challenge”.

World Changers Church International – College Park, GA

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  • Has a body sculpting center
  • They provide training programs, proper exercise techniques, and balanced nutritional information.
  • That have personal trainers and staff at the center at all times ready to offer help to every member
  • Membership amenities include:
    • Nautilus Area
      Free Weight Area
      Cardiovascular Equipment including Bikes, Stair Climbers, Elliptical Gliders and Treadmills
      Lockers and Showers
      Heavenly Smoothies, Inc
      Free Body Assessments

Faith Fellowship Outreach Center – Sayreville, NJ

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  • Attendance: 9,200
  • Educate and Promote Healthy Living “HEALTHY LIVING MINISTRIES”
  • “We are dedicated to seeing the lives of our community live a whole and healthy lifestyle”.
  • Offer group nutritional classes

Christian Cultural Center- Brooklyn, NY

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  • Attendance: 9,000
  • Holds a day of health and wellness which includes screenings for:
    • Cholesterol
    • Dietary counseling
    • Fitness
    • Children’s activities
    • And more..
  • They also have a Marriage fitness class called ‘Working it out’ which allows couples to workout together.

Saint Stephen Church- Louisville, KY

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  • Attendance: 9,000
  • Offers the following classes at their family life center
    • Cardio blast
    • Cardio step
    • Kickboxing
    • Boot camp
    • Zumba
    • Line dance

Calvary Chapel – Chino Valley, CA

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  • Attendance: 8,500
  • Has an athletics department in their ministries.
  • Mentioned “It is our belief that we are to glorify God with our bodies”.
  • Have the opportunity to be a coach, or participate in different sports year round.
  • Such examples may include, Men’s and Co-ed Softball, Co-ed Volleyball, Men’s Basketball.
  • There must facilities and equipment to accommodate the athletics
  • Offer classes for “Kung Fo San Soo” (Martial Arts)

Angelus Temple – Los Angeles, CA

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  • Attendance: 8,272
  • “This church would serve the inner-city’s physical and spiritual needs, bringing a message of hope to the seemingly hopeless.”
  • Started in 1994 without a church, they taught in the gym until 2001 when they opened up a church

Grace Community Church – Sun Valley, CA

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  • Attendance: 8,258
  • Built a Gym in 1971
  • Has a basketball outreach every Monday night for members of the community
  • They also have a volleyball outreach where they play for 2 hours with a break in the middle where the gospel is presented

The Church Without Walls – Houston, TX

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  • Attendance: 8,250
  • Has a Recreation Ministry where they offer programs for basketball, volleyball and other sports.
  • Over 200 children and youth play team sports throughout the year.
  • Offers a gym to the church’s members
  • The adults have a volleyball league, flag football league, softball league, bowling league, and a Men’s Basketball league
  • They also offer the following classes:
    • Turbo Kick
    • Line dancing
    • Health/wellness class
    • Beginner yoga
    • Walking group
    • Cardio pump

Hickory Grove Baptist Church – Charlotte, NC

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  • Attendance: 7,900
  • Has a Family Life Center that includes three wooden gymnasium floors, an indoor track, racquetball courts, and a fitness room
  • Offer Sports Ministry offers a wide range of sports and activities for children, teenagers, and adults
  • Adult softball
  • Adult flag football
  • Golf retreat
  • Youth basketball
  • Youth cheerleading
  • Youth baseball/softball
  • Youth soccer

James River Assembly- Ozark, MO

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  • Attendance: 7,716
  • Has a River Fitness Center with certified fitness instructors
  • The fitness center has many group fitness classes that will help promote members fitness development
  • Offers zumba classes

Hope Presbyterian Church- Memphis, TN

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  • Attendance: 7,500
  • The church runs a youth football program for first- through sixth-graders.
  • Sponsors the Boy Scout Troop 338
  • Has 5 soccer/football fields
  • Has 2 baseball/softball fields
  • Has a gym that includes 2 full size basketball courts, also home to several other sports and fitness classes

Shepherd of the Hills Church- Porter Ranch, CA

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  • Attendance: 7,400
  • They provide opportunities for everyone in the community a place to be active
  • Has a health & fitness and club ministries
  • They have bootcamp classes
  • Men’s basketball league
  • Youth basketball league
  • Co-ed Softball
  • Co-ed Volleyball

Celebration Church – Jacksonville, FL

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  • Attendance: 7,015
  • Have Fitness community groups
  • Offer Fitness classes
  • Offer Zumba classes
  • Offer Yoga classes
  • Coed Flag Football
  • Coed Ultimate Frisbee
  • Coed Soccer
  • Coed Volleyball

Antioch Missionary Baptist Church – Miami, FL

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  • Attendance: 7,000
  • Hosts an Annual Fresh Start Fitness Health Fair
  • Encourage activities that help eliminate or reduce blood pressure levels, diabetes, and high cholesterol
  • The church joined the 50 Million Pound Challenge, a weight loss competition, coming first among churches.
  • Offers workout classes
  • Teaches fasting and cooking

Elmbrook Church – Brookfield, WI

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  • Attendance: 7,000
  • Includes a gymnasium
  • Offer ballet classes
  • Has a training coach who teaches wilderness survival
  • They have a badminton group

First Baptist Church – Orlando, FL

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  • Attendance: 7,000
  • The church have fitness instructors
  • offers a workout program called Total Sculpt, which offers a spiritual element to weight loss
  • Twice-weekly they have sessions that combine step aerobics, weight training, boxing and stretching performed to Christian music

The Chapel- Arkon, OH

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  • Attendance: 7,000
  • Offer many sports ministry opportunities throughout the year.
  • Hosts The Labor of Love Run which is held every year on Labor Day at the Akron Campus and features a 1-mile fun run as well as 5-mile individual and relay races.
  • The Akron Campus features a gymnasium and an urban outreach program that works especially hard to serve the city’s public grade schools

First Baptist Church Amarillo- Amarillo, Texas

Current FBC Amarillo 2

  • Amarillo, Texas
  • Over 6,000 members
  • State of the art weight room
  • cardio room
  • Full size gym
  • Weight room
  • Indoor track
  • Playland for kids
  • Upward sports
  • Yoga class
  • Senior men’s fitness
  • Men’s fitness
  • Ladies fitness
  • Boot camp
  • Made our Top 20 Fittest Churches in Texas List

First Baptist Houston- Houston, TX

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  • About 6,000 members
  • Personal Training
  • Sculpting class
  • Zumba and zumba kids
  • Godspeed (cardio)
  • Lift
  • Step
  • Bootcamp
  • Circuit
  • Abs
  • Stretch
  • Foam rolling class
  • Senior fitness class
  • Pilates
  • TRX suspension training
  • Perfect alignment (Yoga alternative)
  • Made our Top 20 Fittest Churches in Texas List

Walnut Street Baptist Church- Louisville, Kentucky

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  • Attendance: 900 in person, 40,000 live stream/TV
  • In the early 1960s built a six-story health facility with a bowling alley

Second-Ponce de Leon Baptist Church- Atlanta, GA

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  • The 70,000 square foot facility includes a large indoor pool and track
  • Weight Room
  • Cardio Center
  • Gymnasium
  • Racquetball Court
  • Personal Trainers
  • There are programs for children, caregivers, and others
  • “People who use the Family Life Center are provided with the opportunities to grow physically, mentally, socially and spiritually.”

Christ United Methodist Church- Plano, TX

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  • Large sized church
  • 6 basketball goals
  • Indoor track
  • Full size weight room
  • Kitchen
  • Basketball league
  • Volleyball league
  • Cheer leading
  • Dance classes
  • Camping trips
  • Health education
  • Tai Chi class
  • Karate
  • Yoga for all levels
  • Yin yoga
  • Teen yoga
  • Novice yoga
  • Chair yoga
  • Balls and bands
  • Body sculpting
  • Circuits
  • Core and tone
  • Boot camps
  • Active adults
  • Insanity
  • Zumba
  • Beginner tap dance

Read more of our articles on Churches

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]]> https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/top-50-fittest-mega-churches-america-2015/feed/ 12 5059 lakewood church MG_2958sdp willowcreek lifechurch pastor-rick-warren-stands-on-stage-at-saddleback-church-in-lake-forest-calif-the-megachurch-this-month-is-launching-three-international-campuses-one-in-hong-kong-buenos-aires-and-berlin calvary Ministries 357CD6CEF0493A979806DA223650_h316_w628_m5_cRyzkhlho hopewell 1139402514_7861 e598d0b46690d8c7f5d02b517ce7df40 2010.convocation.audience mbc outside photo Champions Forest Baptist Church 3 – Details fountainofpraise FreeChapelwideshot b_lake_pointe_013 HPBHS RM rock-church-photo Gateway Building 1 19975_banner st.matthews.baptist.church.of.williamstown.nj BW220FaithCommunityCovinaCA cache_3610155904 firstAMEchurch_YsaAdams img.php-2 article_7036 maxresdefault-2 Christian_Cultural_Center_Brooklyn_-_west_side stschurchb sanctuary-from_pulpit angelus_temple strange-fire 20140913_TCWW_038(pp_w890_h593) HGCS_front_of_school 135710- B-HopeChurch Shepherd-of-the-Hills-Church-Porter-Ranch-CA celebration_resize_2 Trayvon+Martin+Family+Attends+Sunday+Church+Pc2psIz3oJgl 35522618 First-Baptist-Orlando_0001s_0000_main chapel Current FBC Amarillo 2 622×350 24021473 IMG_3644 Christ United Methodist Church, Plano, Texas 2 HFR featured in Outside Magazine’s “Thou Shalt Work Out” https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/hfr-featured-in-outside-magazines-thou-shalt-work-out/ https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/hfr-featured-in-outside-magazines-thou-shalt-work-out/#respond Wed, 01 Nov 2023 18:32:09 +0000 https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/?p=23788 With over 100 featured appearances in American media outlets, including prominent publications like Politico, Huffington Post, Insider, Houston Chronicle, LA Times, Washington Post, Time Magazine, New York Times, Chicago Tribune, and Hello! Magazine to name a few, Health Fitness Revolution continues to provide valuable insights and expert advice on maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

In a recent article published by Outside magazine in their article “Thou Shalt Work Out”, Health Fitness Revolution was highlighted for its significant contributions to the faith-based fitness movement. The article shed light on the organization’s mission to promote health and wellness within the context of religious communities. It showcased the positive impact these programs have had in attracting individuals to the church while addressing the pressing issue of obesity in society.

The faith-based fitness movement holds immense potential for individuals seeking a holistic approach to their well-being. These programs provide opportunities for personal growth, physical transformation, and spiritual enrichment. Moreover, they foster a sense of belonging and camaraderie among participants, strengthening the fabric of communities. By offering fitness activities within a faith-based setting, churches can engage with individuals who may not otherwise be inclined to join their congregations.

The feature of Health Fitness Revolution in Outside magazine highlights the growing significance of faith-based fitness programs in today’s society. By integrating physical activity and spirituality, these initiatives offer a unique approach to promoting holistic well-being. 

]]> https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/hfr-featured-in-outside-magazines-thou-shalt-work-out/feed/ 0 23788 Screenshot-2023-11-01-at-1.24.16 PM Top 10 Self-Help Books You Should Read https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/top-10-self-help-books-you-should-read/ https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/top-10-self-help-books-you-should-read/#respond Fri, 09 Jun 2023 11:21:43 +0000 https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/?p=21208 Sometimes the person holding you back from taking care of yourself is YOU. With life throwing so many curveballs and obstacles, it’s easy to start prioritizing other things and people before yourself. I’m sure many of you have walked by the self-help book section and thought, “there’s no way this book is going to teach me anything”. The truth is, self-help books are filled with life changing guidance and information that can help you better yourself. Whether you’re looking for ways to improve your mental health, fitness, finances, relationship or any other life-altering obstacle, there is a self-help book waiting for you to make a difference in your life. It’s time to take charge and start putting yourself first! With that being said, HFR brings you the top 10 self-help books you should read:

The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck

Click to see on Amazon

In this self-help book, author Mark Manson lets it be known that life isn’t fair. It’s time to stop coddling people into thinking that positivity and happiness is the key to a good life. If you’re looking for a “slap in the face book”  that’s going to instill a new outlook in life and help you to better understand what things in life should really matter to you. This is a book you need to start reading. It’s time to start accepting the hard truth reality, and start making changes that are going to help you better yourself and the life you live.

Good Vibes, Good Life

Click to see on Amazon

Good Vibes, Good Life is the perfect book to guide you through the journey of self-love and help you find the greatness you were destined to be. Author Vex King, uses personal experience and knowledge to help the reader understand what they need to do and overcome, in order to live a good life.

Burnout

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There is no denying that men and women process burnout, stress, and emotions in different ways. Authors and sisters, Amelia Nagoski, DMA and Amelia Nagoski, PhD, have written this revolutionary book to highlight how burnout specifically affects women. They also use a science-based plan to help women reveal the secret to unlocking the stress cycle. If you’re currently going through a similar experience in your life, this might be the perfect time to pick up a copy of Burnout.

ReSYNC Your Life

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HFR founder and author of ReSYNC Your Life, Samir Becic encourages readers how to become the best version of themselves in just 28 days. His groundbreaking ReSYNC method will captivate your mind and body to obtain extraordinary health and fitness.

You Are a Badass

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If you’re looking for a book to help you from wrecking your potential to achieving the life you want, this is the book for you. Author Jen Sincero, will help you unlock new truths about who you are and what changes you need to start making. The changes you make will guide you to achieve a life you love. 

Atomic Habits

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Are you currently dealing with habits that are affecting your well-being and taking over your life? No worries, author James Clear invites readers to break down bad habits, and teaches them how to start building new ones that will lead to positive life changing results. This book will help you see progress and success through a new perspective. 

Rich Dad Poor Dad

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Author Robert Kiyosaki will challenge your beliefs on the concept of money with his book. Financial struggles are sometimes uncomfortable to talk about and definitely impact the lifestyle you live. If financial obstacles are obstructing your life, this may be the book for you. The message Rich Dad Poor Dad sends will change the way you value money. 

The 5 Love Languages

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Building relationships is not easy, but maintaining a strong relationship is the bigger challenge. Author Gary Chapman helps to reveal the secret to love that lasts. This book will help you better understand love languages and the effect it can have on your own relationships. 

How To Win Friends & Influence People

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With over 30 million copies sold, How To Win Friends and Influence People will teach you specific ways to make people like you. Teach you how to get people to understand your way of thinking, and how to ultimately change people without offending them.

The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up

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Do you ever get overwhelmed with the clutter in your home? If you’re like most people, your answer is probably yes. Having clutter can sometimes affect you mentally. Author Marie Kondo will teach you how to declutter your home, so you can live in a space that is motivating and inspiring.    

]]> https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/top-10-self-help-books-you-should-read/feed/ 0 21208 10 Ways to Increase Serotonin Naturally https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/10-ways-to-increase-serotonin-naturally/ https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/10-ways-to-increase-serotonin-naturally/#respond Fri, 07 Apr 2023 17:33:35 +0000 https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/?p=21488 We all know that feeling: You might be doing okay, but for whatever reason, you just feel off. You’re not necessarily sad or angry or anxious—you just feel… different. And you don’t know why.

We want to tell you what you may not yet know: It’s because your body is lacking a certain chemical called serotonin. Serotonin is your body’s naturally occurring “feel good” chemical, and when it’s at the level it should be, it makes you feel happier, calmer, and more emotionally stable.

Your brain is a complex organ and the way it functions is incredibly important to your overall health. If your serotonin levels are low, you may experience feelings of depression, anxiety, and even suicidal thoughts. Luckily there are things we can do to boost our serotonin in easy ways such as diet, stress management, and exercise. So without further ado (and in no particular order), here are 10 ways to increase Serotonin from our team!

Pay Attention to your Caffeine Intake 

So we’ve got some news for you.

You might want to sit down for this one because it’s a biggie.

The secret to boosting serotonin levels? CUTTING BACK ON YOUR CAFFEINE INTAKE.

If you’re like most of us, you probably thought the answer was more caffeine or at least a different kind of caffeine. But that’s not the case! The thing is, if you rely heavily on caffeine then it’s more likely that you could go into a caffeine withdrawal, which drains your serotonin levels and makes you feel low mood and depression. So if you notice that your mood has been declining lately, it might be time to decrease your caffeine intake.

Get Enough Sleep

You can be as energetic, perky, and alert as you want to be—and it’s all thanks to a healthy dose of serotonin!

Serotonin is a chemical that helps control your moods, energy levels, and appetite. When your serotonin levels are high, you’re happier and more energetic. But when your serotonin levels are low, it can lead to feelings of depression and fatigue.

And what causes this imbalance? It has been shown that chronic sleep deprivation can lead to low levels of serotonin in the brain. So if you’re not sleeping enough (or at all), those disturbances in your sleep cycle can lead to low serotonin levels—and that makes it hard to feel motivated or energetic enough to do anything worthwhile!

But there’s good news: getting enough sleep every night will help restore those normal levels of serotonin so you can be perky and alert all day long!


Incorporate a Probiotic

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We’re going to tell you something that will blow your mind: 95% of the body’s serotonin is produced in the gut.

Wait, WHAT?

It’s true. The serotonin that makes us feel good comes from our gut. So we need to incorporate ways to increase the beneficial bacteria found in our gut, known as probiotics.

You could either do this through supplements or by consuming foods rich in probiotics—like yogurt or kefir or kimchi or sauerkraut. You can also get it from eating fermented foods like kombucha and miso soup, which are also super helpful for your immune system!

Exercise

Exercise is one of the best ways to boost your serotonin, and it’s good for so many other things too! We know that exercise can lift your mood, improve your sleep and reduce stress. It also helps you to lose weight and improves your performance at work.

Exercise releases serotonin, but it also releases endorphins and enkephalins (peptides related to the endorphins, with similar physiological effects.). These chemicals help elevate your mood and make you feel happier.

It’s important not to get stuck in a rut with your exercise routine—find something that you enjoy and stick with it! Aerobic exercise such as walking, running, cycling, or swimming is the best way to boost serotonin levels quickly. The idea is to work up a sweat and raise your heart rate—you’ll feel great afterward! Try to fit in at least 30 minutes of aerobic exercise daily.

Stress Management

The perfect way to manage your stress is by finding a way that works best for you.

It’s easy to get caught up in the busyness of life and forget to take some time for yourself, but it’s important to remember that there are many ways to manage stress.

The most common ways people try to relieve their stress are meditation, mindfulness, and exercise. These activities help us slow down and take time out of our busy schedules to focus on ourselves. This is extremely beneficial in reducing chronic stress levels and increasing serotonin production which helps regulate moods, appetite, sleep patterns, etc.

Chronic stress can impact serotonin production negatively and impair the function of serotonin receptors which can lead to depression or anxiety disorders so it’s important not only that we find a way that works best for us but also that we stick with it!

Daily Sunlight

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Getting some sun is one of the easiest things you can do to boost your serotonin levels.

One of the most important benefits of getting some sun is that it helps your body produce vitamin D. Vitamin D is important for many processes in your body, especially the absorption of calcium and phosphorus from food.

Unfortunately, most people don’t get enough sun to produce adequate levels of vitamin D. In fact, 42% of Americans are deficient in this crucial nutrient.

It only takes 10-15 minutes of sunlight a day to produce adequate vitamin D and most people. If you’re prone to sun damage you could also get your vitamin D in with supplements. It’s best to get some sun during the morning when the UV rays are less intense. You don’t want to burn your skin and increase free radical damage.

Eat Nutrient Rich Foods 

There’s no denying it: a happy body is a healthy body. And one of the best ways to keep your body happy is by eating good, nutritious, healthy food.

We’re not just talking about eating chicken noodle soup when you have a cold or grabbing a bite to eat at the end of a long day—we’re talking about eating foods that are specifically designed to boost your serotonin levels and keep you feeling great.

Serotonin is an essential neurotransmitter that controls many critical functions in your body, including mood and sleep (which we’ve mentioned above). When your serotonin levels drop too low, you may experience symptoms like depression, anxiety, and insomnia. Foods that can increase serotonin levels include eggs, cheese, turkey, nuts, salmon, tofu, and pineapple. 

Give and Receive Hugs and Touch

Sometimes, you just need a hug.

We all need hugs sometimes—and luckily, we can boost our serotonin levels by receiving them! When we’re hugged or supported by others, it can help influence the production of serotonin in our bodies. Serotonin helps us feel happy, calm, and confident. When serotonin flows freely, we feel good about ourselves — and the opposite is true when this hormone is absent.

So if you’re having a bad day, give your friends and family some love. It’s good for them too!

Adaptogens

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Adaptogens are a group of plants that help your body stay balanced. They can help with the production of chemicals in your body, as well as the way your body reacts to them. Adaptogens are especially good for people who struggle with stress, anxiety, and depression.

Ashwagandha is an adaptogen that has been used for centuries by Ayurvedic healers in India. It helps boost serotonin production and has also been shown to improve focus and memory.

Ginseng is another adaptogen that has been used for thousands of years in China (it’s still considered one of their “five treasures,” along with rice, wheat, tea, and silk). Ginseng increases energy levels by boosting blood flow and decreasing cortisol production—a hormone linked to the stress response.

Try a Massage

A massage is more than just a way to relax and destress. It’s a way to treat your body and mind at the same time. This could possibly be the most fun way to increase your serotonin levels!

Massages have been shown to increase dopamine, oxytocin, and serotonin levels—all of which are important for your mental health. You’re not only treating yourself with a massage; you’re treating your mind as well.

So why wait? Treat yourself today with a massage!

]]> https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/10-ways-to-increase-serotonin-naturally/feed/ 0 21488 The 5 Best Benefits of Self-Care https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/the-5-best-benefits-of-self-care/ https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/the-5-best-benefits-of-self-care/#respond Thu, 11 Aug 2022 18:35:07 +0000 https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/?p=21826 Self-care is not selfish. It is necessary to nurture your relationship with yourself in order to manage your health and wellness. Self-care means taking care of oneself so that daily tasks can be accomplished such as going to work, taking care of children, and most importantly, being healthy. Actions of self-care do not need to be luxurious or indulgent, but rather they can simply be mundane things that make you happy. Some people practice self-care by taking a relaxing bath at the end of the day or reading a book before bed. Check out our list of the 5 best benefits of self-care. 

  1. Helps fight fatigue

One of the most popular self-care practices is establishing a proper sleep routine. It can be easy for life to get in the way of good sleep, staying up late to reach deadlines, or waking up super early for work, but it is important that rejuvenating sleep is attained to maintain a healthy wellbeing. One study showed that by extending the hours of sleep by just 1 hour a day for a week for healthy individuals, major results of reduced fatigue and increased vigor were achieved. To read more about the health benefits of sleep and why a sleep schedule should be incorporated into your self-care routine, click here. 

  1. Helps boost motivation

Motivation can be one of the hardest things to attain and one of the easiest things to lose. Self-care can make it easier for you to become motivated and reach your goals because when you feel good about yourself, you believe anything is possible. One study showed that individuals who had a goal-centered, motivated, mindset were more likely to reach the study’s objective of maintaining blood pressure within normal limits by performing the necessary actions to manage it. This study proves that self-care not only boosts motivation but consequently, also boosts health. The chemical messenger and hormone known as dopamine is released in response to motivation, reward, and pleasure. Dopamine further improves health by helping increase mood, sleep, learning, and attention. To read more about how to increase fitness motivation, one of the hardest motivations to reach, click here. 

  1. Heals your relationship with yourself

The whole purpose of self-care is to create a healthier relationship with yourself. But what does a healthy relationship with yourself look like? The answer is increased self-esteem. Self-care gives you a confidence promotion in which you learn to take better control of the choices you make and you receive greater fulfillment in the actions you choose to partake in. One study showed a significant relationship between self-care and self-esteem in the elderly population which arguably, is the population that needs self-care the most due to the number of health problems that can result at an older age. Feelings of self-esteem such as pride can help release serotonin which is a chemical messenger in the body responsible for a wide variety of body functions such as digestion, wound healing, sleep, bone health, and sexual health. Some simple ways to begin building self-esteem are to start saying “no” more which helps you learn assertiveness and to recognize what you are good at. 

  1. Decreases anxiety and stress

Practicing self-care has been used for decades to help manage symptoms of anxiety, depression and stress. A survey from 10 different countries reported that the most common self-care practices to manage anxiety and depression were taking herbal or dietary supplements, mind-body therapies such as meditation, and some exercises. When we are doing activities that make us calm and feel content, our “happy chemicals” are released from the brain. One of these happy chemicals are called endorphins which are released in response to pleasurable activities such as exercise, massage, and sex. Endorphins have been shown to decrease depression, anxiety, improve self-image, and contribute to weight loss. 

  1. Strengthens social connections

By becoming confident in yourself and taking care of your own needs first, you are able to meet the needs of others and strengthen social relationships with family, friends, and coworkers. Oxytocin, the love chemical, is released when we feel love and friendship with others. Low oxytocin levels have been linked to depression and even autism spectrum disorder. Some self-care practices that naturally increase oxytocin levels for improved mood and better health include exercise, massage, music especially when sung in groups and giving hugs or cuddling. So grab a friend or family member, and start practicing self-care together because working with someone you care about might be more beneficial than being alone.

]]> https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/the-5-best-benefits-of-self-care/feed/ 0 21826 Top 10 Health Benefits of Vacationing in the Mountains https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/top-10-health-benefits-vacationing-mountains/ https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/top-10-health-benefits-vacationing-mountains/#respond Sat, 29 May 2021 12:55:05 +0000 http://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/?p=13499 Go feel the sun on your back and on your face. Go and see nature in it’s most raw beauty. The mountains are the perfect place to retreat on your next vacation, to commune with nature. There are various healthy activities to do while going to the mountains for example; hiking, climbing, fishing, canoeing, skiing, and camping. Going up to the mountains also has health benefits. Here are 10 reasons why you should consider vacationing in the mountains!

  • Altitude

Even visiting the mountains for less than one week can spike weight loss. High altitude also can decrease the appetite, making us feel more full. Colorado holds the nation’s lowest obesity rate at 19.8%. This statement did not become true just because the people have easier access to hike and exercise, but it is the altitude in which they live in that promotes weight loss. Simply living in high altitude can decrease your weight. If you are the ultimate couch potato and want to lose weight but don’t want to give up eating pizza and hamburgers then go visit the mountains!

  • Lower heart disease

Altitude also can help lower risks of cardiovascular diseases. Reduced oxygen helps to create new pathways for blood vessels for oxygen to flow. You also have a lower risk of dying from ischemic heart disease.  People (especially women) living at high altitudes are less likely to die from heart attacks. Scientific evidence shows that life at high altitudes can lead to healthier hearts.

  • Fresh Air

Being up in the mountains gives your lungs the chance to breathe in oxygen that is free of gasses or air pollution. The fresh air helps respiratory problems and easier breathing for asthma. For those of you who have allergies being up on the mountain top is better than Claritin! The most common scent while traveling through a mountain is pine, (yes, it’s like walking through Christmas in the summer). Studies show that pine decreases hostility, depression, and stress.

  • Builds up happiness

Lavender that grows at mountain bases is known to help depression and aid good sleep. If you are feeling down, climb. Climbing a mountain can help you to see the value of your life by producing endorphins by being close to physical danger. Facing your fears can help you see how limited your time is and give you a new appreciation for the beauty of life. 

  • Great for relationships

Going to the mountains is great bonding time with family and friends. Being scared of heights, coming close to quitting, or huffing and puffing with your loved ones is a  great way to laugh and form new memories and stronger bonds. This type of vacation can also be great for couples if feel you and your partner are in a “rough patch.” Overcoming obstacles and peaks is a great way to form new bonds and gives you the chance to practice encouraging each other.

  • Beautiful Scenery/ Finding Peace  

Mountains can be beneficial for finding inner peace. They can help you re-discover the beauty of nature, and can remind you of the wonder of nature’s ability to create life within itself, and remind you to slow down in your daily life. Throughout history, people have turned to mountains to find peace. Moses and Muhammad spent time in the mountains, which represent their spiritual journey. It’s no wonder that mountains have historically been mentally healing, because constantly encountering different sounds, smells, and noises trigger the brain different than city sounds, and it all acts to soothe your nerves.

  • Accessible in any season

Going to the mountains is not only for the summer. It is a vacation that can be taken during the fall when the leaves are changing colors or any other time. In fact, you can go to the same mountain destination in different seasons and feel as if you are somewhere completely new. If you visit the mountains in the winter you are able to see snow, go skiing, and snow tubing.

  • Set new limits

Colorado, known as one of the “mountain states” also holds the nation’s most active people. Going hiking, climbing, skiing, canoeing, or river rafting all require an adventurous side. When you are out there, you are constantly reminded of your strength. Even when you do feel that fear kicking in, setting new limits for yourself helps you discover new limits for yourself as you obtain each goal.

  • It’s not a sight but an experience

Even though the mountain views are the perfect backdrop for an Instagram photo, and will provide a cool filter for your location on Snapchat, disconnecting from your phone can give you an even greater reward. No picture can truly showcase the beauty of what you’re seeing with your eyes, it’s like trying to take a picture of the beautiful moon on your phone, which always ends up looking lackluster in picture format. Just limit the phone time and take in the sights!

  • Cheaper than Disney

Depending on what activity you are doing, most mountain trips are family friendly and don’t leave a hole in your wallet. The ticket alone for a weekend trip for two people (age 10+) to Disney world costs $ 578.00. When a pair of hiking boots cost $40.00 and the price of a tent is $40.00, it’s still much cheaper than Disney.

You’re going to need some equipment and supplies on your next mountain vacation. Check out some of these items on Amazon by clicking on the pictures!

This four-person tent is available for $54.14 on Amazon. Click the picture for more information or to buy this product.
]]> https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/top-10-health-benefits-vacationing-mountains/feed/ 0 13499 Four friends sunset mountains travel concept Hot air balloon above high mountain at sunset Asian man travel relax in the holiday. sleep relax read books on rocky cliffs. On the Moutain. In Thailand Asian man travel relax in the holiday. sleep relax read books on rocky cliffs. On the Moutain. In Thailand Screen-Shot-2019-07-16-at-2.13.32-PM 10 Healthier Hannukhah Recipes https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/10-healthier-hannukhah-recipes/ https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/10-healthier-hannukhah-recipes/#respond Mon, 14 Dec 2020 19:42:50 +0000 https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/?p=20281 If you celebrate Hanukkah, you are most likely a fan of the holiday’s traditional dishes. To help you feel your best during your holiday celebrations, we have made a list of recipes that are a healthy twist on traditional dishes.

  • Cauliflower Latkes: Potato latkes are a holiday favorite, but they are a starchy carbohydrate, and oftentimes fried. Rather than sticking to the traditional potato latke recipe, swap out potatoes for cauliflower. Doing so will provide you with several nutrients you wouldn’t otherwise be getting. Check out this recipe. 
  • Healthier Rugelach Cookies: Rugelach cookies are the perfect sweet holiday dessert, but are typically made with refined flour and sugar. For a healthier twist, use whole wheat flour and natural sweetener. Check out this recipe.
  • Whole Wheat Challah: You can’t celebrate Hanukkah without challah, so why not try a healthier recipe? Challah is often made with a refined flour, stripped of fiber vitamins and minerals. Instead, incorporate whole wheat flour and rolled oats for a more nutrient dense option. Check out this recipe.
  • Crock Pot Applesauce: There is no better pair than latkes with applesauce. Instead of purchasing store- bought applesauce, which could be high in sugar or lack flavor, make it homemade. Use a Crock Pot to make it quick and easy. Check out this recipe.
  • Low- Fat Noodle Kugel: Noodle kugel is a must- have holiday dish, but usually contains several ingredients that are high in fat, such as butter, cottage cheese, and sour cream. Opt for a healthier recipe that swaps out these ingredients for low- fat options, such as fat- free greek yogurt. Check out this recipe.
  • Air Fryer Jelly Donuts (Sufganiyot): Jelly donuts, or sufganiyot, are a traditional holiday treat. To minimize the negative health effects of a fried donut, use an air fryer. This will significantly reduce the fat content. Check out this recipe.
  • Waffle Maker Latkes: Potato latkes are a necessity on Hanukkah. To reduce the fat- content that comes from frying them, make them in a waffle maker! This creative hack will yield crispy latkes without the mess. Check out this recipe.
  • Baked Apples: Instead of celebrating Hanukkah with an apple cake, incorporate apples into your meal with baked apples. This healthy alternative is an easy, delicious dessert that will satisfy your sweet tooth. Check out this recipe.
  • Healthier Matzo Ball Soup: Matzo ball soup is a traditional jewish appetizer, perfect for the cold weather. Although it is not necessarily an unhealthy option, some small adjustments will create a healthier bowl. Rather than using chicken fat to bound together the matzo balls, use egg and minimal oil. Make it an even more nutritious dish by adding loads of vegetables. Check out this recipe.
  • Healthier Chocolate Babka: Babka is a delicious traditional jewish dessert. However, typical recipes include loads of refined flour, sugar and butter. For a healthier option, swap for spelt flour and a natural sweetener. Check out this recipe.

]]> https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/10-healthier-hannukhah-recipes/feed/ 0 20281 Untitled-design-54 Untitled-design-55 Untitled-design-56 Here’s Why You Should Try the Tapping Relaxation Technique https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/heres-why-you-should-try-tapping/ https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/heres-why-you-should-try-tapping/#respond Sat, 12 Dec 2020 17:33:33 +0000 http://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/?p=18423 Tapping, also known as the Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), is a combination of Ancient Chinese acupressure and modern psychology that works to physically alter your brain, energy system, and body all at once. The practice consists of tapping with your fingertips on specific meridian points on your body, while talking through traumatic memories, repeating positive affirmations, discussing your current emotions, or reciting your goals for the day. However you choose to implement tapping into your life, it is guaranteed that you will restore your energy balance and detoxify yourself of pain and negative emotions.

Here is a brief explanation of how tapping works:

  • EFT tapping uses the tapping of your fingertips to apply pressure to specific points of the body. Based on Chinese medicine, these meridian points are understood as the areas of the body that your energy flows through. These pathways help balance your overall energy flow to help maintain your health. An imbalance in your energy can influence disease or sickness. Therefore, tapping assists in returning your energy’s balance if you are sick or in pain.
Taking as little as 5 minutes daily to balance your mind will provide additional benefits in all aspects of life.
  • Proponents of tapping say that the tapping helps you not only access your body’s energy, but also send signals to the amygdala, the part of the brain that controls stress. Stimulating the meridian points through EFT helps reduce stress and negativity with a technique that is quick, painless, and free. 

Here are some conditions that EFT tapping may benefit:

  • Anxiety: A recent study showed that tapping may be a beneficial coping mechanism for those who have anxiety. Researchers reported that participants experienced significant reductions in anxiety symptoms, as well as pain levels and cravings. In addition, they also reported improvements in happiness, heart rate, and levels of the stress hormone cortisol. EFT is a great resource to make you feel calm and relaxed while distracting your mind and focusing on your breath.
  • Depression: EFT is a great resource for treating depression. A study showed that there was not only an average reduction in depression symptoms by 41%, but also showed a comparison of tapping versus psychiatric medication and therapy studies. Researchers discovered that tapping reduced depression symptoms at a much higher rate than either of the other treatments.
  • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Tapping involves energy psychology that can provide great results, such as immediate relief and the long term ability to extinguish conditioned responses towards trauma. EFT helps alleviate emotional pain and mental distress. Studies show that over 85% of military veterans who have participated in EFT have resolved most of their PTSD symptoms (insomnia, anger, grief, hyper-vigilance) and confirm that the benefits are lasting. Tapping assists in overcoming complex psychological problems and promoting optimal functioning for people with PTSD.

If you are interested in trying the tapping technique, here is a video tutorial:

]]> https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/heres-why-you-should-try-tapping/feed/ 0 18423 Here's Why You Should Try the Tapping Relaxation Technique Tapping is a combination of Ancient Chinese acupressure and modern psychology that works to physically alter your brain, energy system, and body all at once anxiety,balance,chinese,depression,energy,freedom,healthy lifestyle,negative,pain,peace,positive,ptsd,tapping,wellness,tapping Top 10 Health and Fitness Tips from Jesus https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/top-10-health-fitness-tips-jesus/ https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/top-10-health-fitness-tips-jesus/#respond Sat, 07 Nov 2020 19:52:09 +0000 http://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/?p=11583 If you want to follow in Jesus’s footsteps then you better start walking. One estimate based on Biblical and historical information estimates that Jesus walked an average of 25 miles a day for a total of 21,525 miles on Earth. Everyone is familiar with the religious teachings of Jesus, but fewer know that he is also one of the greatest role models for a natural lifestyle. We’ve identified the top 10 health and fitness tips from Jesus to motivate you to live a healthy life:

  • Take care of your body

Jesus emphasized how important it is that we take care of ourselves- hence the reason for us making a list of health and fitness tips from Jesus. He stressed that we should honor God with our bodies and treat them as temples. Jesus believed that when we take care and nourish our body, it’s pleasing to God since He created us. This could be abstaining from drugs or alcohol, or exercising daily for healthy bones. “Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself, 20 for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body.” 1 Corinthians 6:19-20

  • Choose a physically active career

Before Jesus began his ministry, it is believed that He was a carpenter. Carpenters do a lot of manual labor like lifting, constructing, and repairing structures. This type of work definitely promotes physical activity in your everyday life. By having a carpentry job, or another other like it, you won’t have to worry about getting your gym session in. You’ll already be working your tail off every day at work! “Is not this the carpenter’s son? Is not His mother called Mary, and His brothers, James and Joseph and Simon and Judas?” Matthew 13:55

  • Eat healthy whole foods

Throughout his lifetime, Jesus consumed lots of nutrient-rich foods. Because of his non-wealthy upbringing, Jesus ate foods that the poor did. So fruit, lean meats, and whole grains were a staple in his diet. These foods are known to protect your heart against many diseases and cancers. Not to mention they are dense in vitamins and minerals that are going to support a long and healthy life.

  • Walk walk walk!

Wherever He went, Jesus walked. Throughout the Bible, Jesus was known to travel on foot to his destinations. There were plenty of places Jesus had to go, from praying on a mountain to preaching at the Sea of Galilee, Jesus walked A LOT. According to the Bible, researchers estimated that Jesus walked over 21,500  miles during his lifetime! (About the distance around the globe at the equator) Now we’re not saying that you need to walk around the world to be fit, but walking just 30 minutes a day is known to have significant health benefits!

  • Be thankful

Firm teaching throughout the Bible is about being thankful. Jesus believed that being thankful was a way of honoring God for all that He was doing through Him. Having a grateful heart is known to have great benefits for your mental health. Not only does thankfulness reduce stress, but it has been linked with boosting your immune system, promoting sleep, and helping the heart. So start a gratitude journal today and see the positive effects this has on your health! “So they took away the stone. Then Jesus looked up and said, Father, I thank you that you have heard me. I knew that you always hear me, but I said this for the benefit of the people standing here, that they may believe that you sent me.” John 11:41-42

  • Be generous

Jesus was a great example of putting others first. Besides sacrificing himself on the cross for mankind, he stressed the importance of generosity in his everyday life. Jesus would consistently give himself to the needy. He showed that giving other people your time, energy, and love was essential in life for one’s well being. When you allow yourself to help, serve, or give to others it impacts your health in a variety of ways. Knowing that you’re making an impact in someone else’s life gives you a greater feeling of purpose in your own. “In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Acts 20:35

  • Practice forgiveness

We all tend to remember those who have hurt us at some point in our lives. But research shows that holding onto grudges isn’t good for our health. Jesus taught this principle because he understood that we are just human and only God is perfect. So if someone hurts you or makes a mistake, even more than once, He believes it’s best to forgive. Forgiveness brings us an abundant of health benefits like greater psychological well-being, lowered stress levels, and improved relationships. “Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times? Jesus answered, I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.” Matthew 18: 21-22

  • Engage with your community

The human race wasn’t created to be alone. Not only did Jesus get involved in the community, but he took the time to foster deep relationships with individual people as well. Health research shows that we do best with people by our side. While alive, Jesus consistently engaged in his community. He taught some of his most important principles in front of huge crowds and traveled all over with his disciples. Being apart of a community boosts mood, decreases stress, and helps develop a sense of belonging; all closely tied to better mental health. “But the crowds were aware of this and followed Him; and welcoming them, He began speaking to them about the kingdom of God and curing those who had need of healing.” Luke 9:11

  • Have a peaceful heart

Jesus understood that life can get hard sometimes, but he also believed that we can turn to Him for spiritual health. Jesus calls everyone who is struggling with difficulties to come to him and take a breather. Prolonged stress wreck havoc on your immune system and greatly reduces your well-being. He wants us to be at peace in our hearts so that our soul can be filled with light and the love of God to impact the world. “Then Jesus said, Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” Matthew 11:28-29

  • Be spiritual

Although his teachings in the Bible are used in Christian religion, Jesus taught principles that could be incorporated for our health in many spiritual purposes. Things like love, forgiveness, kindness, peace, generosity, mindfulness, and many more impact our overall health profoundly.  When we take the time to nourish our minds and bodies through healthy living, we not only take care of our own health but impact those around us too. Once we are the best versions of ourselves our thoughts, actions, and words will ultimately affect our health and the people we interact with.

]]> https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/top-10-health-fitness-tips-jesus/feed/ 0 11583 Samir featured on Pastors Joel and Victoria Osteen SiriusXM Radio Show https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/samir-featured-on-pastors-joel-and-victoria-osteen-siriusxm-radio-show/ https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/samir-featured-on-pastors-joel-and-victoria-osteen-siriusxm-radio-show/#respond Wed, 15 Jan 2020 22:47:57 +0000 http://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/?p=17173 This morning between 11 am and noon, Health Fitness Revolution founder and ReSYNC Your Life author Samir Becic went on Joel Osteen Radio on Sirius Ch. 128 for an hour-long interview with Victoria Osteen on spiritual and physical health.

During their dynamic, energetic, positive, and hope-giving hour-long chat, Victoria asked Samir to highlight some key tips to maintaining healthy new years resolutions. They also took a few callers from the hundreds who phoned in, and got some great questions!

Samir said of the interview: “Pastors Joel and Victoria Osteen are helping millions of people across American with their fantastic radio station. I’m thankful that they had me as a guest on the show to highlight the importance of health and fitness within the spiritual community!”

Samir had a great time on Pastor Victoria Osteen’s show!

Joel and Victoria Osteen are head pastors at Lakewood Church, the largest mega-church in the U.S. Osteen’s televised sermons are seen by over 7 million viewers weekly and over 20 million monthly in over 100 countries. Together, they have social media followings in the tens of millions. In 2014, Sirius XM launched Joel Osteen Radio, (#128) a channel dedicated to the inspirational messages of Joel and Victoria that can be heard 24/7.

]]> https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/samir-featured-on-pastors-joel-and-victoria-osteen-siriusxm-radio-show/feed/ 0 17173 Samir Becic Joel Osteen Radio Victoria Osteen Samir had a great time getting interviewed by Victoria Osteen! Why Pope Francis Is Fitter Than You https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/pope-francis-fittest-spiritual-leader-world/ https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/pope-francis-fittest-spiritual-leader-world/#respond Sun, 23 Jun 2019 05:30:58 +0000 http://healthfitnessrevolution.com/?p=3832 The Health Fitness Revolution team and its founder Samir Becic voted Pope Francis as the fittest and healthiest spiritual leader in the world. The decision was not easy to make, considering that more than 100 of the largest names in the religious and spiritual world take very good care of their health. Also in the running was the Dalai Lama (a Buddhist monk, who are known for physical, nutritional, mental, and spiritual high awareness) and many other physically fit religious leaders that were included in previous lists of Top 10 Fittest Religious Leaders and Top 10 Fittest Christian Leaders in the US. Nonetheless, Pope Francis was unanimously chosen as the fittest and healthiest spiritual leader.

“I believe that spiritual wellness is one of the key components of healthy lifestyle that impacts the whole body and rejuvenates the spirit,” Becic said. “Physical fitness and healthy nutrition allow the spirit to flourish to a whole new dimension. Spirituality is a very personal experience for every individual, a unique expression of their own understanding of the world. I respect every religion and accept every person’s belief system and the peace it may bring.”

Here’s why Pope Francis was chosen as the fittest spiritual leader in the world:

  • No other religious/spiritual leader has made such a positive impact in the world in a short period of time.
  • Pope Francis had one of his lungs removed when he was a teenager, and he still manages to live a healthy, energetic, positive and inspiring lifestyle.
  • He enjoys long walks on a daily basis.
  • He loves the tango and enjoyed dancing in his youth before discovering his religious calling.
  • A 2009 profile in an Argentinian daily newspaper said that Pope Francis prefers frugal, healthy meals, such as fruit, skinless chicken, and salads, and is widely known for skipping caloric Argentinian dishes, such as empanadas.
  • As part of the Jesuit diet, he emphasizes moderation in everything he does, especially when it comes to the quantity of eating. Their philosophy is, “if tempted to eat more, eat less.”
  • He enjoys listening to classical music. It is widely known that music enhances our mental health, helps us focus, de-stress, and motivates us too.
  • He is a passionate reader, and reading helps preserve memory in old age.
  • Pope Francis also maintains close relationships with his parishioners, so he is very socially active. Especially in older age, it is crucial to be socially active because social ties are associated with better health and longevity.
  • He is well-known for maintaining a humble lifestyle, even as the pope. Higher levels of humility may be related to better health outcomes. A study published in the 2012 issue of the Journal of Psychology and Theology found that older adults who were more humble tended to rate their health more favorably over time.
]]> https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/pope-francis-fittest-spiritual-leader-world/feed/ 0 3832 Pope_Francis_at_Vargihna-2 Victoria Osteen’s New Book “Exceptional You” https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/victoria-osteens-new-book-exceptional-you/ https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/victoria-osteens-new-book-exceptional-you/#respond Thu, 06 Jun 2019 18:56:24 +0000 http://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/?p=14847 #ExceptionalYouBook is now available! You’re unique, and it’s time to step out of the crowd and into God’s destiny. In this new book, you will get you the tools and encouragement to fully embrace the exceptional life you were made for. Order your copy today at JoelOsteen.com/Exceptional

MEET VICTORIA and JOEL OSTEEN as Victoria signs copies of her new book, Exceptional You!, in the following locations:JoelOsteen.com/BookSignings

 

Become the exceptional person God has called you to be with these seven practices for living a fulfilled and plentiful life from bestselling author Victoria Osteen.

How are you living your life? Did you get up this morning expecting to do something important, or did you wake up weary, worried, and frustrated? In her latest book, Exceptional You!, Victoria Osteen declares that God doesn’t want you to drag through the day and avoid life’s challenges. If you arm yourself with the knowledge that God is on your side, He will give you the ideas, the words, and the energy you need to make each day exceptional.
Through personal stories and biblical teachings, Victoria will show you how to adopt a new way of thinking about yourself and your life that will strengthen your faith, increase your confidence, and bring out the extraordinary person you truly are through seven practices:
  • Know You Are Chosen
  • Lift Up Your Eyes
  • Keep Your Memory Box Full
  • Travel Light
  • Love Well
  • Live in the Now
  • Power Up
Don’t wait another minute to discover the exceptional you!
]]> https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/victoria-osteens-new-book-exceptional-you/feed/ 0 14847 Top 10 Health and Fitness Tips from Muhammad https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/top-10-health-tips-muhammed/ https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/top-10-health-tips-muhammed/#comments Tue, 04 Jun 2019 23:00:05 +0000 http://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/?p=11605 Islam teaches its followers many etiquettes of eating and living a healthy life. The Prophet made a point of developing remarkably clean and healthy eating habits among his followers. With its rich bazaars and political and caravans streaming in from desert oases, it would have been easy for a man of Muhammed’s stature to live a lavish life of immoderate eating and unhealthy habit. But that’s far from what happened.

The Prophet Muhammad shared many insights into the Qur’an on how to lead a natural and healthy life, and many of these health and fitness tips are the foundation of social customs in the Islamic religion. Here are the Top 10 from Health Fitness Revolution and author of the book ReSYNC Your Life Samir Becic:

Eat in moderation

Prophet Muhammad stressed the practice of eating less to prevent sickness and diseases, which is supported by doctors today. The Islamic practice of eating in moderation suggests your stomach should be filled by ⅓ of food, ⅓ liquid, and ⅓ breath. Within the past 20 years, studies have shown that mindful eating can help you reduce overeating and binge eating, lose weight and reduce BMI, cope with eating problems, and reduce anxious thoughts about your body and food.

Eat slowly 

It was narrated that the Prophet Muhammad was a strong advocate of eating slowly to help with the digestion process. It takes about 20 minutes for the body to tell our brain that we are full. Slow eating helps digest our food because efficiently chewed food aids the digestion process and doesn’t require too much energy from the stomach or intestine.  

Participate in sports

In Islam, sports are important to gain a healthy body. Sports like archery, swimming, horseback riding are especially encouraged.  Islam encourages exercise and being in good physical shape. The Prophet said, “A strong believer is better and dearer to God than a weak believer, though in both is good.” The one who is physically stronger is better before God because they are more active and energetic in the performance of worship and taking care of the needs of others.

Sleep and Salat (prayer)

The Prophet also recommended adequate sleep. He never deprived himself of sleep nor overslept. He advised and practiced to sleep in the early part of the night and to wake up early in the morning. Science research shows that going to bed early can help maintain a healthy weight, stay more productive, and avoid serious health problems such as diabetes, obesity, and heart diseases.

Salat is one of the five fundamental requirements that a Muslim is obligated to perform. According to a hadith (authentic narrations from the prophet), the Prophet has reported having said, “Verily there is a cure in salat”. There are some physical benefits in salat, such as increased movement in hand and shoulder muscles at the beginning of the salat, therefore increasing the blood flow towards the torso. The heart is one of the most important organs in our body because it supplies fresh blood to all body tissues. The movements during prayer are a good source of exercise in our heart.

Share food

Prophet Muhammad told his followers about the benefits of sharing as opposed to over-indulging in the good things in life. He said, “He is not a believer who eats to his full but his neighbor goes without food.” Prophet Muhammad encouraged sharing food with neighbors, friends and the poor. This principle of improving the public’s general health is thanks to the Prophet’s own life and ideas.

Foster a strong community 

The Prophet brought value and significance of Muslims eating together. He said it is crucial to eat food with family, romantic relations, and with children to build a better connection. People are usually relaxed when eating with company and it also builds social harmony and understanding. “Eat together and not separately, for the blessing is associated with the company,” the Prophet said.

Fasting

Recent evidence has shown that the foods we eat and the times that we eat have impacted our health. The Prophet would fast not just during Ramadan, but Monday, Thursday, and the 13th, 14th, and 15th of every Islamic month. Intermittent fasting has become increasingly popular as it has numerous benefits to the body. Fasting helps with weight loss, improves insulin sensitivity, speeds up metabolism, curbs hunger, improves eating patterns, enhances brain function, and boosts the immune system.

Dental hygiene 

The Prophet would always brush his teeth before and after bed using a part of a fruitless yet fragrant branch called Arak. This small wooden branch is still used today as a toothbrush. Muhammad gave special attention to cleanliness and personal hygiene with respect to faith. Research shows that 70% of people with poor dental hygiene were at risk of heart diseases according to the Scottish Health Survey.

Drink water slowly

The Prophet said to not drink water in one gulp like a camel, instead take small sips. Today, science shows that when a person drinks too much water in a short period of time they can imbalance blood electrolyte levels and experience dizziness. Drink water slowly so it will help your body absorb fluids and get the most out of them.

Mental health 

The Prophet taught his followers to have a peaceful mind though acceptance in life changes. He warned them not to be engulfed with anxiety, depression, or anger. “A man said to the Prophet, ‘Give me advice.’ The Prophet said, ‘Do not get angry.’ The man asked repeatedly and the Prophet answered each time, ‘Do not get angry.’” Prophet Muhammad knew that if a person controlled his anger he or she would be able to control other aspects of life. That is why the Prophet mentioned in another hadith (authentic narrations from the prophet), “The powerful man is not the one who can wrestle, but the powerful man is the one who can control himself at the time of anger.” Anger opens the door to all bad qualities and staying away from it opens the door to all good qualities. Health studies have shown that anger can raise your chances of a stroke, puts your heart at greater risk, and weakens your immune system.

]]> https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/top-10-health-tips-muhammed/feed/ 7 11605 Eid Mubarak to our readers! https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/ramdan-mubarak/ https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/ramdan-mubarak/#respond Tue, 04 Jun 2019 16:30:10 +0000 http://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/?p=11725 There are 1.6 billion Muslims all around the world who are celebrating Ramadan, a holy 30- day holiday where Muslims connect themselves with God. This is a time to disconnect from the world and its pleasures and focus on one’s inner self. Muslims donate food and money to the needy, pray religiously to seek forgiveness, and spend more time in Mosques and recite Quran. Fasting during Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam along with prayer, hajj, charity, and declaration of faith. This month is crucial to the Muslims and while fasting may be a bit of a challenge, there are lots of physical and physiological benefits to fasting that may just promote you to try a full day of fasting. Here are our articles on the 10 health benefits of fasting and top 10 Health and Fitness tips from Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Eid Mubarak to all our readers celebrating!

]]> https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/ramdan-mubarak/feed/ 0 11725 How Victoria Osteen Gets in Shape https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/how-victoria-osteen-gets-in-shape/ https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/how-victoria-osteen-gets-in-shape/#respond Wed, 17 Apr 2019 19:42:35 +0000 http://healthfitnessrevolution.com/?p=462 Samir Becic worked with Victoria Osteen, co-pastor of Lakewood Church in Houston, Texas, and wife of Joel Osteen, for two years using his ReSync method, a training philosophy that emphasizes manual resistance, free weights and calisthenics. To get a lean, full-body workout like Victoria’s, Becic recommends a 7-10 minute warm-up on a cross-trainer or elliptical machine; 30-35 minutes of strength training doing multi-joint movements such as a squat shoulder press (4 sets of 10-12 reps), half-squat bent-over row (4 sets of 12-15 reps), lunges with hammer curls (4 sets of 8-10 reps); and five minutes of running up stairs. Take an active rest by walking around or performing light aerobic exercises. If you need to, repeat the sequence. “Keep your core engaged during the entire workout so you’re working your abs, too,” says Becic.

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As published in More Magazine http://www.more.com/health/fitness/how-stars-get-shape

 

]]> https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/how-victoria-osteen-gets-in-shape/feed/ 0 462 BvbicjNCYAA6Zjr Lakewood Church’s Johnny McGowan’s New Book “Stepping Up!” https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/lakewood-churchs-johnny-mcgowans-new-book-stepping-up/ https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/lakewood-churchs-johnny-mcgowans-new-book-stepping-up/#respond Tue, 09 Apr 2019 21:28:04 +0000 http://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/?p=14853 Unlock God’s power to elevate your position and reach your full potential with Stepping Up! by Lakewood Church pastor Johnny McGowan. Buy it here.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

Stepping Up!!! So blessed to have the opportunity to serve God. Click the link in my bio to Discover the Power in Your Position!

A post shared by Johnny McGowan (@johnnyraymcgowan) on

No matter your current position, God will unlock the power for you to reach your incredible potential. The key is to approach all you do with a servant’s heart versus your own ambition. This guide to serving with passion, integrity, and intuition for success explores how to appreciate today while anticipating the possibilities that await tomorrow.
With biblical wisdom and personal insights, Johnny McGowan reveals his own exciting trajectory and the doors that were opened each time he stepped up to serve God. For the past thirty years, he has devoted his gifts to serving Lakewood, one of America’s largest churches. Along the way, he has marveled at the leadership opportunities God presented as he stayed committed to serving something larger than himself. By seeking only to fulfill God’s will for his life, Johnny has been blessed with increasing responsibility and innumerable ways to make a difference through Stepping Up!
Regardless of where you are, God can take you where you want to go-and beyond! Chasing the “number one” role or promotion by your own hands will never be fulfilling. God has even bigger things in store for you, and your future starts now. Learn to listen to God’s call and let Him direct your actions. As you do, you’ll rise by discovering the true power of your position.

]]> https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/lakewood-churchs-johnny-mcgowans-new-book-stepping-up/feed/ 0 14853 Top 10 Health and Fitness Tips From Gandhi https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/top-10-health-fitness-tips-gandhi/ https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/top-10-health-fitness-tips-gandhi/#respond Sun, 03 Feb 2019 11:43:04 +0000 http://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/?p=11625 It is easy to remember Gandhi only at his most emaciated, weak from weeks of fasting in an attempt to end Britain’s unjust occupation of India. And while Gandhi did push his body to physical extremes to enact political change, it is important to remember his strength as well. A formidable lawyer and cultured intellectual, Gandhi attended university in London and channeled that leadership and experience into a movement that awed the entire world. Best known for achieving India’s independence through non-violent resistance, Gandhi was wise in matters relating to health and fitness.

  • Non-violence is healthy: Gandhi was a proponent of non-violent resistance and believed ahimsa is the true path to freedom and the best way to achieve life’s goals. Non-violent behavior can extend to day-to-day life by applying this teaching to other areas of your life, by reducing stressors and remaining peaceful and calm. Studies have shown that calm people are less likely to get hypertension and heart disease. Remaining calm will also fend off unhealthy behaviors such as stress-eating and smoking.
  • Go to bed early and wake up early: Gandhi himself only slept 4-5 hours a night and awoke before the sun. Since modern day findings show that adults need 7-8 hours of sleep a night, we can still follow his motto of waking early to have a productive day.
  • Fasting can promote health: fasting not only promotes discipline but can lead to various physical benefits as well.  Fasting allows your body the time to detox, cleanse the stomach, use up unused sources of nutrition like fat, and helps it cope with any infections that might be present and can help relieve constipation. According to Ayurvedic principles, one should fast for at least one day in the week. Gandhi himself famously fasted for 21 days to promote unity between the Hindus and Muslims.
  • Watch your diet: Gandhi famously said “The body was never meant to be treated as a refuse bin, holding all the foods that the palate demands.” He himself went vegan for six year because he believed that our diet should be healthy and paramount to learning self-restraint.
  • Walk, walk, walk: The Dandi March was when Gandhi famously embarked solo on a 390 kilometer protest walk, and was soon followed by 10,000 strong. So keep walking!
  • Avoid alcohol and tobacco: Gandhi preached complete abstinence on these two drugs. Tobacco use increases risks of all types of diseases like lung cancer, stroke, and high blood pressure. Alcohol can increase the incidence of heart diseases, diabetes, and several cancers.
  • Practice Meditation: Meditation has been practiced in India for centuries. Recent studies show that it has been proven to reduce stress and anxiety. Meditation can also help lower blood pressure with consistent practice over time.
  • Think Positive: As Mahatma Gandhi said “A man is but the product of his thoughts. What he thinks, he becomes.” Setting your mind right with positive thoughts boosts your health, improves your skill, and improve your work.
  • Forgive yourself and others: Gandhi was a peace promoter, he said, “The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong.” When there’s stress in the heart and mind- mental and physical health is being affected. Forgiving others has shown in research it  effects in lowering blood pressure. Research also presented that HIV patients who practiced forgiveness had higher CD4 cell percentages, which are helpful for their immune system. It helps your health overall and reduces feelings of anger, depression, and fatigue.
  • Show Compassion: The actions of being compassionate bring out personal benefits to us. Gandhi wisely said “An eye for an eye will only make the whole world blind.” When you pursue a compassionate lifestyle, you become more open to others, less judgmental, and understand how others feel.

To read more articles on health in the spiritual realm, click here.

To read more articles on health in the political world, click here.

]]> https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/top-10-health-fitness-tips-gandhi/feed/ 0 11625 Lakewood Church Ministries Director Shares ‘Miraculous’ Words First Spoken by 5-Y-O Son With Autism https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/lakewood-church-ministries-director-shares-miraculous-words-first-spoken-by-5-y-o-son-with-autism/ https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/lakewood-church-ministries-director-shares-miraculous-words-first-spoken-by-5-y-o-son-with-autism/#respond Wed, 04 Apr 2018 19:34:37 +0000 http://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/?p=14198 Craig Johnson, the director of ministries at Pastor Joel Osteen’s Lakewood Church in Houston, Texas, clearly remembers the day his 5-year-old son, Connor, spoke for the first time in three years. He describes it in his new book, Champion.

“My wife came called me from upstairs, sobbing, and said, ‘Craig, get up here! I was just reading the Bible and praying with Connor, and he started speaking,’” he told The Christian Post. “I looked at her and said, ‘What do you mean? Our son hasn’t talked in years.’ She said, ‘Just come listen.’”

Leaning over Connor’s crib with tears running down their cheeks, Johnson and his wife waited for their son, who had been diagnosed with Autism several years earlier, to speak.

What happened next was nothing short of miraculous.

“He looked up at us, and word for word, my little son quoted the entire, 88-word declaration Pastor Joel Osteen gives before every sermon,” Johnson recalled. “‘This is my Bible. I am what it says I am. I can do what it says I can do. Today, I will be taught the Word of God. I boldly confess: My mind is alert, my heart is receptive. I will never be the same. I am about to receive The incorruptible, indestructible, Ever-living seed of the Word of God. I will never be the same. Never, never, never. I will never be the same. In Jesus name. Amen.’”

Unbeknownst to the Johnsons, Connor had been taking DVD’s of Osteen’s sermons up to his room every day, watching them while he played with his toys. Over time, the little boy had memorized the declaration Osteen delivered before every sermon in its entirety.“We absolutely lost it. We knew it was a miracle, we knew it was a God thing when he spoke that declaration,” Johnson told CP.The Johnsons’ journey with Autism dates back to 2005, when Connor, who until the age of 2 had developed like a typical child, suddenly stopped talking, showing emotion, and interacting with people. The Johnsons, who have two older children, were devastated when doctors informed them their youngest son was on the middle of the spectrum with Autism.“We knew we were going to face extreme challenges when he stopped talking,” Johnson said. “Then, he started to have these meltdowns, and things just got harder and harder.”One day, Johnson sat in his car, overwhelmed by his family’s situation.“I remember asking God, ‘Why? We love our son, but he’s struggling so much,’” he said.

“Suddenly, I heard God say to me, ‘Your child is a gift. I’m going to use your son to reach millions of people. You’re looking at everything that’s wrong with him and not at what’s right,’” the pastor continued. “God spoke to me in four words: ‘Do you trust me?’”

In that moment, Johnson surrendered his — and Connor’s — future, to God.

“I said, ‘You’re all we’ve got. You’re the only one that can heal my son, but I trust you.’ From that moment on, I felt that everything was going to be OK.”

Three months after that intimate prayer, Connor spoke for the first time in years, bringing his parents to their knees in gratitude.

“That declaration was only the beginning,” Johnson said. “In that moment, God’s power was revealed in him. Connor has always been drawn to spiritual things. He can now quote 60 Scriptures, he can quote messages, he loves worship music, and he can even play the piano. He’s doing so well in school and mentors other kids.”

Determined to help other kids like Connor, Johnson, who shares his family’s powerful story in his book, Champion, launched Champions Club, a specially designed developmental area for kids, youth, and adults with special needs. The program is holistic, meeting the needs of children in four ways: spiritually, intellectually, mentally, and physically. The program, which also provides a full Christian curriculum, serves more than 300 special needs families every week. Today, there are over 60 Champions Clubs developmental centers on every continent around the world.

“We never expected the kind of response we received, but it absolutely took off,” Johnson said. “We were just doing what God told us to do. He says, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’”

A recent survey of 50 families from five Champions Club locations around the world found that 86 percent of parents said Champions Club positively affected their child academically; 96 percent of parents reported seeing positive changes in their child’s behavior since attending the cub, and 100 percent of parents said the organization positively affected their children’s spiritual life as well as their home life.

“Every student is a champion,” Johnson said. “We’ve seen God use our son to reach millions of people. Every one of these children was created by God, in His image and with a destiny and purpose. I’m not going to let them be forgotten anymore.”

The pastor said his message to parents of special needs children is simple: Don’t give up.

“Your child has gifts and talents, and if you trust God, He’ll bring those out,” he said. “God doesn’t want them to be hidden, He wants to use your children because they can do great things. If God can do it for Connor, he can do it for your child.”

Johnson also encouraged parents going through a storm to find every opportunity to help others.

“It gives you a different perspective on your storm and helps you to fly to rise higher,” he said. “When you stay in your storm, it becomes easy to get depressed or discouraged. Be good to others when you’re going through a storm. That’s what moves a parent from a victim to a victor.”

Originally published on mychristnews.com

]]> https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/lakewood-church-ministries-director-shares-miraculous-words-first-spoken-by-5-y-o-son-with-autism/feed/ 0 14198 Lakewood Church Ministries Director Shares ‘Miraculous’ Words First Spoken by 5-Y-O Son With Autism Craig Johnson, the director of ministries at Pastor Joel Osteen’s Lakewood Church in Houston, Texas, clearly remembers the day his 5-year-old son, Connor, spoke for the first time in three years. He describes it in his new book, Champion. “My wife came called me from upstairs, sobbing, and said, ‘Cr IMG_3963 7EAE3E64-898A-48CC-B380-C451B8E39BB4 Samir Interviewed by Victoria Osteen about his book “ReSYNC Your Life” on Joel Osteen Radio https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/samir-interviewed-victoria-osteen-book-resync-life-joel-osteen-radio/ https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/samir-interviewed-victoria-osteen-book-resync-life-joel-osteen-radio/#respond Wed, 11 Oct 2017 20:03:18 +0000 http://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/?p=13769 This morning at 11 am, Health Fitness Revolution founder and ReSYNC Your Life author Samir Becic went on Joel Osteen Radio on Sirius Ch. 128 for an hour-long interview with Victoria Osteen on health, fitness, spirituality, and how it all ties together in his new book!

In what can only be described as a dynamic, energetic, positive, and hope-giving interview, Victoria asked Samir to highlight the key points of his new book and his best tips as a health and fitness expert that has seen it all. They took live callers questions throughout the hour, and Samir even gave some secrets from his book, releasing October 31st.

Samir had a great time getting interviewed by Victoria Osteen!

Samir said of the interview: “Victoria is truly amazing at interviewing, time flew because the atmosphere of the show was so great. I also commend her fantastic team!”

Joel and Victoria Osteen are head pastors at Lakewood Church, the largest mega-church in the U.S. Osteen’s televised sermons are seen by over 7 million viewers weekly and over 20 million monthly in over 100 countries. Together, they have social media followings in the tens of millions. In 2014, Sirius XM launched Joel Osteen Radio, (#128) a channel dedicated to the inspirational messages of Joel and Victoria that can be heard 24/7.

You can catch interview again at 4 p.m. and 7 p.m by tuning in to Sirius Channel 128!

]]> https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/samir-interviewed-victoria-osteen-book-resync-life-joel-osteen-radio/feed/ 0 13769 Samir Becic Joel Osteen Radio Victoria Osteen Samir had a great time getting interviewed by Victoria Osteen! Study Reveals Gene Expression Changes With Meditation/Prayer https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/study-reveals-gene-expression-changes-meditationprayer/ https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/study-reveals-gene-expression-changes-meditationprayer/#comments Tue, 19 Sep 2017 15:23:40 +0000 http://healthfitnessrevolution.com/?p=2027  With evidence growing that meditation can have beneficial health effects, scientists have sought to understand how these practices physically affect the body.

A new study by researchers in Wisconsin, Spain, and France reports the first evidence of specific molecular changes in the body following a period of mindfulness meditation.

The study investigated the effects of a day of intensive mindfulness practice in a group of experienced meditators, compared to a group of untrained control subjects who engaged in quiet non-meditative activities. After eight hours of mindfulness practice, the meditators showed a range of genetic and molecular differences, including altered levels of gene-regulating machinery and reduced levels of pro-inflammatory genes, which in turn correlated with faster physical recovery from a stressful situation.

“To the best of our knowledge, this is the first paper that shows rapid alterations in gene expression within subjects associated with mindfulness meditation practice,” says study author Richard J. Davidson, founder of the Center for Investigating Healthy Minds and the William James and Vilas Professor of Psychology and Psychiatry at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

“Most interestingly, the changes were observed in genes that are the current targets of anti-inflammatory and analgesic drugs,” says Perla Kaliman, first author of the article and a researcher at the Institute of Biomedical Research of Barcelona, Spain (IIBB-CSIC-IDIBAPS), where the molecular analyses were conducted.

The study was published in the journalPsychoneuroendocrinology.

Mindfulness-based trainings have shown beneficial effects on inflammatory disorders in prior clinical studies. The new results provide a possible biological mechanism for therapeutic effects.

The results show a down-regulation of genes that have been implicated in inflammation. The affected genes include the pro-inflammatory genes RIPK2 and COX2 as well as several histone deacetylase (HDAC) genes, which regulate the activity of other genes epigenetically by removing a type of chemical tag. What’s more, the extent to which some of those genes were downregulated was associated with faster cortisol recovery to a social stress test involving an impromptu speech and tasks requiring mental calculations performed in front of an audience and video camera.

Perhaps surprisingly, the researchers say, there was no difference in the tested genes between the two groups of people at the start of the study. The observed effects were seen only in the meditators following mindfulness practice. In addition, several other DNA-modifying genes showed no differences between groups, suggesting that the mindfulness practice specifically affected certain regulatory pathways.

However, it is important to note that the study was not designed to distinguish any effects of long-term meditation training from those of a single day of practice. Instead, the key result is that meditators experienced genetic changes following mindfulness practice that were not seen in the non-meditating group after other quiet activities — an outcome providing proof of principle that mindfulness practice can lead to epigenetic alterations of the genome.

Previous studies in rodents and in people have shown dynamic epigenetic responses to physical stimuli such as stress, diet, or exercise within just a few hours.

“Our genes are quite dynamic in their expression and these results suggest that the calmness of our mind can actually have a potential influence on their expression,” Davidson says.

“The regulation of HDACs and inflammatory pathways may represent some of the mechanisms underlying the therapeutic potential of mindfulness-based interventions,” Kaliman says. “Our findings set the foundation for future studies to further assess meditation strategies for the treatment of chronic inflammatory conditions.”

Study funding came from National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (grant number P01-AT004952) and grants from the Fetzer Institute, the John Templeton Foundation, and an anonymous donor to Davidson. The study was conducted at the Center for Investigating Healthy Minds at the UW-Madison Waisman Center.

Story Source: The above story is based on materials provided by University of Wisconsin-Madison. The original article was written by Jill Sakai.
]]> https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/study-reveals-gene-expression-changes-meditationprayer/feed/ 1 2027 Poll: Who is the Fittest Christian Leader in America 2017? https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/poll-fittest-christian-leader-america-2017/ https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/poll-fittest-christian-leader-america-2017/#respond Wed, 19 Jul 2017 22:47:01 +0000 http://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/?p=13563 Every year, the Health Fitness Revolution team does extensive research and names the “Top 10 fittest” leaders in various segments of society ranging from spiritual leaders, celebrities, and politicians. We think it’s important to recognize men and women who have made the biggest contributions to making society healthier and fitter through both their examples and actions.

Previously, the HFR Institute and its founder Samir Becic first researched all the available data on popular Christian leaders. Then, we used a combination of interviews, internet, library, industry literature, and Samir’s knowledge of over 20 years as a prominent health and fitness expert who was awarded “4x Number 1 Fitness Trainer in the World” to narrow the list down to 10. Click to read our Top 10 Christian Leaders in America 2017.

HFR founder Samir Becic says “Spiritual awareness is one of the key components of healthy lifestyle that impacts the whole body and rejuvenates the spirit. Physical fitness and healthy nutrition allows that spirit to flourish to new dimensions and many people experience a closer relationship to God.”

HFR readers, this year we are taking it a step further and letting YOU decide who deserves to be #1!

The team at Health Fitness Revolution worked diligently at narrowing down our top 10 choices at the start of the year. But considering the many excellent choices we had to choose from, it was difficult to determine who our 2017 Fittest Christian Leader should be. Voting ends September 15th, 2017.

So we are asking you, our readers, to help us determine the winner, which will be announced at the end of this year.

Vote below to pick who you think should be crowned Health Fitness Revolution’s “Fittest Christian Leader in America 2017”. Please share this article on your social media so that your favorite can win!

Note: There is a poll embedded within this post, please visit the site to participate in this post's poll.

]]> https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/poll-fittest-christian-leader-america-2017/feed/ 0 13563 Samir Becic praises Pope Francis’ New Comment https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/samir-becic-praises-pope-francis-new-comment/ https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/samir-becic-praises-pope-francis-new-comment/#respond Fri, 27 Jan 2017 19:57:14 +0000 http://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/?p=13233 Recent history has shown that a lot of media is plagued with fake news and “alternative facts” which have led the current Pope Francis to urge media outlets to not only post true news but happier news as well. Addressing journalists at the Catholic church’s annual communications day on Tuesday, Francis urged the media to focus less on scandal and bad news and instead to focus on positive stories that inspire hope.

He emphasized that he wasn’t asking the journalists to “ignore the tragedy of human suffering” or naively turn a blind eye to evil. But he stated that the constant negative news can lead to apathy and resignation among the people.

We previously crowned Pope Francis as the Fittest Religious Leader in the World because of his continued positive impact on the world (we even named why he’s fitter than you in this article). HFR Institute founder Samir Becic says of the Pope: “No other religious/spiritual leader has made such a positive impact in the world in less than 4 years.  Having one lung removed as a teen, and living since then with solely a singular lung, the 80-year old is a testament that living a healthy lifestyle can overcome many odds. He clearly demonstrates that his surgery did little to hamper his ability to live a full and active life. Regardless of this obstacle, he continues to spread a tremendous spiritual health message worldwide that is influencing people regardless of their religious or spiritual beliefs” Becic continues “Pope Francis is a great example of how a healthy body, an active mind, and a giving heart can truly influence the world we live in.”

Whether you prefer to stay updated by watching news channels or read up on a convenient news app, you may have noticed that most of the information conveyed is upsetting- and consistently at that. Studies actually show that negative news can influence negative psychological emotions that can not be alleviated by small or mediocre distractions. Over time, absorbing ‘bad news’ can create what is psychologically known as ‘learned helplessness.’ Research also shows that content of news affects more than just a person’s mood- it also affects behavior. Consistently receiving negative messages can trigger stress hormones that are responsible for anxiety-ridden short fuses. Negative news images are also responsible these pessimistic mood effects. When confronted with violent or negative images, we’re likely to internalize these harmful stimuli, which can in turn cause or contribute to a range of adverse mood and/or behavior changes.

The best way to alleviate or prevent the harmful effects of negative media is to modify some of the content. Instead of exposing the public to gloomy and pessimistic news, the media should focus on outweighing the bad news with positive news. Despite what the headlines convey, quality of life has actually increased for millions of people; especially in western society. Regardless of who’s fighting for headlines, the media should echo these truths.

Also, if you want to follow in Pope Francis’ footsteps, read our article about the Top 10 Health and Fitness Tips From Pope Francis.

]]> https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/samir-becic-praises-pope-francis-new-comment/feed/ 0 13233 Top 10 Fittest Mega Churches 2017 – Samir Becic https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/top-10-fittest-mega-churches-2017-samir-becic/ https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/top-10-fittest-mega-churches-2017-samir-becic/#respond Thu, 19 Jan 2017 22:06:14 +0000 http://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/?p=12801 Mega churches are remarkably tight-knit for being such large communities. Drawn together by a common set of beliefs, members support and care for one another and admire the pastors who lead them. That’s why we believe that these communities can be powerful vessels for motivating healthy lifestyle. If the pastors care and set up fitness education courses, then people will want to take a positive step in their health.

That’s why Samir Becic and the HFR institute have ranked the fittest mega churches of 2017. We have been promoting the strong connection between spirituality and fitness for the past 4 years, writing nationally renowned lists of Fittest Pastors and the Fittest Churches. In 2015 we researched hundreds of mega-churches around the country to create the first-ever list of the 50 Fittest Mega-Churches in the Country. We used interviews, web info, and industry literature to look at whether churches had a fitness program, healthy eating options, education seminars, and pastors who are interested in healthy lifestyle.

As an organization, we have also been ranking the fitness of religious leaders since 2013, and you can read our 2017 Fittest Christian Leaders in America. Our previous lists in years past of Fittest Female Pastors and Fittest Religious U.S. Religious Leaders have received national media attention and our lists are regularly picked up by thousands of media sources- all to which we are grateful for helping spread the message of healthy lifestyle. We have even conducted exclusive interviews with a number of high profile pastors to spread their message of healthy living.

HFR Institute founder Samir Becic, who over the years has become a world leading health and fitness expert is also enormously respected among the Christian community. He says of this list “With over 70% of Americans identifying themselves as Christian, I believe that these physically fit spiritual leaders can be a strong influence on an obese American population in a positive direction. Please leaders, spread the message of healthy lifestyle!”

Samir also believes “Spiritual awareness is one of the key components of healthy lifestyle that impacts the whole body and rejuvenates the spirit. Physical fitness and healthy nutrition allows that spirit to flourish to new dimensions and many people experience a closer relationship to God.”

Becic continues “The Mega Churches of today hold a strong influence on the general opinion of mainstream America. Followers look for daily guidance from pastors and heads of ministries on the best way to live their lives and raise their families.  It is enormously important to provide the churches with the correct knowledge on fitness and proper nutrition so they can influence and better their members lives.  I am glad that some mega-churches are currently trying to do this and are already having very respectable results in the field.”

Now Samir Becic and the HFR team have poured over all the data on pastors to rank the top fittest mega-churches of 2017. We used a combination of interviews, internet, library, industry literature, and Samir’s knowledge of over 20 years as a fitness industry expert coupled with his experience as a four-time No. 1 Fitness Trainer in the world.

Here are 2017’s Top 10:

Lakewood Church – Houston, TX

  • Weekly Attendance: 52,000
  • For the fifth year in a row, Lakewood will offer yearly Total Life Challenge class for anyone to attend and find complete physical fitness and inner peace.
  • Offers Zumba classes.
  • Provides strength and conditioning class.
  • Has educational nutrition classes.
  • Indoor basketball court.
  • Is home to one of the first mega challenges ever in America with fitness expert Samir Becic.
  • Pastor Joel Osteen is very fit himself, and by appointing Samir Becic as head of Health and Fitness he showcases how important he believes fitness is to the congregation.
  • The church provides many trainers to expand healthy lifestyle choices to all of the congregation.
  • Invites many fitness experts to come speak and also participate in discussions.
  • Many pastors within the church are very fit and health conscious themselves.
  • Both Pastors Joel and Victoria Osteen made our list of the Top 10 Fittest Pastors in America 2016 and our 2017 list of the Fittest Christian Leaders in America.
  • Offer many promotions so that members can buy health products at an affordable price.

Calvary Chapel Fort Lauderdale – Fort Lauderdale, FL

A photo posted by CalvaryFTL (@calvaryftl) on

  • Weekly Attendance: over 30,000
  • The Grill, an on-site restaurant, offers healthy food options for attendees.
  • Calvary Sports is an option for the congregation, and its purpose is to make disciples by connecting people with a passion for sports/fitness and a passion for Jesus.
  • Offers 17 fitness classes for men and women, including kickboxing, indoor cycling, strength and conditioning, Zumba, core stretch, power cardio, in addition to others.
  • Has an extensive roster of other youth and adult sports programs.

Second Baptist Church – Houston, TX

  • Attendance: 23,659
  • Has a membership of over 63,000.
  • Offers a fully equipped on-site gym to members.
  • Offers personal trainers.
  • Fitness classes include: spin, TRX, core conditioning, interval, bootcamp, aerobics, foam rolling.
  • Facility includes an outdoor and an indoor track.
  • Whirlpool and sauna in locker rooms.
  • Full-size weight room and plenty of cardio equipment.
  • The church offers intramural sports leagues.

Willowcreek Community Church – South Barrington, IL

  • Weekly Attendance: 26,000
  • Has a sports ministry that runs intramural teams and sports. There are several Fall, Winter, and Spring leagues, including co-ed volleyball, women’s basketball, and men’s flag football.
  • During the Summer, they offer weekly sand volleyball pick-up games, running clubs, and yoga groups.
  • Available Tae Kwon Do classes meet year-round.

LifeChurch.TV – Edmond, OK

A photo posted by Life.Church (@life.church) on

  • Attendance: 20,823
  • Church employees receive quarterly reimbursements for sporting fees, gym memberships, fitness equipment, and more.
  • Partners with Compassion International’s Child Survival Programs, which provides parents with education about various things, including nutrition and health.
  • Also partners with The Chalmer Center, which teaches people about managing their health, households, and businesses.

Saddleback Church – Lake Forest, CA

  • Weekly Attendance: 23,632
  • Installed an outdoor fitness course on its property that is free for the community to use.
  • The half-mile course includes five stations, featuring a variety of equipment designed to target different muscle groups.
  • Pastor Rick Warren wrote the book “Daniel Plan: 40 Days to a Healthier Life”. He wrote it with health industry experts so as to provide an accurate and well-rounded plan.
  • The Daniel Plan is a healthy lifestyle program that showcases and helps readers experience the powerful combination of Faith, Food, Fitness, Focus, and Friends- postive changes that can change peoples’ health forever.
  • The Daniel Plan Health initiative now influences hundreds of churches across America.
  • Annually, Saddleback hosts a Daniel Plan Health & Fitness Rally.
  • Hosted the Daniel Plan Fun Walk & Run.
  • Has a Sports and Fitness ministry, which organizes sports, leisure, recreation, and leisure, to support and enhance participants’ physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health (examples include: basketball, tennis, soccer, softball, golf, fitness, badminton, cycling, surfing, hiking, youth sports, karate, and sports clinics)
  • The campus includes the Saddleback Organic Garden Ministry, whose goal is to grow organic produce that can then be used to feed needy families
  • Lead Pastor Rick Warren made 2 of our lists: Top 10 Fittest Pastors in America and Top 10 Fittest Christian Leaders 2016. He is also on this years Top 10 Fittest Christians Leaders 2017.

The Potter’s House – Dallas, TX

  • Weekly Attendance: over 17,000
  • Pastor T.D. Jakes is known for being a pioneer of the health crusade in the African American church community.
  • The church includes a Health Ministry.
  • A program within the congregation called God’s Leading Ladies Life Enrichment Program, includes physical fitness and healthy habits as part of the course.
  • The Medical Ministry includes an array of health care professionals in leadership positions promoting health awareness, health maintenance, and safety within the community.
  • Partnered with the American Heart Association, the YMCA, and Walgreens to host the Walkin’ and Rollin’ For Life Event in 2012.
  • The event promoted exercise as part of a healthy lifestyle at any age and included a 5K walk/run/bike ride followed by a health expo.

Southeast Christian Church – Louisville, KY

  • Weekly Attendance: over 17,000
  • Campus includes a 64,000+ facility in the Sports and Fitness Center, developed as a resource for the development of health.
  • The indoor area includes a suspended walking track, volleyball courts, basketball courts, racquetball courts, and group fitness rooms for a variety of classes.
  • The outdoor space also includes a track for walking and jogging, softball fields, baseball fields, soccer fields, and sand volleyball courts.
  • The church has a dedicated Sports and Fitness Ministry which offers many programs that encourage participants to stay fit and connect with others through fitness.
  • Has fitness programs and classes that include seasonal Boot Camp classes, mini marathon training, and group fitness.
  • The Ministry also offers a wide array of youth and adult sports.

Hopewell Missionary Baptist – Norcross, GA

hopewell missionary

  • Weekly Attendance: over 16,000
  • In order to provide creative and meaningful fitness activities for the church member in a Christian environment, they built a Fitness and Wellness Center on campus.
  • The Music, Worship, and Creative arts ministry includes dance classes.
  • The church includes a Health Ministry whose mission is to educate the congregation and surrounding community about opting to choose healthy behaviors and living a healthy lifestyle overall.
  • Has a Recreation and Athletics ministry, which makes athletics and recreational activities available to both their young and adult members.
  • Hopewell has made efforts to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS in the African American community.

New Birth Missionary Baptist – Lithonia, GA

A photo posted by New Birth MBC (@newbirthmbc) on

  • Weekly Attendance: over 15,000
  • Holds a “Go Red” Sunday every February to raise awareness to the importance of “Heart Health” within the community.
  • New Birth Student Ministries involve arts, sports, community service, business, and education.
  • At the “Diabetes Day” event in 2009, pastor Eddie Long said, “We can take steps to reduce our risk – like eating healthier foods and exercising regularly.” During that event, members of the church were given diabetes screenings and attended education seminars about the illness following Sunday Services.
  • Includes a fitness center on campus.
  • In June 2010, the churched held a fitness webinar that highlighted ways to live longer, live stronger, and live well by making a few simple adjustments to daily habits.

To read more about fitness and churches, read our articles below:

]]> https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/top-10-fittest-mega-churches-2017-samir-becic/feed/ 0 12801 hopewell missionary Top 10 Fittest Christian Leaders in America 2017 – Samir Becic https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/top-10-fittest-christian-leaders-in-america-2017-samir-becic/ https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/top-10-fittest-christian-leaders-in-america-2017-samir-becic/#respond Wed, 11 Jan 2017 18:51:28 +0000 http://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/?p=12803 Leading a religious congregation requires an immense amount of both spiritual and physical energy. Pastors do more than deliver religious messages to the masses, they also serve as a role models to their followers. As such, they have vast opportunities to influence healthy lifestyles. This why we here at Health Fitness Revolution, we’ve compiled a list of the fittest American Christian leaders- who we view strong in every sense of the word.

At HFR, we believe that there is a strong connection between fitness and spirituality. That’s why we have been ranking the fitness of religious leaders since 2013. Our previous lists of Fittest Female Pastors and Fittest Religious U.S. Religious Leaders have received national media attention and our lists are regularly picked up by thousands of media sources- all to which we are grateful for helping spread the message of healthy lifestyle. We have even conducted exclusive interviews with a number of high profile pastors to spread their message of healthy living.

HFR Institute founder Samir Becic, who over the years has become a world leading health and fitness expert is also enormously respected among the christian community. He says of this list “With over 70% of Americans identifying themselves as Christian, I believe that these physically fit spiritual leaders can be a strong influence on an obese American population in a positive direction. Please leaders, spread the message of healthy lifestyle!”

Samir also believes “Spiritual awareness is one of the key components of healthy lifestyle that impacts the whole body and rejuvenates the spirit. Physical fitness and healthy nutrition allows that spirit to flourish to new dimensions and many people experience a closer relationship to God.”

Becic continues “The Mega-Churches of today hold a strong influence on the general opinion of mainstream America. Followers look for daily guidance from pastors and heads of ministries on the best way to live their lives and raise their families.  It is enormously important to provide the churches with the correct knowledge on fitness and proper nutrition so they can influence and better their members lives.  I am glad that some mega-churches are currently trying to do this and are already having very respectable results in the field.”

Now Samir Becic and the HFR team have poured over all the data on pastors to rank the top fittest pastors of 2017. We used a combination of interviews, internet, library, industry literature, and Samir’s knowledge of over 20 years as a fitness industry expert coupled with his experience as a four-time No. 1 Fitness Trainer in the world.

Billy Graham, 98 (main pic)

  • Samir Becic: “Considering his vibrant, dynamic, and spiritual energy- and all of this while being almost 100 years old- he deserves to be on this list!”

Rev. Katharine Jefferts Schori, 62

  • Has been active her entire life. In college, she played water polo and was a competitive swimmer.
  • Said she runs 3 to 7 days a week in an interview with Runner’s World.
  • Since her first marathon in 1979, gas completed several others.
  • In Nevada, she enjoys running in the woods and doing hills.
  • Wrote the foreword to the book All Shall Be Well: An approach to Wellness, a book that explores the theology of wellness and identity, core values, creativity and passion, renewal, emotional health, spiritual practices, balance, transformation, and fitness.
  • Was elected as the former presiding bishop of the Episcopal Church. She was the first woman elected as a primate in the Anglican Communion.
  • Previously made our list of the Fittest Female Pastors.

Pastor Joel Osteen, 53 and Victoria Osteen, 

Joel Osteen: 

  • Joel made headlines a few years ago when the paparazzi snapped him in Hawaii with 6-pack abs, which is a testament in itself to how much he exercises.
  • Regularly posts diet and fitness advice on his website, encouraging people “to take care of your temple. Don’t put things in that you know shouldn’t be in. Limit the sugars. Limit the caffeine. Drink more water. Eat more fruits and vegetables and don’t live off of these packaged lunch meats.”
  • Osteen suggests “Eat more organic when you can. More baked and less fried.”
  • He cares so much about the well-being of his congregation that he even appointed one of the top fitness experts in the world, Health Fitness Revolution founder Samir Becic to be in charge of fitness and health at his mega-church, Lakewood in Houston, TX. We wrote about it in an article here.  Samir says “Joel Osteen makes me laugh so hard that sometimes I have a sore stomach, laughter is a key component of health.” Joel also made our Top 10 Fittest Religious Leaders in the U.S. and Top 10 Fittest Christian Leaders in America list.

Victoria Osteen:

  • Works out 3-4 times a week.
  • Receives personal training twice a week.
  • Her workouts are varied, she cycles, uses the treadmill, elliptical and strength trains with weights.
  • Her background and childhood was active- her parents liked to take walks and her family lived in an active neighborhood.
  • Worked out with her husband at the gym before they were married.
  • Eats healthy foods, and also teaches her children healthy nutrition.
  • Was on our previous list of Top 10 Fittest Female Pastors in America.
  • Also her Husband Joel Osteen is on this list and is one the fittest Pastors in the nation. “Health runs in the family.”

Paula White, 50

  • Believes in eating the right nutrients in moderation.
  • Works out daily.
  • Has several YouTube videos of her workout routines to motivate her fans and followers.
  • Gets sufficient amount of sleep each night.
  • Wrote a book titled The 10 Commandments of Health and Wellness, co-written with celebrity fitness trainer Dodd Romero.

Pastor Rick Warren, 62

  • Had an epiphany one day while he was baptizing 858 people. After dipping the 500th body into the water, Warren’s aching arms led him to conclude, “We’re all fat.”
  • While he admits that it wasn’t a very spiritual thought for a pastor to have, but he also thought, “I’m fat, too. I’m as out of shape as everyone else is.” Prompting him to want to change his life.
  • From this moment, he decided to create a health program with leading experts such as Dr. Oz, that Christians could follow by writing a book named the “Daniel Plan.”
  • On this outlined plan, the pastor himself has lost over 30 pounds.
  • Even though critics have questioned Warren’s mix of church and health, he says: “You think that God is only interested in your soul? No, he is interested in your body, mind and soul. Jesus went into each village teaching, preaching and healing. The Daniel Plan has to do with healing.”
  • Rick also made our Top 10 Fittest Religious Leaders in the U.S. list.

Cardinal DiNardo

  • Spoke to Samir Becic in 2015 about the importance of physical health and how it positively impacts spiritual health.
  • Said he remains active.
  • Has great posture, indicative of a man who works out.

Joyce Meyer, 71, Joyce Meyer Ministries, Charismatic Christianity, Fenton, MO

  • Meets with a personal trainer 2-3 times every week.
  • Squats and lunges are among her favorite exercises
  • Realizes the importance of resting and gets adequate amounts of sleep.
  • Drinks plenty of water daily.
  • Makes healthy eating choices and takes daily vitamins
  • Is fully aware of how physical fitness and healthy lifestyle impacts her body and rejuvenates her spirit.
  • Tries to exercise while on the road and traveling.
  • “We need to do the best with what God has given us. God cares about your internal spirit, and looking nice is a reflection of a happy, healthy internal state.”
  • “I believe that we can overcome certain illnesses by doing simple things like eating right, getting enough sleep, drinking enough water, and exercising.”

 Bishop Mike Rinehart

  • Works out regularly.
  • Understands the importance of how healthy lifestyle can positively influence his synod.
  • Joined the Push-ups Everywhere campaign and posted a video of him doing push-ups.

Dr. Ed Young, 80

dr-youngpreaching1_-_version_2__2_

  • Believes that the body is temple of God and made it a point to make sure that his church gave people from all walks of life the opportunity to participate in a wide variety of physical fitness activities.
  • Has jogged for years.
  • Works out on an elliptical 3-4 times a week.
  • Stretches.
  • Does light weights.
  • Told us in an exclusive interview “The bottom line is, I’m addicted to exercise, and I think that is a good addiction. When your mind is dull, your body is weak, and it is more difficult to concentrate, even on things that speak of the eternal.”

Dr. Juanita Bynum, 57

  • Bynum, who was diagnosed with diabetes a couple years ago, shed 30 pounds and is well on her way to reaching her goal weight of 135 pounds.
  • Has attributed her weight loss to healthier eating and a variety of workouts.
  • Does Bikram yoga
  • Weight trains.
  • Does spin class.
  • Walks on the treadmill.
  • “All that I had gone through, I felt like it was an opportunity to recreate myself,” she said of her new healthy lifestyle in an interview.

Health Fitness Revolution by Samir Becic Foundation is a 501(c)3 organization, to make the world a healthier, fitter place, please donate!

]]> https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/top-10-fittest-christian-leaders-in-america-2017-samir-becic/feed/ 0 12803 dr-youngpreaching1_-_version_2__2_ Samir Becic launches Wake Up to Health Event at Lakewood Church https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/samir-becic-launches-wake-health-event-lakewood-church/ https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/samir-becic-launches-wake-health-event-lakewood-church/#respond Mon, 18 Jul 2016 16:01:07 +0000 http://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/?p=11995 HFR founder Samir Becic joined with Lakewood Church to launch the “Wake Up to Health” initiative. Remember that the body and spirit are two interconnected parts of living a healthy lifestyle and attaining peace and happiness. This series will show you how to nurture both aspects of your life.

Come Celebrate Health Every Monday!

“Wake up to Health” started on July 12 and will be held every Monday through August 1st. The event takes place from 7-8:30pm in the Warehouse on the 4th floor. You don’t have to be a member of Lakewood Church to attend: everyone is invited!

lakewood church samir becic wake up to health

This event is perfect for those on any stage of their health and fitness journey. Top health and fitness experts and spiritual leaders come together to inspire people to treat their body like a temple! Whether you are trying to start fresh or have been eating healthy for years, presenters like Samir, Dr. Lori Shemek and Dr. Ginger will provide you with a fresh outlook.

The road to a healthy lifestyle is much smoother with a supportive community. Don’t miss out on this opportunity for education and fun.

]]> https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/samir-becic-launches-wake-health-event-lakewood-church/feed/ 0 11995 13606867_10207918179245236_4661773252992528723_n How Exercise, Nutrition, and Spirituality Affect the Brain and Vice Versa https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/how-exercise-nutrition-spirituality-affect-the-brain-and-vice-versa/ https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/how-exercise-nutrition-spirituality-affect-the-brain-and-vice-versa/#respond Fri, 24 Jun 2016 17:57:18 +0000 http://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/?p=11848 Decades of scientific studies have revealed profound insights on the link between brainpower and a healthy lifestyle. Nutrition and fitness are absolutely essential to increased brain function.

“Albert Einstein and the brilliant mathematician Kurt Gödel understood the intimate connection between exercise and intellect. The two would often take long walks together discussing complex logical or mathematical dilemmas. Their brains worked best when their bodies were moving.” HFR founder Samir Becic.

So in order to perform at your highest level in work or school, you should make time to workout. Read on to see how exercise, nutrition, spirituality affect the brain and vice versa.

               Key: italics print is vice versa

EXERCISE

  • A study by Harvard shows that exercise alters the brain so much that it protects the memory and thinking process, and regular aerobic activity boosts the size of the hippocampus. The research suggested 120+ minutes of activity weekly is optimal.
  • A study by UT Dallas found that “aerobic exercise can reduce both the biological and cognitive consequences of aging,” and could be one of the most cost-effective therapies available. Exercise has also been shown to promote your brain’s ability to enhance your memory. A combination of physical and mental exercises could be the most effective way to improve overall brain health.  
  • An article by Psychology Today found that “increased blood flow leads to improved cerebrovascular health, release of neurotrophic factors like BDNF that stimulate neuron growth, and glucose and lipid metabolism that brings nourishment to the brain”.
  • This just in from the Washington Post: exercise helps prevent damage to the insulin system as well as plaque build-up; it regulates brain signaling. “Time on a treadmill or bicycle is akin to taking a mix of Prozac and Ritalin,” because the neurotransmitters released through exercise are the same chemicals that anti-depressants and ADHD medicines activate.  
  • A study by the University of Chicago found that “regular exercise is associated with emotional resilience to acute stress”.
  • According to a team at Princeton: exercise reorganizes our brains so that the response to stress is reduced and that anxiety will have a lower likelihood to disrupt regular brain function.
  • A study at Harvard  shows that dance activates sensory and motor circuits, altering the brain with memory improvement with strengthened neuronal connections.
  • An article by Time Magazine reported, “that people who exercised less showed sharper declines in their cognitive scores than people who were more active. The drops were equivalent to the declines found during normal aging over about 10 years, they concluded.”
  • Get uncomfortable! Harvard confirms that by trying new things (like a new exercise regime) and traveling you are challenging your brain and mental skills and building new ones. “Aerobic exercise increases oxygen supply to the brain,” Dr. Fabiny says. “The data show that this is at least in part how exercise can potentially stave off cognitive impairment.”
  • Time Magazine reports that exercise is linked to larger amounts of grey matter in the brain, as well as more brain mass in general.
  • A professor at NYU has confirms that your brain produces dopamine while you work-out- intentional exercise (when you pair your exercise with a positive intention) does this to an even higher degree. Because of this, your brain actually can create a minor addiction to exercise, prompting you to continue working out.
  • A study at the University Wisconsin Madison shows that some creatures have a craving for exercise. By denying the rats in the experiment access to their running wheels, the brain activity in mice increased by 16-25%, indicating they were agitated by this upset in their routine- like what you would see if an addict was denied their fix.

 

NUTRITION

  • Researchers at Harvard believe caffeine and healthy diet may boost memory, thinking, skills. Here is the reasoning behind this: caffeine is a brain stimulant that blocks the receptors for a chemical called adenosine- whose sole purpose is to prevent the release of excitatory brain chemicals. In doing so, caffeine allows the excitatory brain chemicals to flow more freely, meaning your brain gets to function better. Simply put: the more nutrients you take in, the better your memory is.
  • According to Harvard, your digestive tract produces 95% of your body’s serotonin: it is crucial that you monitor how your diet and certain foods make you feel; if your food isn’t satisfying, your brain will actually perform at a lower level than it would have if your diet was more wholesome in nutrients. Lower levels of serotonin translate to you being in a less happy mood- which also impacts how you function.
  • Fasting and  Dietary Restriction promote distinct neural precursor cell growth and the number of newly generated cells in the hippocampus increase. This practice actually enhances neurogenesis.
  • Less sugar is better. A UCLA study found that a diet steadily high in fructose slows the brain by hindering memory and learning. Over time, insulin may no longer affect brain cells; this is troubling because insulin regulates how these cells store and use sugars.  
  • The Mediterranean diet is onto something. Columbia’s Yian Gu conducted a study that showed that sticking to the Mediterranean diet led to 5 fewer years of brain shrinkage. Consuming more fish and less meat is associated with higher total gray matter volume and total brain volume overall.
  • Increase intake of Vitamin D. Too little vitamin D can contribute to a faster cognitive decline in older adults; this leads to a higher risk for Alzheimer’s and dementia.
  • Chocolate: Chocolate is closely associated with a gross improvement of brain function that includes, “visual-spatial memory and [organization], working memory, scanning and tracking, abstract reasoning, and the mini-mental state examination”. These improvements translate into improved daily tasks such as multitasking and remembering something your boss said in passing but also happens to be significant.
  • Glucose is our main fuel, and how we choose to take in that compound determines how productive and attentive we are. Doughnuts and whole grain oats both contain it, but the glycemic index of the oats is much higher and therefore by eating the oats, your brain is more alert and attentive for longer.

How does your brain affect nutrition?  

  • Non-GMO foods really are better. GMO’s have been researched to contain toxic chemicals to humans. Bt protein found in most GMO’s, the protein is Crylab found in maternal and fetal blood and also used as a pesticide.
  • WHY STRESS CAUSES PEOPLE TO OVEREAT (as told by harvard). Long-term stress causes the brain to signal the release of cortisol- a chemical that increases appetite: Harvard confirms that, “emotional distress increases the intake of food high in fat, sugar, or both.” They believe that when paired with high levels of insulin, high cortisol levels are the cause.
  • According to Brian Wansink- director of Cornell’s food lab- our brain is prone to choosing the foods that are most convenient to access (in the pantry and otherwise), therefore by placing healthier things in more convenient and first on the shelf makes your brain more likely to choose them.
  • Dartmouth research shows that mood can affect our food choices. Macht conducted a study that monitored what people ate depending on their moods. They found that when people were angry they consumed more comfort foods and were more likely to display impulsive eating. Another study showed that sad people eat more junk food.  
  • Dartmouth also believes that cognitive factors also play a role: one example of this would be found in a group of dieters; when “ asked to eat foods high in calories, they might experience anxiety and other negative emotions because they are afraid of gaining weight”. Our learned food appetites also affect our experience of food
  • Facts about Food cravings:  Cravings are caused by specific environmental cues. They can be caused by a lack of nutrients in your diet. By maintaining a food journal you can potentially tamp down your cravings. Emotional cravings cause you to desire fatty and sugary foods

SPIRITUALITY

  • Dr. Newberg postulates that the brain is designed to have a transcendent experience easily. This could provide an answer as to why there is some form of religion in every culture; spirituality could be one of humanity’s defining characteristics. 
  • Researchers at Harvard Medical School have confirmed that after an 8-week meditation training program, there were noticeable changes in brain composition, particularly in the amygdala (a region associated with emotion), even while the patient wasn’t actively meditating. “This is the first time that meditation training has been shown to affect emotional processing in the brain outside of a meditative state.”
  • A study on meditation’s effects found that those who were properly instructed on meditation showed evidence of being more equipped to handle stress.
  • Meditation cultivates our personal ability to self-regulate and our capacity to respond to a situation flexibly. It also increases our ability  to deal with stress and become more resilient towards it.
  • One study Dr. Newberg conducted took scans of elderly volunteers brains, “taught them a mantra-based type of meditation and asked them to practice that meditation 12 minutes a day for eight weeks”. Once those 8 weeks past, they came back for a final scan, and Newberg found major changes in their brains- particularly in areas used to focus our attention and mind. Newberg stated that many of the participants felt they experienced more clarity while thinking and had a greater capacity to remember things; “the new scans and memory tests confirmed their claims”.
  • Forbes Magazine confirms that mindfulness and meditation changes brain structure; there is an increase in cortical thickness in the hippocampus and reduced brain cell volume in amygdala (the region that governs fear, anxiety, and stress).
  • The Atlantic – on the topic of UP neuroscientist Newberg’s research- reported that “when practitioners surrender their will, activity decreases in their frontal lobes, suggesting that speech is being generated from some place other than the normal speech centers”.
  • Meditation brings on a neurotransmitter change that involves all major NT systems and “contributes to the amelioration of anxiety and depressive symptomatology and in part explain the psychogenetic property of mediation”
  • A publication by NPR relayed that people who spend time praying and meditating have differently wired brains. UPenn neuroscientist Newberg has found that it increased frontal lobe activity and when monitoring those deep in prayer he found little to no parietal lobe activity- an area of the brain that discerns our sense of self. As a result, there is a loss of sense of self  and presence of an overwhelming sense of oneness with the universe
  • Surrounding yourself with positive people can create a positive outlook on your life. By surrounding yourself with a positive environment, your brain produces more endorphins. Research studies show that positivity, moderate exercise, having a laugh, smiling more reduces stress and decreases risk for cardiovascular diseases.
  •  Practicing acceptance each day and owning your flaws and accepting things as they are is healthy. It practices a healthy mental mindset. With age comes with more acceptance of who you are, research studies show that by the age of twenty-five your brain is fully developed. With younger people such as teens and twenties-something-year-olds, they are still finding themselves and with age and maturity comes acceptance. 
  • Reading about other religions allows you to open and expand your mind, a cornerstone of spirituality. Learning about other religions can make you knowledgeable psychologically and understand their beliefs and values.   
  • Praying can be healing for the soul, prayer can also be a form of meditation. The belief of prayer can be spiritually healing and show compassion for others, as well as teach you to emphasize for others.
  • Traveling is good for the kindred spirit and soul, it allows you to experience a new world beyond what you already know. Traveling teaches you a lot and independence, which is great for the soul. No matter what age, traveling is always fun and exciting. The older you get, your idea of travel plans may change, some enjoy a relaxing and stable vacation while the young might prefer a spontaneous and action-packed adventure.
  • Reading spirituality and self-discovery books is great for anyone who has a keen interest in gaining new information about spiritual, religion, evolution. Self-discovery books are great to take in a new perspective on all things spirituality.  
  • Visiting museums expands your horizons as well as bringing you joy. There are spiritual museums such as the spirituality circle museum in Franklin, Ohio and even the Metropolitan Museum of Art presented an exhibit on the age of spirituality. Visiting a museum can be spiritually benefiting by teaching about ancient history and also prophets.
]]> https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/how-exercise-nutrition-spirituality-affect-the-brain-and-vice-versa/feed/ 0 11848 25 Ways Healthy Living, Exercise, and Nutrition Are Related to Spirituality https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/25-ways-healthy-living-exercise-nutrition-related-spirituality/ https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/25-ways-healthy-living-exercise-nutrition-related-spirituality/#respond Thu, 23 Jun 2016 19:35:11 +0000 http://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/?p=11847 Stop thinking of your life as a bar graph and start thinking of it as a van diagram. The different parts of what makes you-you- your health, hobbies, and spirituality- aren’t isolated from one another. They build off each other and bleed into one another, working together in union to make you happier and more fulfilled. A wealth of scientific evidence shows that a healthy and active lifestyle can pay huge dividends in spiritual fulfillment. Read our list of 25 ways healthy living, exercise, and nutrition are related to spirituality:

  • Balanced Hormones Increase Spirituality

Exercising helps foster positive hormones, such as dopamine and epinephrine which can ultimately impact your perception of life. And if you struggle with some not-so-positive feelings, the more endorphins the better your mood. Balanced hormones will help you focus on improving your quality of life. You will more likely engage in spiritual practices when you have an uplifted and happy spirit! Feeling unbalanced in your emotions? Get to exercising for your spiritual health, my friends.

  • Energy and The Spirit

The energy that we acquire from exercising fuels our bodies for day to day physical activities. Not only does exercise provide physical benefits but it also boosts our brains mental energy. Mental stimulation is key in order to function at a higher spiritual level. The high that we get from the increased energy of working out motivates us to actively pursue our spiritual desires. Increased energy will encourage practices such as meditation, connecting with nature, practicing gratitude, loving others, and plenty more.

  • Physical Fitness & Spirituality

Aerobic exercises combined with strength training are a body’s best friend. Physical activity keeps you lean, fit, and strong to do everyday practices. So whether that be helping a struggling stranger lift an object, run a 5k to beat cancer, or volunteer on your feet all day, we all need endurance to engage in our own spiritual practices. A healthy body will encourage one to live out a spiritual life filled with action and integrity.

  • Food For the Soul

Mindfully eating can have a major impact on our bodies and mind. The QUALITY of food we decide to put into our stomachs can ultimately either harm or help us in our spiritual walk. Ingesting foods such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and whole grains affect our brain for the better. These foods provide certain chemicals that positively influence one’s mood and behaviors. When we feel good, our thoughts and actions will have a greater impact on the world around us. So eat clean to boost your spiritual life!

  • Stress Effects on Spirituality

If you feel overwhelmed in life, engaging in regular physical activity can greatly reduce stressful adrenaline and cortisol levels in the body. This in turn, will help you be more involved with your spiritual practices. As you continue to nurture your spiritual life, stress levels will also stay at a low. When we have less stress weighing us down, we spend our time engaging in uplifting things to connect us to something greater than ourselves. Those who are less stressed are happier, sleep better, more energized, and better focused.

  • Dancing in Spirit

Dancing will not only tone you up but also uplift your spirit! There’s just something in the art of dance that can sweep us away into something greater than ourselves. It can be a freeing experience for the human spirit to just move as it pleases. Eline Kieft from the Department Centre for Dance Research at Coventry University puts it this way in that “Dancing spirituality integrates the totality of the human being in movement.”

  • Walk or Hike Your way to Spirituality

We all know how much a long walk or hike can help clear a foggy mind of worry and stress. Well, walking or hiking is a great form of exercise for not only a fit body but for a healthy spiritual life as well! These actions have a way of deepening our spirits and helps us focus on the bigger picture by giving our mind a break. Real psychological health benefits take place as we walk. We have more energy, creativity, and uplifted spirits which ultimately impacts the soul in great ways. So whether you set out to hike the Pacific Crest Trail, (like Cheryl Strayed), or just walk on the treadmill for 30 minutes, mindfully walking can transform your spiritual life!  

  • Practice Yoga

Derived from the Hindu religion, Yoga has become one of the most beloved spiritual practices around the world. This type of workout connects mind, body and spirit in different ways in which its “practices are aimed at the experience of contemplative states of consciousness and spirituality,” according to a journal published in NCBI. This research on yoga shows that it can improve one’s balance, flexibility, strength, cardiorespiratory fitness, mood, mindfulness, and overall spiritual life. If you’re looking for a great workout that improves your spiritual health as well, yoga just might be for you!

  • Meditate For Spiritual Health

Mindful practices have been around for a long time and has been a huge part of many different religions. Meditation can really be a great tool when it comes to destressing. It does more than just that, though! From improving concentration, self acceptance, happiness and more, meditation is just plain healthy for the soul. By focusing on one’s breath, meditation can connect a person deeper into their own spiritual journey that can bring about an abundant of health benefits.  

  • The Spirituality of Prayer

Prayer is a staple in a lot of religions, but religious or not, all people can incorporate this spiritual ritual in their everyday life. Prayer can be a way for the human spirit to connect to a higher power. It’s no doubt that prayer can help you feel less stressed, happier, more emotionally stable and centered. Harvard scientist Herbert Benson, MD believes all types of prayer “evoke a relaxation response that quells stress, quiets the body, and promotes healing.”

  • Walk Among Nature

Spending time in nature can be a powerful tool for self-reflection and personal health. If you choose to listen and absorb what the outdoors has to offer, then transformation can take place. Walking among the trees, feeling the wind on your face, or simply hearing the birds chirp are all apart of nature’s gifts to us. Did you know that Yale actually has a Center for Spirituality in Nature that’s devoted to deepening one’s human spiritual connection to the Divine? So next time you’re outside just open your minds and watch nature do wonders for your health.

  • Discipline and Spirituality

In order to see tangible results from a fitness or nutrition plan, you first need to establish self discipline. Whether that be working out at a specific time every day, or resisting to eat that slice of cake, discipline takes effort and energy. Applying this type of approach to your spiritual life can truly help in your spiritual journey! Spiritual practices that help with discipline involve action, learning, understanding, absorbing, and cultivation of one’s own journey.

  • The ART of Spirituality

The arts have always been integral to religion.  Even in the twentieth century, many artists saw their art in spiritual terms.  In terms of spiritual health, being able to express yourself through art helps to relieve stress, encourages creative thinking, boosts self-esteem, and provides a sense of accomplishment.

  • When The Spirit Sings

Did you know singing is healthy for the heart? And group singing is a great way to reap health benefits. According to several studies, singing helps lower stress, produce endorphins, and relieve anxiety. Singing can no doubt be a spiritual practice if you want it to be. Many religions actually use singing as a spiritual practice. “Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.” Colossians 3:16

  • Running Towards Spirituality

Ah the high we get after a good run. Running a marathon or simply a 5k can definitely benefit your wellbeing for the better. Many runners can tell you just how fulfilling and spiritual this exercise can be! Runner’s World puts it this way “The spiritual benefits available in running–appreciating nature, developing a communion with others, seeing how things in the universe connect, meditating–can quiet the mind, facilitate introspection, and help you become more virtuous and whole.”

  • Fasting’s Effect on Spirituality

There are many health benefits of fasting.  Among many benefits, fasting can help you lose weight more efficiently, improve your insulin sensitivity, and reduce oxidative stress in the body.  Fasting also helps to regulate your hormone levels so that you can curb your appetite and only eat when you are truly hungry.

  • Spirituality Benefits Psychological Well-Being

According to Jesus, it is best to forgive, even if you have to do so more than once.  Being able to forgive others contributes to healthier relationships and lowered chronic stress levels. Let go of that grudge and forgive for your health!

  • Spirituality Can Help You Beat Addiction

Spirituality has played a big role in the Alcoholics Anonymous program. Spirituality is a big part in the guiding principles of the AA program and embodies developing positive coping skills along with having faith in a higher power to overcome addiction.

  • Hope Brings Health

Having hope is essential for a positive outlook on life. In a 35 year clinical study of Harvard Graduates, it was shown that graduates who expressed hope and optimism lived longer and experienced fewer illnesses in their lifetime.  Additionally, having a positive and hopeful outlook will reduce the levels of stress hormones that your body produces.  

  • The Effect of Love and Social Support on Health:

It’s those special bonds we share with each other that satisfy and enrich our lives. Did you know that social support from those closest to us can actually help protect us against certain diseases? Research from the University of Maryland Medical Center found that social support actually helped guard a Pennsylvanian family against heart disease! Looks like it’s time to start loving each other, my spiritual friends.

  • Spirituality’s Effect on Health

Lack of spiritual connection to self and others, self-destructive behaviors, and isolation from others in life may contribute hormonal imbalances which will inevitably manifest as illness in the body.  Some ways to keep your hormones in check include regular exercise and having a healthy, balanced diet.

  • Spirituality and Personal Hygiene

Simply put, hygiene is a key component of human health and well-being.  Aside from the overall health benefits, having good personal hygiene will help you feel confident about yourself.  In some religions like Islam, you are expected to give special attention to personal hygiene in respect to faith. Plus, who doesn’t like to smell good?

  • Volunteer in Your Community:

Many people who volunteer their time, money and energy for apparently nothing in return still reap spiritual benefits.  Being a volunteer not only increases your sense of well-being, it can help reinforce your ties to the community and give you a greater sense of justice. So go out and impact the community with your spirit of service!

  • Sleep and The Soul

“Sleep may be the image or brother of death, for in sleep the body rests while the soul remains awake, so in death the body rests while the soul and spirit live.” – William Shakespeare

Without a doubt, sleep is extremely important for your health and well-being.  From a religious perspective, the importance of sleep is referenced in many texts including the Quran, the Bible, the Torah, Kabbalah, and Buddhist teachings.  Upon going to sleep, the body and mind calm down from daily activity and our physiology and neurology begin their critical restorative processes.

  • Sex Can Be Spiritual

Sex is a great source of pleasure for human beings. Not only is sex a great way to exercise your body, but it can also exercise your spiritual life. Roughing up the sheets with an intimate partner can truly transform and connect you on a higher level of energy. Next time you’re with your partner, try being fully aware of the vibrancy being exchanged between the two. Sex can be something that goes beyond the physical limitations with a sense of “heightened awareness and expanded consciousness,” if you let it.

]]> https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/25-ways-healthy-living-exercise-nutrition-related-spirituality/feed/ 0 11847 Health Tips From Jesus, Moses, Buddha, Mohammed… https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/fitness-tips-worlds-biggest-religions/ https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/fitness-tips-worlds-biggest-religions/#respond Fri, 17 Jun 2016 18:54:38 +0000 http://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/?p=11807 The union between health and spirituality is found in every one of the major religions, in every part of the world. For divine inspiration in health and fitness, look to the teachings of Moses, Jesus, Mohammed, Buddha, and Hinduism.

HFR founder Samir Becic said this about spirituality and fitness: “Spiritual awareness is one of the key components of healthy lifestyle that impacts the whole body and rejuvenates the spirit. Physical fitness and healthy nutrition allows that spirit to flourish to new dimensions and many people experience a closer relationship to God.”

“Spiritual health is fundamentally important to living a balanced, healthy lifestyle. Spirituality is whatever an individual finds personally fulfilling, and encompasses anything that helps a person feel centered.” –Samir Becic

Health Tips From Jesus

Religious Health Tips Jesus

Walk, Walk, Walk

Wherever He went, Jesus walked. Throughout the Bible, Jesus was known to travel on foot to his destinations. There were plenty of places Jesus had to go, from praying on a mountain to preaching at the Sea of Galilee, Jesus walked A LOT. According to the Bible, Researchers estimated that Jesus walked over 21,500  miles during his lifetime! (About the distance around the globe at the equator) Now we’re not saying that you need to walk around the world to be fit, but walking just 30 minutes a day is known to have significant health benefits!

Practice Forgiveness 

We all tend to remember those who have hurt us at some point in our lives. But research shows that holding onto grudges isn’t good for our health. Jesus taught this principle because he understood that we are just human and only God is perfect. So if someone hurts you or makes a mistake, even more than once, He believes it’s best to forgive. Forgiveness brings us an abundant of health benefits like greater psychological well-being, lowered stress levels, and improved relationships. “Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times? Jesus answered, I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.” Matthew 18: 21-22

Be Thankful

A firm teaching throughout the Bible is about being thankful. Jesus believed that being thankful was a way of honoring God for all that He was doing through Him. Having a grateful heart is known to have great benefits for your mental health. Not only does thankfulness reduce stress, but it has been linked with boosting your immune system, promoting sleep, and helping the heart. So start a gratitude journal today and see the positive effects this has on your health! “So they took away the stone. Then Jesus looked up and said, Father,I thank you that you have heard me. I knew that you always hear me, but I said this for the benefit of the people standing here, that they may believe that you sent me.” John 11:41-42

Take Care of Your Body

Jesus emphasized how important it is that we take care of ourselves- hence the reason for us making a list of health and fitness tips from Jesus. He stressed that we should honor God with our bodies and treat them as temples. Jesus believed that when we take care and nourish our body, it’s pleasing to God since He created us. This could be abstaining from drugs or alcohol, or exercising daily for healthy bones. “Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself, 20 for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body.” 1 Corinthians 6:19-20

Health Tips From Mohammed

Islam Religious Health Tips

Eat Slow

It was narrated from the Prophet Muhammad was a strong advocate of eating slowly  to help with the digestion process. It takes about 20 minutes for the body to tell our brain that we are full. Slow eating helps digest our food, because efficiently chewed food aids the digestion process and doesn’t require as much energy and churning in the stomach or intestine.

Play Sports to Strengthen Your Body

In Islam, sports are perceived as important to gain a healthy body.  Sports like archery, swimming, horseback riding are especially encouraged.  Islam encourages exercise and be in good physical shape. The Prophet said, “A strong believer is better and dearer to God than a weak believer, though in both is good.” The one who is physically stronger is better before God because they are more active and energetic in the performance of worship and taking care of the needs of others.

Dental Hygiene 

The Prophet would always brush his teeth before and after bed using a part of a fruitless yet fragrant branch called arak. This small wooden branch was used, and is still used today, as a toothbrush. Muhammad gave special attention to cleanliness and personal hygiene in respect to faith. Research shows that poor dental hygiene were 70% risk of heart diseases according to a study called Scottish Health Survey

Sleep and Salat (prayer)

The Prophet recommended adequate sleep. He never deprived himself of sleep nor overslept.  He also advised and practiced  to sleep at the early part of the night, and to wake up early in the morning. Science research shows that going to bed early can help maintain a healthy weight, stay more productive, and avoid serious health problems (such as diabetes, obesity, and heart diseases).

Salat is one of the five fundamental requirements that a Muslim is obligated to perform. According to a hadith (authentic narrations from the prophet), the Prophet has reported to have said, “verily there is a cure in salat”. There are some physical benefits in salat, such as : In the beginning of the salat, we move our hand and shoulder muscles therefore increasing the blood flow towards the torso. The heart in the most important organ in our body. Because it supplies fresh blood to all body tissues, the movements during prayer are a crucial source for exercise in our heart.  Certain positions makes our hips, elbows, knee and wrist joints, and backbone move in a way that forms a relation in our body.

Health Tips From Moses

Moses Religious Health Tips

Eat Natural

Moses’s diet would be strictly all Kosher. This includes restricting meats that contain the flesh, organs, eggs, and milk from animals. Although Meat cannot be eaten with dairy, Fish, eggs, fruits, vegetables, and grains can be eaten with either meat or dairy. Grape products made by non-jews may not be eaten. This kosher diet is great for vegetarians starting out or even as a guideline to encourage healthy eating and lifestyle.

Peaceful Soul

Moses showed great leadership and strength by defending his people and acting as a peace monger. Moses’s mindset is mentally in good condition by leading through his acts of justice. A healthy mind and social life can also often need someone to be a good leader.

Stay Dedicated

Moses and his people walked the desert for three days without water. This shows divine strength and determination to lead his flock to a safe haven for the Israelites. Dedication is an important part of any healthy life especially for someone starting ther road to a better life.

Health Tips From Buddha

Buddha Religious Health Tips

Practice Proper Breathing

Proper breathing techniques go hand in hand with yoga and meditation.  There are many ways to practice proper breathing — one of the health benefits of mindful breathing and meditation include decreased Beta brain waves, which are associated with thinking, problem solving, and stress.  With daily practice of proper breathing, you will increase Alpha, Theta, and Gamma brain waves, which are the brain waves associated with relaxed creativity and high mental state.  Mindful breathing throughout the day has been shown to have positive effects on stress of the body and mind.  In a study published in NeuroImage suggests that mindful attention to breath contributes to increased emotional regulation because of increased amygdala and prefrontal-cortex connectivity.

Practice Altruism 

“O monks, wander! We will go forward for the benefit of many people…out of compassion for the world, for the good, welfare, and happiness of gods and humans.” — Catusparishad Sutra (Buddhist scripture)

“Someone may build a precious reliquary, as high as the world; It is said that training others to generate The altruistic intention is more excellent.” — Aryadeva (monk, 170-260 CE).

Many Buddhist organizations aim to give help and provide warmth and active caring to relieve suffering.  The goal of adopting an altruistic approach to life is to extend compassion and loving kindness, or charity to others.

Avoid Intoxicating Substances

Buddha emphasized the importance of avoiding intoxicating substances.  Intoxicating substances are to be avoided because they cloud the mind, can be physically and psychologically addictive, and may increase the likelihood of breaking the other rules of Buddhism, according to the Five Moral Precepts.

Hinduism 

Hindu Religious Health Tips

Karmic Belief

Karma is a facet of the Hindu belief system.  Karma literally means “deed” or “act”, and often refers to the accumulations of your actions and determines each soul’s unique destiny.  Karma stands for the belief that an individual experiences the effects of his or her behavior and actions, and that every act or thought has consequences.  Negative thoughts and actions can result in  commensurate suffering, wherein good thoughts and actions can liberate a person.

Intermittent Fasting

Fasting habits depend on a person’s caste, or social ranking, and is usually done during holy days, moon days, and during festivals.  It is important to note that intermittent fasting is rarely done continuously for more than one day. According to a study done on mice at The University of Southern California by Valter Longo, published in (Cell Metabolism), the benefits of intermittent fasting included improved immune system, reduction of cancer incidence, and promotion of stem cell regeneration, particularly in the brain.

The Use of Tulsi

Tulsi, or “Holy Basil” is widely used and revered in Hinduism due to its many medicinal and religious purposes.  This plant has antimicrobial properties and is known to promote longevity.  Tulsi is a very important plant in Ayurveda and can be found in nearly every Hindu household.  The plant’s extracts can be used for many common ailments like the common cold, stomach disorders, headaches, inflammation, malaria, and heart disease.  Tulsi can even purify or de-pollute the air and acts as a repellant against mosquitoes, flies, and other insects.

Strive to Achieve Balance in Health, Body, and Spirit — Dharma

Followers of Hinduism believe that the body is made up of natural elements, Earth, Air, Fire, and Water.  It is believed that proper balance of these elements indicates good health, whereas imbalance indicates the opposite.  Followers of Hinduism strive to achieve balance throughout their lives using self-control, meditation, yoga, and a clean diet.

Dharma stands for the ultimate moral balance of all things in life and belongs to the universe and the individual as well.  The individual is responsible to balancing their own dharma through all areas of life such as religious, social, and familial areas.

Meditation – Hindus believe that through meditation, we have the ability to evolve into higher beings through mental focus.  Meditation can help overcome mental blocks, negative thinking, fears, and anxiety if practiced regularly.

]]> https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/fitness-tips-worlds-biggest-religions/feed/ 0 11807 Interior of the Notre Dame Cathedral, Montreal, Quebec, Canada Dome of the Rock at Temple Mount Parted Seas The seas are being parted with a pathway through the ocean. Tian Tan Buddha (Hong Kong, Lantau Island) Pura Saraswati Temple in Ubud, Bali, Indonesia Hindu Religious Health Tips Top 10 Health and Life Tips to Learn from Alcoholics Anonymous https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/top-10-health-and-life-tips-to-learn-from-aa/ https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/top-10-health-and-life-tips-to-learn-from-aa/#respond Wed, 08 Jun 2016 18:37:14 +0000 http://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/?p=11578 What can you learn from one of the largest and most successful support systems in the world? Beating substance abuse addiction is one of the most difficult feats a person can overcome, but the spiritual non-profit organization Alcoholics Anonymous has been helping people get and stay sober for almost 100 years. The organization is a well-source of wisdom that can be applied to all aspects of a healthy lifestyle. Read the top 10 health and life tips to learn Alcoholics Anonymous:

  • Eat a Healthy Diet

Food is super important when it comes to your mood, energy levels, and overall health. In times of turmoil, we sometimes turn to food for comfort. But processed junk food is always only a temporary satisfaction. When you’re struggling with an addiction, especially, food is often substituted out of comfort. Mindfully eating the right type of foods, like whole nutrient dense substances, will influence your mood positively. Healthy foods boost energy levels, enhance brain function, and improve the immune system. Nutrient dense foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains and healthy fats are all helpful on the road to recovery. Research has found that whole foods alter the chemical and psychological processes in the brain ultimately influencing your behavior.  

  • Develop Positive Coping Skills

In order to really change, one must create healthy habits and coping mechanisms. In AA, the withdrawal from alcohol can be a tough journey, so fostering new ways to deal with change is vital. Relaxation techniques such as reading, being in nature, walking,  meditation, and exercising will ultimately aid you in your journey to better health. These different ways of coping have been shown to: lower blood pressure, help blood flow, improve brain function, and so much more. Taking care of yourself mind, body, and soul is essential to carrying out a healthy lifestyle.  

  • Have Faith In a Higher Power, whichever works for you

This tip from Alcoholics Anonymous is their Step 2 can have tremendous benefits for one’s mental health. When hardships hit, life can get very stressful and unhappy pretty fast. So when you feel defeated or helpless, surrendering to something bigger than yourself might just be what can help. There is something so refreshing about turning your problems and worries over to a higher power. With alcohol addiction, self blame can be the reason the unhealthy cycle keeps going. But a belief in a higher power can ultimately be the vessel on needs for healing and self forgiveness. According to a study in the Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment, this belief can lower anxiety, enhance optimism, increase stress resilience, coping, and more in those who struggle with substance abuse.

  • Pray or Meditate 

”Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God as we understood Him, praying only for knowledge of His will for us and the power to carry that out.” -Alcoholic Anonymous step 11. A big part of the recovery process in AA is linked to spiritual health. Prayer and meditation have been shown to have tangible health effects. According to these science-backed benefits, prayer helps people be nicer, more forgiving, and more trusting, as well as improve self-control and reduce stress. Meditation helps one focus more clearly and boosts that immune system as well!

  • Exercise

Alcohol addiction can wreak havoc on one’s psychological and physical health. But on the road to recovery, exercising can have the opposite effects! Hitting the cardio machines or pumping iron will literally alter your brain chemistry for the better, relieve stress, and improve your overall outlook. Not only will you look stronger, but will really feel the internal strength effects of physical activity as well. When exercising, dopamine floods your brain which positively affects your motivation and produces feelings of wellness. Not only will exercise help you live a healthier life in the moment but will ultimately impact your overall quality of life for the better.

  • Get Social Support

You don’t need to be a scientist to know that having a group of people to turn to in rough times is essential to our health. In Alcoholic Anonymous, the whole group is one big support team. By using their guiding principles and fellowship with one another, they begin the process of recovery. Having people by your side that are going through the same struggles, or even just to listen are beneficial to one’s health. Many studies have shown the positive benefits, from elevating blood pressure and heart rate to reducing stress, the effects are wide. It’s even been shown that those with close ties live longer! So get to connecting, my friend.

  • Make Amends

Part of this step in AA is about admitting one’s wrongs and correcting them for the benefit of others and themselves. This step can bring incredible healing when practiced. Not only for those struggling with abuse, but for anyone who wants to live healthier. By admitting wrongs and asking for forgiveness, anyone can reap the benefits of improved relationships and mood. Making amends can be in many forms, like writing a letter or having a face to face conversation, but your quality of life can be improved either way. Practicing this principle will almost always be a beneficial thing to your (and other’s) health.  

  • Forgive Yourself and Others

Many people suffer from self destructive blame, especially those who struggle with addiction. They can have a hard time moving forward because they don’t feel worthy of forgiveness. Holding onto grudges or self-blame can be detrimental to living a happy and healthy life. When we release that burden, however, the benefits are bountiful. Several studies in Huffington post reveal the awesome effects of forgiving others. It can extend your life, decrease chronic stress, improve sleep, decrease blood pressure, strengthen relationships and many other protective factors. When you are able to forgive others, you become able to forgive yourself.

  • Look at your relationship with alcohol

Yes, drinking is a great way to socialize, relax, and have fun. But if it becomes too often or obsessive, it can destroy a healthy lifestyle. People apart of AA know this first hand, because it not only destroys their own health, but negatively impacts those around them as well. Drinking a lot increases risks for diseases and cancers. Quitting, or strictly limiting drinking, has so many health benefits, especially for your liver! Studies show that it can help you slim down and stay fit because you’re not slowing the metabolism anymore or drinking empty calories. Your body will be able to absorb more nutrients than before, get higher quality sleep, and even perform better with sex.

  • Live for today

For recovering alcoholics, many worries about the future can block the path of healing. One of the healthiest things we can do for ourselves is to not worry about tomorrow, but focus on the positives today. When we are constantly bombarded with stressors and thinking about the future we can quickly get overwhelmed by life. Every day is different, but the ability to focus on the day and the tasks at hand is key to enjoying the moment. Being mindful and living for today can impact our physical and mental health by reducing anxiety, improving self esteem, and help us cope better will illnesses. So no matter what life throws at you, remember to focus on the moment and appreciate the health benefits of doing so!

]]> https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/top-10-health-and-life-tips-to-learn-from-aa/feed/ 0 11578 Top 10 Health and Fitness Tips From Hinduism https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/top-10-health-tips-hinduism/ https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/top-10-health-tips-hinduism/#respond Fri, 03 Jun 2016 17:53:58 +0000 http://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/?p=11676 Hinduism is generally acknowledged to be one of the world’s oldest and largest religions. Hinduism currently has over 1 billion adherents worldwide, which makes up about 15% of the world’s population.  About 80-90% of all Hinduism followers are in India. Here are the Top 10 Health and Fitness Tips from Hinduism:

  • Strive to Achieve Balance in Health, Body, and Spirit — Dharma – Followers of Hinduism believe that the body is made up of natural elements, Earth, Air, Fire, and Water.  It is believed that proper balance of these elements indicates good health, whereas imbalance indicates the opposite.  Followers of Hinduism strive to achieve balance throughout their lives using self-control, meditation, yoga, and a clean diet.
    Dharma stands for the ultimate moral balance of all things in life and belongs to the universe and the individual as well.  The individual is responsible to balancing their own dharma through all areas of life such as religious, social, and familial areas.
  • Benefits of a Structured Dietary Code – Followers of Hinduism believe that showing care for what you eat can save your body and mind.  Food is believed to be the source of the body’s chemistry, which means Hindus believe that what you eat can affect your mood and thoughts. Orthodox Hindus are pure vegetarians and many choose to avoid the eating of animal meat altogether, due to the belief that all of God’s creatures are worthy of respect and compassion.  While many observe a strict vegetarian diet consisting of no animal byproducts, others may adhere to the religion’s dietary codes in varying degrees of strictness.  Most refrain from consuming beef because the cow is considered sacred and pork, duck, camel, snails, and crab are generally avoided. Overall, lacto-vegetarian diet where dairy is consumed with non-animal foods is favored among the Hindu population.

This dietary code consists of three categories:

  1. Tamasic food:  stale, leftover, overripe, spoiled, or otherwise impure food.  It is believed to produce negative emotions, such as anger, greed and jealousy.
  2. Rajasic food:  believed to produce strong emotional qualities in the mind such as passions or restlessness.  These are commonly spicy or pungent foods like meat, eggs, fish, spices, onions, garlic, and hot peppers.
  3. Sattvic food:  believed to be the most desireable food that is non-irritating to the stomach and purifying for the mind.  Sattvic food is believed to promote calmness.  These foods include fruits, nuts, whole grains, and vegetables.

 

  • Practice Yoga – In Hinduism, yoga is primarily spiritual.  The physical aspect comes second, and is meant to be exercise in purification, allowing man to work toward achieving a higher spiritual and mental state.  Yoga goes hand in hand with meditation in many disciplines, and is meant to connect the body and mind in preparation for meditation.
  • The Use of Tulsi – Tulsi, or “Holy Basil” is widely used and revered in Hinduism due to its many medicinal and religious purposes.  This plant has antimicrobial properties and is known to promote longevity.  Tulsi is a very important plant in Ayurveda and can be found in nearly every Hindu household.  The plant’s extracts can be used for many common ailments like the common cold, stomach disorders, headaches, inflammation, malaria, and heart disease.  Tulsi can even purify or de-pollute the air and acts as a repellant against mosquitoes, flies, and other insects.
  • Self-Control – In Hinduism, it is believed that the mind and body can be trained to resist and overcome cravings or harmful behaviors such as addiction.  The Hindu sacred writings called the Bhagavad Gita, states “It is true that the mind is restless and difficult to control. But it can be conquered…through regular practice and detachment. Those who lack self-control will find it difficult to progress in meditation; but those who are self-controlled, striving earnestly through the right means, will attain the goal”.
  • Intermittent Fasting – Fasting habits depend on a person’s caste, or social ranking, and is usually done during holy days, moon days, and during festivals.  It is important to note that intermittent fasting is rarely done continuously for more than one day. According to a study done on mice at The University of Southern California by Valter Longo, published in (Cell Metabolism), the benefits of intermittent fasting included improved immune system, reduction of cancer incidence, and promotion of stem cell regeneration, particularly in the brain.
  • Improved Oral Health – According to a study done on the impact of cultural factors in health, (tribal and primitive Hindu) populations’ diet patterns consisting of fibrous and coarse vegetation were shown to possibly reduce tooth decay and facilitate adequate stimulation of jaw muscles because they forgo refined carbohydrates and red meat.  The habit of alcoholism is prohibited among high caste Hindus, which also promotes oral health.
  • Cleanliness – The Hindu way of living gives tremendous importance to cleanliness and hygiene. Many Hindus practice a daily bath ritual and you cannot visit the temple without bathing beforehand.  Similarly, one may not enter a puja room (prayer room) until they are in clean clothes after bathing.
  • Meditation – Hindus believe that through meditation, we have the ability to evolve into higher beings through mental focus.  Meditation can help overcome mental blocks, negative thinking, fears, and anxiety if practiced regularly.
  • Karmic Belief – Karma is a facet of the Hindu belief system.  Karma literally means “deed” or “act”, and often refers to the accumulations of your actions and determines each soul’s unique destiny.  Karma stands for the belief that an individual experiences the effects of his or her behavior and actions, and that every act or thought has consequences.  Negative thoughts and actions can result in  commensurate suffering, wherein good thoughts and actions can liberate a person.

To read more of our articles on Spiritual Health, click here.

 

]]> https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/top-10-health-tips-hinduism/feed/ 0 11676 Top 10 Health and Fitness Tips From Moses https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/top-10-fitness-tips-moses/ https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/top-10-fitness-tips-moses/#respond Wed, 01 Jun 2016 22:49:49 +0000 http://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/?p=11627 Moses is a key figure in three of the world’s oldest and largest religions. Jews, Christians, and Muslims celebrate his covenant with God and inspired leadership to rescue the enslaved Israelites from the tyrannical Egyptian pharaohs. While everyone is familiar with certain aspects of Moses’s life, such as the parting of the Red Sea and being found in the Nile as an infant, not everyone is aware of his royal upbringing. Despite his comfortable position, Moses had a strong sense of the injustice perpetrated against the Israelites and therefore found the strength to lead them to freedom. His courage ensured his fame and we are here to determine any fitness tips we might learn from him. Read the fitness tips from moses.

Moses led Israelite captives out of Egypt by walking the desert toward the Red Sea. The Egyptian Prince traveled to Mt. Sinai on foot. The benefits of walking lead to the strengthening of bone and muscle mass. Suddenly walking outside on a paved road doesn’t sound so hard.           

Moses had written five books in the Hebrew bible, under one of the Mosaic laws;       Dent 14:23-26 the bible allows for wine to be consumed in the presence of the Lord. Wine, especially red wine is great for the cardiovascular system and helps to prevent heart related issues. A chemical, resveratrol is found in red wine that is great for preventing damage to blood vessels.

  • A peaceful mind and soul make a peaceful body

Moses showed great leadership and strength by defending his people and acting as a peace monger. Moses’s mindset is mentally in good condition by leading through his acts of justice. A healthy mind and social life can also often need someone to be a good leader.

  • Eat healthy

The food eaten during this period was mainly in the form of bread such as the manna (bread from heaven), God provided them with this miracle bread saving them from hunger as they walked miles from the desert to the Sea. During this period, bread was one of the main sources of food. The bread of the time however, is a far cry from the white bread found at the store- Manna bread contains whole grains which are highly nutritious and reduces the risks of several chronic diseases including heart disease.

  • Make water part of your healthy routine.

Moses found water and lead his people to it after three days. Hydration is the best way to keep your momentum and strength going. Drinking 2 liters of water a day helps flush out toxins, cleanses the liver and respiratory system, while also improving physical performance.

  •  We all must choose the right path

The Torah of Moses, a scroll that was given from God, refers to many foods such as water, wine, oil, honey, and manna. This is a great passage to encourage the freedom of choice to eat well and healthy.

  •  Have limits when eating

Moses’s diet would be strictly all Kosher. This includes restricting meats that contain the flesh, organs, eggs, and milk from animals. Although Meat cannot be eaten with dairy, Fish, eggs, fruits, vegetables, and grains can be eaten with either meat or dairy. Grape products made by non-jews may not be eaten. This kosher diet is great for vegetarians starting out or even as a guideline to encourage healthy eating and lifestyle.

  • Be Social

Moses lead his father-in-law’s flock to the wilderness. His character shows that he had both strength and determination, two qualities that greatly contribute to maintaining a healthy lfiestyle. Moses cared deeply for his beloved ones and his people which is a great way of keeping a healthy perspective. Social health is a large part of living a balanced lifestyle.

  • Importance of dedication

Moses and his people walked the desert for three days without water. This shows divine strength and determination to lead his flock to a safe haven for the Israelites. Dedication is an important part of any healthy life especially for someone starting ther road to a better life.

  • Be ready for your calling

All throughout Moses’s life, it was his calling that helped him persevere though the challenges and shape him into a transcendental leader. To be a great leader, one must be fit and active. We all have daily challenges that we need to overcome and prosper through. Our callings become simpler in health than in illness, therefore, we should aspire to be the healthiest we can be.

]]> https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/top-10-fitness-tips-moses/feed/ 0 11627 Top 10 Health and Fitness Tips from Buddha https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/top-10-fitness-tips-from-buddha/ https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/top-10-fitness-tips-from-buddha/#comments Fri, 27 May 2016 00:16:37 +0000 http://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/?p=11584 Close your eyes and picture Buddha. Are you thinking of a fat bald guy with droopy earlobes and a goofy smile? This is the image that has been popularized by little statues and restaurant murals around the world, but it is far from the reality. Born to the prosperous rulers of the Shakya Clan in the 6th Century BC, the man who would become Buddha was a prince named Siddhartha who stayed in top physical shape in the luxurious confines of his family’s palace. Outside of the palace walls, he fasted and ate only when it was necessary for his survival. We’ve assembled the top 10 health and fitness tips from Buddha, and none of them justify an endlessly expanding waistline, sorry!

  • Clean Diet

In following the First Precept of the Five Moral Precepts, many Buddhists choose Vegetarian or Vegan diets because they do not believe in killing animals for food.  Buddha recommended following a diet consisting of fresh fruits, nuts, and vegetables. It is also important to consume lean protein, healthy carbs, vitamins, minerals and fats.

A study published in Proceedings of the Nutrition Society; (Apr 1999, Vol. 58 Issue 2, p459-468, 10p) shows that Vitamin E plays an extremely important role in platelet, vascular, and immune health due to its antioxidant properties. Incorporating an adequate amount of Vitamin E in your diet will leave you feeling more energetic, clear-minded and will also improve the immune system.

 

  • Always Begin Your Day With Breakfast

Many Buddhist monks have been observed consuming breakfasts commonly consisting of steamed vegetables, fish broth, and poached eggs.  The purpose of a diet consisting of these items is to prime your digestive system for an energetic and highly productive day while feeding beneficial digestive flora and starving pathogenic bacteria and yeasts in the digestive tract.

  • Fasting

Buddhism encourages ascetic practices–practices meant to teach self-discipline or self-denial in the pursuit of a spiritual goal.

Fasting helps you achieve self-discipline and acquire more self-control while detoxifying the body. Based on the Second Precept of the Five Moral Precepts, Buddha recommended eating once a day, in one sitting, taking care to reducing the amount eaten to avoid overconsumption. It was also recommended for monks not to consume solid food after noon.
The potential health benefits of intermittent fasting include weight loss, lower blood pressure, lower cholesterol levels, improved cardiovascular and brain function, improved risk factors for coronary heart disease and stroke, and increased resistance to age-related diseases and insulin sensitivity.

  • Wake up Early

It is important to maintain a consistent sleep schedule in which you go to sleep at and wake up at the same time every day.  One of the main benefits of waking up early include increased energy, clarity of mind and productivity.  Waking up early will also give you an early start and more time to work on your goals for the day.

  •  Maintain Physical Fitness

Siddhartha Gautama was born into the caste of warriors, rulers, and aristocrats of ancient India.  As a result, Siddhartha Gautama underwent rigorous physical training to master archery, swordsmanship, and horsemanship.  A healthy, flexible, and fit body will undoubtedly complement and support the pursuit of a healthy, flexible, and fit mind.  Unsurprisingly, yoga and Buddhism are sister traditions that evolved in the same spiritual culture of ancient India.  The beginnings of yoga can be traced back over 5,000 years ago to the Indus-Sarasvati civilization of Northern India and ancient monks used yoga along with pranayama (breathing the life force) to prepare their bodies for long periods of seated meditation.

  • Meditate Every Day

Meditation occupies a central place in all forms of Buddhism.  The Buddha was one of history’s major proponents of meditation, and Indian tantras (scriptures) mentioned meditation techniques around 5000 years ago.

According to the Buddha Dharma Education Association, the basic purpose of meditation is to calm the mind and train it to concentrate.  The benefits of meditating each day include lowered blood pressure and allow for fewer distractions throughout daily life.

  • Avoid Intoxicating Substances

Buddha emphasized the importance of avoiding intoxicating substances.  Intoxicating substances are to be avoided because they cloud the mind, can be physically and psychologically addictive, and may increase the likelihood of breaking the other rules of Buddhism, according to the Five Moral Precepts.

  • Practice Proper Breathing

Proper breathing techniques go hand in hand with yoga and meditation.  There are many ways to practice proper breathing — one of the health benefits of mindful breathing and meditation include decreased Beta brain waves, which are associated with thinking, problem solving, and stress.  With daily practice of proper breathing, you will increase Alpha, Theta, and Gamma brain waves, which are the brain waves associated with relaxed creativity and high mental state.  Mindful breathing throughout the day has been shown to have positive effects on stress of the body and mind.  In a study published in NeuroImage suggests that mindful attention to breath contributes to increased emotional regulation because of increased amygdala and prefrontal-cortex connectivity.

  •  Practice Mindfulness

Mindfulness according to Merriam-Webster  is defined as “the practice of maintaining a non-judgmental state of heightened or complete awareness of one’s thoughts, emotions, or experiences on a moment-to-moment basis” and pertains to both bodily actions and the mind’s thoughts and feelings.  

Mindfulness is a conscious direction of our awareness and is often synonymous with meditation.  In Buddhism, mindfulness is a prerequisite for developing insight and wisdom.  Mindfulness is an activity that can be done at any time and does not necessarily require sitting in one place.  

  • Practice Altruism

“O monks, wander! We will go forward for the benefit of many people…out of compassion for the world, for the good, welfare, and happiness of gods and humans.” — Catusparishad Sutra (Buddhist scripture)

“Someone may build a precious reliquary, as high as the world; It is said that training others to generate The altruistic intention is more excellent.” — Aryadeva (monk, 170-260 CE).

Many Buddhist organizations aim to give help and provide warmth and active caring to relieve suffering.  The goal of adopting an altruistic approach to life is to extend compassion and loving kindness, or charity to others.

 

]]> https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/top-10-fitness-tips-from-buddha/feed/ 2 11584 Pastor Joel Osteen Fitness Profile https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/pastor-joel-osteen-fitness-profile/ https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/pastor-joel-osteen-fitness-profile/#respond Wed, 20 Apr 2016 09:43:29 +0000 http://healthfitnessrevolution.com/?p=5309 The 50-year-old preacher made headlines a couple of years ago when he was pictured in Hawaii with 6-pack abs, which is a testament in itself to how much he exercises. Joel Osteen frequently posts diet and fitness advice on his website, encouraging people “to take care of your temple. Don’t put things in that you know shouldn’t be in. Limit the sugars. Limit the caffeine. Drink more water. Eat more fruits and vegetables and don’t live off of these packaged lunch meats,” Osteen advises. “Eat more organic when you can. More baked and less fried.” He cares so much about the health of his congregation that he even appointed one of the top fitness experts in the world, Health Fitness Revolution founder Samir Becic to be in charge of Health and Fitness at his mega-church, Lakewood in Houston, TX. We wrote about it in an article here.  Samir says “Joel Osteen makes me laugh so hard that sometimes I have a sore stomach, laughter is a key component of health.” Joel also made our Top 10 Fittest Religious Leaders in the U.S. list. His church, Lakewood, also made our Top 50 Fittest Mega Churches in America list.

]]> https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/pastor-joel-osteen-fitness-profile/feed/ 0 5309 Exclusive Interview With Second Baptist Pastor Dr. Ed Young https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/dr-ed-young-interview/ https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/dr-ed-young-interview/#respond Mon, 11 Apr 2016 16:46:27 +0000 http://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/?p=11074 HFR founder Samir Becic is extremely honored to present to our readers a rare and exclusive interview with Dr. Ed Young, who is one of the most influential Christian leaders in the entire United States. He is also the senior pastor of Second Baptist Church, one of the largest and most health-conscious churches in the country.

Becic said “when I entered Second Baptist for the first time while research a story about the fittest churches in America, I was beyond surprised at how many separate gyms just one campus had, and they have six campuses.”

The fitness facilities are important in combining fitness and spirituality, two of the most important components of a healthy lifestyle. Becic explained “Spiritual awareness is one of the key components of healthy lifestyle that impacts the whole body and rejuvenates the spirit. Physical fitness and healthy nutrition allows that spirit to flourish to new dimensions and many people experience a closer relationship to God.”

Becic is impressed how Dr. Young is one of the leading Christian role-models, not only in spirituality, but also in physical fitness and healthy lifestyle. He believes churches should help over 70 million believers lead a lifestyle in order to fight obesity, considering that a 2006 Purdue University study found Christians to be the religious group most prone to obesity.

Dr. Ed Young is a leading candidate for our 2016 list of the top fittest Christian leaders in America, and one of the men who hopes to change that statistic. This interview is a great start!

Dr. Young, I already did a story on how Second Baptist is one of the fittest churches in America. I am very impressed with your fitness program, which occupied more than 15,000 square feet of fitness space on one of your campuses. How did you arrive at the idea of creating such an elaborate workout area for your congregation?

Dr. Young:  I believe that the body is the temple of God. As Christians, we’re taught to be responsible for the gifts that God has given us. Therefore, life is the first and most precious gift that we have. So when I came to Houston 37 years ago, I saw it was important to create a sub-culture in a world-class city. People come to Houston from all walks of life, all backgrounds, all economic strata. We wanted to create a small town in the middle of this exploding metropolis. Part of our ministry is to give opportunity for all people, from children to older adults to participate in a wide variety of physical fitness activities. Now hundreds of people avail themselves of this ministry every single day.

Please tell us about your book, 365 Days of Total Heart Health and what inspired you to write it?

Dr. Young:  I co-authored with two dear friends – Dr. Mike Duncan, a cardiovascular surgeon in Houston, and Dr. Rick Leachman, a cardiologist in Houston. They both work at keeping their own bodies physically fit through diet and exercise. We also realize there is a spiritual dimension to health and well-being. We got together and wrote two different books that deal with body, soul, and spirit.

What is your favorite exercise to improve heart health?

Dr. Young:  For years I have jogged, and now I work on an elliptical three to four days a week. Also, I do some light-weight work out, as well as stretching exercises.

How important is health and fitness in your life?

Dr. Young:  My goal in life is not to rust out, but to burn out. Therefore, in order to continue to grow and progress spiritually and emotionally, the physical element is a necessity.

Will you please share your health and fitness routine with our readers?

Dr. Young: The bottom line is, I’m addicted to exercise, and I think that is a good addiction. When your mind is dull, your body is weak, and it is more difficult to concentrate, even on things that speak of the eternal.

How does health and fitness improve your spirituality and vice-versa?

Dr. Young:  To seriously exegete Scripture and apply it to life, I think you have to be mentally and physically equipped. You have to have a degree of endurance in order to stay in the battle, and in my case, to fulfill my calling.

You and your son, Ed Young, Jr. are both physically active. Do you feel like you instilled the values of fitness to him? What are the benefits of family fitness to you?

Dr. Young:  My three sons, Ed, Ben, and Cliff are all three physically active. They enjoy different sports. We were primarily a basketball family, but we participated in all the sports. It’s just a lifestyle with a young family. Even my wife, Jo Beth, at long last, is now engaged in physical training. In fact, a big part of parenting my boys was the time we spent in athletic endeavors together. Sports provides the opportunity to model character and sportsmanship. We take those qualities into all walks of life. I also found that kids open up and talk shooting baskets in the driveway, more than if you sit them down for a “serious discussion.” There is a comradery that organically materializes during physical activity.

Since the mega-churches of today hold such a strong influence on the opinion of mainstream America and can definitely be a stronghold in fighting obesity, what do you think is the most effective way of utilizing this to increase Christian health and fitness?

Dr. Young: Remember that the Bible says more about gluttony than almost any other deadly sin. If we in the church are to emulate Jesus Christ, who walked miles every day, we need to have a built-in plan of physical fitness, as well as, spiritual disciplines in order to make life work.

Followers look for daily guidance from pastors and heads of ministries on the best way to live and raise their families. Do you think introducing healthy ways of living to pastors can assist the Christian community, which is even more overweight than the general population, to become more fit?

Dr. Young:  There is an old poem I love that has very useful words: “I’d rather see a sermon than hear one any day; I’d rather one would walk with me than merely show the way.”

I think when we keep ourselves physically fit, it’s an indication that we also have other disciplines in place in our lives. Spiritual disciplines are most important, but physical disciplines augment our walk with God.

Being a Senior Pastor at one of the largest churches in America can become stressful. What do you do personally to relax and unwind?

Dr. Young:  I enjoy people!  Surrounding myself with people who fill my life with fun and joy really help me to relax. Also, I love the outdoors, and I enjoy all sports. I not only read books that help me in my ministry, but I enjoy novels, histories, and even biographies—a variety of genres.

If you could give three life-tips to everyone, what would they be?

Dr. Young:  My first life-tip would be to get to know God personally. You say, “Well, I’d like to, but where do you begin”? I think you begin with a relationship with Jesus Christ. The great thing is He really wants to get to know you. “Be still and know that I Am God.” It works every time.

My second life-tip is to be a good listener. You can learn a lot if you will actually listen to others.  

Third, learn to say, “I was wrong. I am sorry. Please forgive me. I love you. I need you.” It will work in your marriage and in most relationships.

The last life-tip is to have fun and be with people who have fun and enjoy laugher. Life is too short for everything to be in the minor key.

What is it like being a modern-day Christian leader?

Dr. Young:  It is challenging because the product I represent is a product that everyone needs. Therefore, it’s a privilege to be able to advertise what God can do for man in Jesus Christ.

Considering you are one of the most influential religious leaders in America, what is your take on the 36% obesity rate within this country? What would you suggest to remedy it?

Dr. Young:  It’s a great tragedy. I would encourage parents to begin early teaching their children how to enjoy healthful eating. I advocate the Paleo Diet, which I think is the healthiest diet around and will not only help us to lose weight, but maintain the proper weight proportionally to our body structure. Basically, lean meats and fruits and vegetables. It is easy and accessible.

Which direction do you see this country moving in the next 20 years, in terms of spirituality?

Dr. Young:  If America is to survive, we had better learn again how to bow the knee and open up our hands to worship, and to once again become givers. In a world that is supposedly the most connected culture in history – we have become disconnected. Family structure has ruptured, our worldview in America has shifted, and we have all but kicked God out of our land. We don’t say “Christmas” and we don’t pray in schools. We have torn down monuments and scoffed at the flag.

I am concerned about the drift in the core values of our country. That is why I am passionate about voting. I will never say who to vote for, but I do encourage everyone to vote their values. If we are to stop the drift, we as Christians have to voice our beliefs, and one way to do that is to vote in every election.

Would you like to add anything else?

Dr. Young:  Anyone who exercises knows about endorphins. When we exercise and get our cardio operating properly, those endorphins kick in and everybody feels better. If you haven’t experienced this, I highly recommend serious daily exercise as a beginning step to have a life that’s balanced, and a life that is increasingly meaningful.

]]> https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/dr-ed-young-interview/feed/ 0 11074 Top 10 Quotes From Judaism on Health https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/top-10-quotes-judaism-health/ https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/top-10-quotes-judaism-health/#respond Thu, 31 Mar 2016 19:40:45 +0000 http://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/?p=9864 Here are Samir Becic and Health Fitness Revolution’s favorite passages from Judaism on health and diet:

“Spiritual awareness is one of the key components of healthy lifestyle that impacts the whole body and rejuvenates the spirit. Physical fitness and healthy nutrition allows that spirit to flourish to new dimensions and many people experience a closer relationship to God.” – Samir Becic

“When keeping the body in health and vigor, one walks in the way of God.” Maimonides, Mishneh Torah, Hilchot Deot 4:1

“According to the effort is the reward.”  (Avot 5:22-23)

“Better is one slow to anger than a strong man, and one who rules over his spirit than a conqueror of a city.” (Proverbs 16:32)

“Those who have the capacity to eliminate a wrong and do not do so bear the responsibility for its consequences.” (Shabbat 54b)

“Take heed to thyself and take care of your lives.” (Deuteronomy 4:9) 

”Be extremely protective of your lives.” (Deuteronomy 4:15)

“Whoever guards his mouth and his tongue, guards his soul from distress.” (Mishlei 21:23)

“A person should aim to maintain physical health and vigor, in order that their soul may be upright, in a condition to know God. For it is impossible for one to understand sciences and meditate upon them when he is hungry or sick, or when any of his limbs is aching.” Maimonides Law 3

“Respect your own body as the receptacle, messenger, and instrument of the spirit of the spirit.” S.R. Hirsch, 19 Letters #11

“Man owes it to keep his body clean as a worthy dwelling for the soul.”  Lipkin, on Yom Kippur

]]> https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/top-10-quotes-judaism-health/feed/ 0 9864 Interview with LifePointe Church’s Pastor Chuck Bernal https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/interview-with-lifepointe-churchs-pastor-chuck-bernal/ https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/interview-with-lifepointe-churchs-pastor-chuck-bernal/#respond Tue, 23 Feb 2016 22:43:37 +0000 http://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/?p=10123 HFR believes that spirituality is a fundamental part of health.  With this being said, we will be interviewing spiritual leaders across the world in order to present you with the facts necessary to find yourself, your calling, and your own spirituality.

Today, we sat down with the senior pastor of LifePointe Church in Crowley, TX Pastor Chuck Bernal to discuss his amazing weight loss journey, healthy lifestyle, and how he hopes to inspire others through his actions.

We truly commend Pastor Chuck Bernal, who previously made our Top 10 Fittest Christian Leaders in America due to his phenomenal fitness transformation!

Chuck Bernal - Before- After - Picture 2

HFR: Please tell us about your weight loss journey and what inspired you to start.

 

Pastor Chuck Bernal: Growing up in south Florida, in my younger years I was always fit and active enjoying activities such as running, tennis, racquetball and golf. Due to a progressive spinal cord condition that started in 1998, I ended up with severe mobility problems. These problems culminated with me ending up in a wheelchair in 2000 unable to walk at all. In 2003 I began an intensive therapy program, which slowly enabled me to regain partial mobility. In 2010, I was able to walk again (with a cane) but the past 10 years had taken its toll both physically and emotionally. My weight spiraled to 368 pounds and I was struggling with depression. I knew I could not continue to live like this and something had to change. On June 1, 2010, I made the decision to change my life and regain the health and vitality I had lost. With God’s help, I started a journey of fitness that included a personal commitment to work out every single day for an entire year, to change my eating habits and to move past the negative thoughts that were keeping me “stuck”. On June 1, 2011 (one year later), I had lost a total of 146 pounds and regained my health both physically and emotionally. In the ensuing 4½years, I have continued my fitness journey and lost 20 more pounds and have continued working to get even stronger and healthier.

 

HFR: How important is health and fitness in your life?

Pastor Chuck Bernal: Health and fitness have become one of my top priorities because I have learned that physical health and well being is foundational to every other part of life. Jesus once said that we are to love God with “all of our heart, soul, mind and strength”. You can’t do that if you are not healthy. My personal commitment to health and fitness have become a habit that I cannot live without. No matter whatever else is going on or how busy I am, I MAKE the time to workout. Being healthy, both in exercise and nutrition have been woven into the fabric of my life and it is my goal – with God’s help – to maintain and even increase my commitment in these areas.

 

HFR: How do you feel it can improve your spirituality?

Pastor Chuck Bernal: The Bible teaches that we were created by God not only with a spirit (the capacity to know Him) but we were also created with a mind and a body. All three of these components that make us human are impacted by our health. When we are spiritually unhealthy, it will impact our physical and emotional health. This is seen over and over especially in the book of Psalms. David connects his spiritual health (of lack of it) with what’s going on in his body and with his emotions. By the same token, when our bodies are unhealthy, it impacts us emotionally and spiritually. In the New Testament Paul teaches that as Christians we need to understand that “our bodies are the temples of the Holy Spirit.” This has huge implications for how we treat our bodies because what happens to us physically has a direct connection to our spiritual life. When I was fat, fatigued and unhealthy – I was not honoring God in the way that I should have. My commitment to physical health has only served to improve my walk with God. Being fit is a way to honor Him and also help others.

 

HFR: How to you promote health and fitness to your congregation? How do you emphasize it?

Pastor Chuck Bernal: If I am going to promote health and fitness, I not only have to embrace it for myself but I have to embody it as well. The most important way that I can motivate health and fitness is to model it. My church family is well aware of my fitness journey and I make it a point to use social media to post regularly about my own health and fitness – my wins and sometimes my losses. They know that if this almost 60 year old guy – with a history of health issues – can change his life than they know they can too. We also try to build health and fitness into our programming and events. We launched Saddleback Church’s “Daniel Plan” to encourage healthy living. We have had nutritional seminars, fitness workshops and community events like “fun runs”. My church, LifePointe Church in Crowley, TX is still a young church. Our facility is a fairly small space and we are not able to have any kind of on site fitness center, but we are still committed to helping our people find other places to train and workout. The director of our city’s recreation center is a member of our church and we have many of our people that use their state of the art facility. Over the years we have had several fitness trainers in our church and we help our people to connect with them. We have a cycling ministry called “LifeCyclers” and we also have a lot of our people involved in martial arts.

 

HFR: Being a Pastor can get stressful- what do you personally do to unwind and relax?

Pastor Chuck Bernal: In Stephen Covey’s great book, “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People” he talks about the need to take time to “sharpen the saw”. In other words, if we too busy and too stressed, we lose our edge. Sharpening the saw has become vitally important in my life and here’s some of the ways that help me: Family first – we have 5 daughters (all married), 12 grandkids and around our house there is never a dull moment. Spending time with my family is a huge part of what keeps me grounded and stress -free. Being together with them is a great source of joy and laughter. I also love to play guitar and there have been many times over the years that music has played a big role in helping to reduce the stress level. Of course, as a pastor I do a lot of reading and that is another way to relieve stress and pressure. Finally, one of the things that I have grown to love in recent years is cycling. I can be filled with stress and feel overwhelmed by the pressures of life and a good, long ride can put everything in perspective. In fact, some of my best times of meditation and prayer come as I ride. I think cycling has been a huge stress reliever in many ways.

 

HFR: If you could give 3 life tips to everyone, what would they be?

Pastor Chuck Bernal: First, LIVE A FITNESS LIFESTYLE. You have to make fitness a part of your lifestyle not just an add-on to your life – and you have to make fitness FUN. One of my passions has become cycling and there is nothing more therapeutic than a bike ride.

Second, GOOD NUTRITION. I have learned that you have to eat and drink your way to reach your goals. You can exercise 10 hours a day, but if your nutrition is bad, you won’t become healthy. What I have learned during my own journey is that my nutrition is 80% of the health and fitness equation and exercise comprises the other 20%. I was not raised with good nutrition and I continued those bad habits as an adult. I would eat the wrong foods, at the wrong times in the wrong amounts and it was killing me. In fact, in my prior “unhealthy” days – I would often skip breakfast and sometimes lunch and then load up and pig out at night. And one other important thing I would mention is this – GIVE UP ALL DIET SODAS!! I was the world’s biggest diet soda addict and that only added to my poor health and bad nutrition. I justified drinking them because they were zero calorie, but as science has proven, they actually cause you to retain weight and not lose it. I made the personal commitment to drink nothing but water and that has done so much to help me reach my goals and increase my health and well being.

Third, BECOMING HEALTHY IS AN ONGOING PROCESS – DON’T GIVE UP! Remember that getting healthy is a process and it takes time. When you start at 368 pounds, you are not going to get fit overnight. You must keep your eyes on the goal and work every day to reach it. When I got serious about losing weight and getting fit I asked myself, “Where will you be in one year if you keep doing what you’re currently doing?” I knew that I would I would either be even heavier and more unhealthy than I currently was– and that was not acceptable any longer. Then I asked myself, “Where will you be in one year if you really make a commitment to health, fitness and proper nutrition?” I knew that by making a commitment to change my lifestyle, I could lose weight, become healthier and look and feel better along the way. I had two options: stay stuck or change my life – and I am so glad I chose to change.

 

HFR: Tell us more about your goals.

Pastor Chuck Bernal: My overall life goal is to stay as healthy and active as possible and to be the very best I can be at any age.

My specific daily and weekly health and fitness goals include:

  • A commitment to daily workouts (including walking, cycling & weight training)
  • A commitment to clean eating and good nutritional choices (eating more not less, 5-6 smaller meals per day.
  • A commitment to only drinking water (minimum of 130 ounces per day)
  • A commitment to periodic “juice fasts”
  • A commitment to good sleep habits
  • A commitment to taking time for relaxation and “sharpening the saw”

I turn 60 years old this April and one of my BHAG’s (Big, Hairy, Audacious Goals) is to commemorate this occasion by completing a half Ironman Triathlon. This would be a huge accomplishment for me and one that I am working hard to achieve.

 

HFR: How is it being a modern-day Christian leader?

Pastor Chuck Bernal: The basics tenets of Christian leadership is the same today as it’s always been since the time of Christ – but the context of how we do ministry changes with every generation. In many ways, we are living in perilous times and this calls us as Christian leaders to be strong and courageous. As a pastor, I continually walk a tightrope between being Biblically and doctrinally sound and at the same time being culturally relevant. Being a leader ultimately means serving others in love and my greatest joy in ministry is to help someone discover the love, grace, mercy and forgiveness that God offers to each person. Our “unofficial” motto at LifePointe is that we are “The Second Chance Grace Place”. This really captures who I am and what I do as a Christian leader.

 

HFR: Would you like to add anything else?

Pastor Chuck Bernal: When you get “stuck” in a bad place – whether physically, emotionally or spiritually – you start to believe the lie that you can never change and that your situation is permanent. I was stuck for so many years in that negative mindset that kept me defeated. What I have learned through this process is that we don’t have to settle for less than God’s best in our lives and with His help we CAN change. The only thing that can keep us stuck and hold us back is our own unwillingness to step out of our comfort zone and take the risk to change our lives. I did, and anyone else can too. From 2010 to the present, the journey to health and fitness has been a challenge, a lot of work and hasn’t always been easy, but three words summarize the past 5 years: “IT’S WORTH IT!”. – and my passion is to help others do it as well.

 

]]> https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/interview-with-lifepointe-churchs-pastor-chuck-bernal/feed/ 0 10123 Chuck Bernal – Before- After – Picture 2 Interview with Lakewood Church’s Senior Pastor Craig Johnson https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/interview-with-lakewood-churchs-senior-pastor-craig-johnson/ https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/interview-with-lakewood-churchs-senior-pastor-craig-johnson/#respond Fri, 12 Feb 2016 19:05:59 +0000 http://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/?p=10046 HFR believes that spirituality is a fundamental part of health.  With this being said, we will be interviewing spiritual leaders across the world in order to present you with the facts necessary to find yourself, your calling, and your own spirituality.

Today, the founder of Health Fitness Revolution and creator of the ReSync Method Samir Becic sat down with the senior pastor of Lakewood Church, Pastor Craig Johnson to discuss his journey, healthy lifestyle, his program “Champions Club”, and his new book “Unrehearsed Destiny”.

Samir has a tremendous amount of respect for Pastor Craig Johnson and his creation of the “Champions Club” and admires the energy he puts into developing such an admirable cause, which will undoubtedly help many families and special needs children.

HFR: Please tell us about your new book and what inspired you to write it.

Pastor Craig Johnson: In 2005 we saw our son Connor change from being a typical child who had speech, would show emotion, and play with play mates shift to having no speech, showing no emotion, and stop interacting with people altogether. For us it was like a car wreck. One minute your child is one way, the next minute he’s totally changed. It wasn’t what we had planned. It was an unrehearsed destiny. We soon found out he was on the middle of the spectrum with Autism. It totally rocked our world. As we begin to walk through this incredibly hard journey as a family with our son we begin to see that everything we were going through God was going to use to help inspire and bring hope to others. We learned there was a greater purpose for our son then just being a typical child. We realized that even on your worst day you may become someone’s best hope. We begin to see that when you’re going through a storm the best thing you can do is be good to someone else. You not only help others but you get a different perspective about what your going through. So I begin to write a book to inspire people no matter where they are or what they are going through that God has not forgotten your destiny. Your greatest purpose is about to unfold. That journey became my new book “Unrehearsed Destiny

HFR: How important is health and fitness in your life?

Pastor Craig Johnson: It’s so important for your physical health but even more important for your mental health. I work out at least three days a week. When our son was diagnosed we begin to notice that he wouldn’t play like the other children. If you kicked a ball to him he would just let it bounce off of his leg. We also notice that many kids with special needs were not developing their muscles and engaging in good physical fitness. Through the inspiration of our son we launched Champions Clubs for special needs. A Champions Club are special developmental centers for kids that can go in schools, churches, and organizations. They have four key stations for development. A sensory station, an educational station, a spiritual growth station, and a physical therapy station. The physically therapy station might have a mini obstacle course, mini trampoline, swing, and different equipment to help the kids use their muscles, get all of that energy out, and develop physical fitness. We also encourage and give only gluten-free healthy snacks at all of our Champions Clubs. So as you can see health and fitness is huge in my home and in the work we do with our amazing Champions.

HFR: How do you feel health and fitness can improve your spirituality?

Pastor Craig Johnson: In the Bible in 1 Corinthians 6:19 it says, “Do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who lives in you, whom you have received as a gift from God. God’s plan for us involves maintaining spiritual, emotional, and physical health. He wants us to feel good physically so we can serve Him and help others to be able to enjoy the life He has provided for us.

Screen Shot 2016-02-12 at 12.55.07 PM

HFR: You created a really phenomenal program at Lakewood Church, Champions Club as a resource for parents, please tell us the inspiration behind the idea and the goals for the organization.

Pastor Craig Johnson: One day I was walking through Lakewood Church and God spoke to me in my heart and said, “Look at what you are doing here at Lakewood for typical kids. It looks like Disneyland. Now look at what you are doing for special needs children.” Less than 1% of churches in America have anything for special needs so we were like a lot of churches doing very little. Then God said, “Those kids deserve the very best just like every other child.” So even though I didn’t know exactly what to do, we pulled together some of the top special needs research doctors from the University of Texas Medical Center, we brought in some of the top educators for special needs in Houston, and we brought together some amazing parents who had kids with special needs. They became our task force and for an entire year we worked on what would become the Champions Club for special needs. Champions Club is a specially designed developmental area for kids, youth, and adults with special needs. Our goal was to develop a program that would meet the developmental needs of children in four important ways, SPIRITUALLY, INTELLECTUALLY, MENTALLY, and PHYSICALLY. Our focus was on spiritual growth through God’s Word, developing the intellect of each participant through the five senses, educationally through various learning tools, as well as engaging the child physically during active gross motor fun. We can adapt Champions Clubs to a school or public facility environment. Now there are Champions Clubs in schools, churches, hospitals and facilities all across America and around the world.

HFR: Being a Senior Pastor at the largest church in America can get stressful- what do you personally do to unwind and relax?

Pastor Craig Johnson: I work out at least 3 days a week, take long walks with my wife and children, and our family takes short trips away and a yearly vacation. All of these elements have been huge to relieve stress and stay healthy.
HFR:  If you could give 3 life tips to everyone, what would they be?

Pastor Craig Johnson: 1. Put God first place in your life. It’s hard enough doing life on your own. If you do he will give you just what you need when you need it and take you places you’ve never dreamed you could go in life. 2. The goal is never more important than the person. You can’t take any of your money, possessions, or titles with you when you die. The only thing you can take with you is your relationships. Work hard, do your best, go for your goals, but don’t do it at the expense of your relationships. 3. Be generous with your life to help others. I heard someone say, “Being successful doesn’t necessarily make you great. What makes you great is when you reach back and help someone else become great.” Real giving occurs when you give someone something that you want to keep. Don’t let your gifts and talents end with you. Sometimes we think to really make an impact in someone else’s life we have to do big things but I always ask myself the question “What is the least that you can do? Half a loaf of bread is better than no bread at all. Can we give a smile? Can we speak a few words of encouragement to someone today? Can we give someone some quality time? Someone needs what we have to give.

unrehearsed destiny

HFR: Tell us more about your son Connor…

Pastor Craig Johnson: Connor is now 12 years old. He’s doing amazing in his school and is a mentor to other kids in his class. He loves God and can quote over 40 scriptures. Connor is a foodie, he’s never met very many meals he didn’t like. He has been the inspiration for Champions Clubs and has impacted millions of people around the world. Connor’s miracle of speaking his first words has been written about in six different books. We are right now negotiating the movie rights to “Unrehearsed Destiny” to share our story. You can check out more of Connors story at  www.championsclub.org or www.connormoments.com or get the book Unrehearsed Destiny on amazon.com

HFR: Can you share something about Pastor Joel Osteen?

Pastor Craig Johnson: Not many people know this but Joel and Victoria are two of the greatest advocates for special needs. They, along with Lakewood Church, have walked alongside my family in our journey with our son Connor. They have helped pay for his schooling and medical needs as well as giving thousands of dollars to help launch Champions Clubs in places that could not afford to launch them on their own. We have launched Champions Clubs in a women’s home for homeless mothers with special needs children in Washington DC, we have launched Champions Clubs in inner city schools from San Francisco to Houston. We’ve launched Champions Clubs in third world countries like India and Africa, where these kids are forgotten and considered a curse upon the family and watched Joel and Victoria bring hope and healing to these kids and families. We are about to launch our first Champions Club in an orphanage in Guatemala where kids are being thrown out on the streets because parents can’t take care of them but now they will be able to take them in. Joel and Victoria Osteen have not only been a part of that but they’ve been some of my greatest supporters. I know no other pastors that have done more for special needs in the past 6 years than the Osteens.
HFR: Would you like to add anything else?

Pastor Craig Johnson: I am so grateful to my wife and children for all of their support and inspiration. We have walked on this journey from the very beginning together and they are my human sunshine and my greatest accomplishment. Along with them we are launching the Champions Foundation 501(c)3 to help launch Champions Clubs for organizations who cannot afford to help families with special needs. I just finished writing with Dr Sandy Robinson the first Christian Curriculum for Special Needs in history. This is going to be an amazing tool to help develop these Champions to be everything God has created them to be. Special needs are rising at an alarming rate around the world. Every country I visit says the same thing…we are meeting more special needs families needing help and we don’t know how to help them. Autism is now the #1 developmental disease in the world. These families are hurting, feel rejected and forgotten. But there is hope.” I am believing more people are going to partner with us to bring hope and healing to these families. These kids and teens are not throw aways, they are masterpieces. I know they have been forgotten in the past, but they are not forgotten anymore.

]]> https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/interview-with-lakewood-churchs-senior-pastor-craig-johnson/feed/ 0 10046 Screen Shot 2016-02-12 at 12.55.07 PM unrehearsed destiny Joel Osteen’s Church Rocks 5th Annual Lakewood Total Life Challenge https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/joel-osteens-church-rocks-5th-annual-fitness-challenge/ https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/joel-osteens-church-rocks-5th-annual-fitness-challenge/#respond Mon, 01 Feb 2016 17:42:27 +0000 http://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/?p=9958 Joel Osteen’s Lakewood Church successfully completed the 5th Annual Lakewood Total Life Challenge. This year, the participants went above and beyond the call of duty to make fitness a part of their lives. Samir Becic, the creator of Lakewood’s health and fitness program, was very pleased with everyone’s effort and the results they achieved. Samir says that “every year the health and fitness challenge and the programs at Lakewood are  increasing in organization and popularity, attracting more Lakewood members and their friends and families.”

The closing week featured powerful testimonies from the participants who saw great changes in their lives over the past 5 weeks. Some participants lost as much as 20 pounds, while everyone experienced positive results in terms of increased energy, positive spiritual reinforcement, and weight loss.

Samir wants to extend a special thanks to everyone who made the program possible: “The whole Lakewood team, John Bowman, Jackie Garner, Joanna Nunez, and Steve Austin, just to name a few, worked very hard this year to make the 5th Annual health and fitness challenge a special event. Special thanks to Pastors Joel and Victoria Osteen and the rest of their family for their continued support. Without them this would not be possible.”

Join Samir Becic at Lakewood every Sunday at 10am to be a part of Lakewood’s fitness movement.

]]> https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/joel-osteens-church-rocks-5th-annual-fitness-challenge/feed/ 0 9958 Top 13 Bible Verses on Health https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/top-10-bible-verses-on-health/ https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/top-10-bible-verses-on-health/#comments Thu, 14 Jan 2016 18:40:24 +0000 http://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/?p=9860 Here are Samir Becic and Health Fitness Revolution’s favorite Bible verses on health:

“Nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.” (1 Cor. 6:10)

“A sound heart is the life of the flesh: but envy the rottenness of the bones.” (Prov. 14:30)

” Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air. But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.” (1 Cor. 9:26-27)

“A wise man is full of strength, and a man of knowledge enhances his might.” “She girds herself with strength; she exerts her arms with vigor.” (Proverbs 24:5, 31:17)

“Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.” (3 John 2)

“What? Do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God, and that you are not your own?” (1 Cor. 6:19)

“Therefore, whether you eat, or drink, or whatever you do, do it all to the glory of God.” (1 Cor. 10:31)

“A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.” (Prov. 17:22)

“Fruit trees of all kinds will grow on both banks of the river. Their leaves will not wither, nor will their fruit fail. Every month they will bear fruit, because the water from the sanctuary flows to them. Their fruit will serve for food and their leaves for healing.” (Ezekiel 47:12)

“Do not be with heavy drinkers of wine, Or with gluttonous eaters of meat; For the heavy drinker and the glutton will come to poverty, And drowsiness will clothe one with rags.” (Prov. 23 20-21)

“Do not, for the sake of food, destroy the work of God.” (Romans 14:20)

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” (Gal. 5:22-23)

“When you sit down to dine with a ruler, Consider carefully what is before you, And put a knife to your throat If you are a man of great appetite.” (Prov. 23:2)

]]> https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/top-10-bible-verses-on-health/feed/ 1 9860 More Pastors Should Promote Fitness Like Joel Osteen https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/more-pastors-should-promote-fitness-like-joel-osteen/ https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/more-pastors-should-promote-fitness-like-joel-osteen/#respond Tue, 05 Jan 2016 17:45:50 +0000 http://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/?p=9738 Samir Becic, the man who created Lakewood’s Fitness Challenge, says more pastors should promote fitness like Joel Osteen, Victoria Osteen, Dr. Paul the rest of the Osteen family. Becic and his Lakewood team are responding to Osteen’s call to help members of Lakewood Church– the largest megachurch in America- get in shape for 2016. Becic said, “When I came to Lakewood director Pastor John Bowman with the idea of a program, he was a little shocked because, let’s face it, Lakewood’s a church. But now he is the biggest supporter of fitness because he knows that through a healthy lifestyle, spirituality becomes you.”

Last night marked the beginning of Lakewood’s fifth annual Total Life Challenge. Although the Total Life Challenge is an annual event, its value lasts a lifetime. Classes will be held on the third floor of Lakewood every Sunday from 5:45-7pm. The lessons are designed to help everybody get in shape and learn about the benefits of a healthy lifestyle, including those without any prior exercise experience. With new fitness regimens, participants can expect to live healthier, happier lives.

Lakewood Church has been at the forefront of health and fitness movement in the spiritual community for years now. In 2012 Lakewood Church issued its first annual Health and Fitness Challenge, becoming one of the first mega-churches in the country to do so. Since then it has never looked back. Lakewood’s passion stems from pastor Joel Osteen’s personal commitment to physical fitness and healthy living. Osteen, who is one of the fittest pastors in America, understands that a healthy lifestyle is instrumental to spiritual happiness.

Many celebrities have pledged their support to past Total Life Challenges, including health and news anchor Melissa Wilson from Fox 26, Deborah Duncan from Great Day Houston, and Houston’s News Queen Dominique Sachse.

In response to Lakewood’s efforts to make the congregation healthy and fit, Becic says, “With Lakewood, one of the largest churches in America putting so much effort into the health and fitness of its congregation, it is a great motivation and influence for other congregations to follow. I am thankful to Pastors Joel and Victoria Osteen and their congregation for giving me their blessing to use my knowledge and experience to provide the information and guidance necessary to make this challenge a success to all the participants involved. It also helps that Pastor Joel Osteen is a very fit person who encourages his congregation to live a healthier lifestyle – he believes that by being a healthier version of yourself, you can become all that God has created you to be.”

 

]]> https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/more-pastors-should-promote-fitness-like-joel-osteen/feed/ 0 9738 Top 10 Fittest Churches in America https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/top-10-fittest-churches-in-america/ https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/top-10-fittest-churches-in-america/#respond Tue, 01 Dec 2015 18:53:28 +0000 http://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/?p=9599 Regardless of religious preferences, Samir Becic and the Health Fitness Revolution Team have made a list of the Top 10 Fittest Churches in America. We’ve researched all the possible data that was available on over 1,000 churches and what they offer their members. We’ve complied a list of the different churches in America and narrowed it down from  250, to 150, to 100, to 50, and finally to 10 fittest churches in America.

We used a combination of interviews, internet, library, industry literature, and Samir Becic’s knowledge of over 25 years in athletics coupled with his experience as a four-time No. 1 Fitness Trainer in the World.

“Spiritual awareness is one of the key components of healthy lifestyle that impacts the whole body and rejuvenates the spirit. Physical fitness and healthy nutrition allows that spirit to flourish to new dimensions and many people experience a closer relationship to God.” – Samir Becic

“The Mega-Churches of today hold a strong influence on the general opinion of mainstream America. Followers look for daily guidance from pastors and heads of ministries on the best way to live their lives and raise their families. It is enormously important to provide the churches with the correct knowledge on fitness and proper nutrition so they can influence and better their members lives.”-Samir Becic

 

Lakewood Church – Houston, TX

lakewood church

  • Attendance: 43,500
  • Members: 45,000
  • Offers yearly Total Life Challenge (currently in fourth year) class for complete physical fitness and inner peace.
  • Provides strength and conditioning class
  • Zumba class
  • Nutritional classes
  • Has a basketball court
  • One of the first mega challenges with fitness expert Samir Becic
  • Pastor Joel Osteen is very fit himself, and by appointing Samir Becic as head of Health and Fitness is trying to make a point that fitness is an important factor in the Church.
  • Has many trainers to expand healthy lifestyle choices to all of the congregation.
  • Invites many fitness experts to participate in discussions
  • Many pastors from the church are very fit and health conscious
  • Both Pastors Joel and Victoria Osteen made out list of the top 10 Fittests Pastors of America
  • They do many promotions with their members can buy health products at an affordable price.

Second Baptist Church – Houston, TX

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  • Attendance: 23,659
  • Gym
  • Personal trainers
  • Fitness classes include: core conditioning, interval, TRX, bootcamp, aerobics, Spin, foam roller.
  • Indoor and outdoor track
  • Whirlpool and sauna in locker rooms
  • Full size weight room and plenty of cardio equipment
  • Sports leagues

Willowcreek Community Church – South Barrington, IL

willowcreek

  • Attendance: 22,500
  • Has a sports ministry that runs several Fall, Winter, and Spring leagues, including co-ed volleyball, women’s basketball, and men’s flag football
  • During the Summer, they offer weekly sand volleyball pick-up games, running clubs, and yoga groups
  • Tae Kwon Do classes meet year-round

LifeChurch.TV – Edmond, OK

lifechurch

  • Attendance: 20,823
  • Employees receive quarterly reimbursements for gym memberships, sporting fees, fitness equipment, and more
  • Partners with Compassion International’s Child Survival Programs, which provides parents with education about various things, including health and nutrition
  • Also partners with The Chalmer Center, which teaches people about managing their businesses, households, and health

Saddleback Church – Lake Forest, CA

pastor-rick-warren-stands-on-stage-at-saddleback-church-in-lake-forest-calif-the-megachurch-this-month-is-launching-three-international-campuses-one-in-hong-kong-buenos-aires-and-berlin

  • Attendance: 23632
  • Installed an outdoor fitness course on its property that is free for the community to use
  • The half-mile course includes five stations, featuring a variety of equipment designed to target different muscle groups
  • Pastor Rick Warren wrote the book “Daniel Plan: 40 Days to a Healthier Life”
  • The Daniel Plan is a healthy lifestyle program that shows how the powerful combination of Faith, Food, Fitness, Focus, and Friends can change your health forever
  • The Daniel Plan Health initiative now influences hundreds of churches across America
  • Hosts an annual Daniel Plan Health & Fitness Rally, the most recent being in January 2015
  • Hosted the Daniel Plan Fun Walk & Run
  • Has a Sports and Fitness ministry, which organizes recreation, leisure, and sports activities to benefit participants’ physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health (examples include: softball, basketball, soccer, golf, badminton, cycling, surfing, hiking, fitness, youth sports, prison sports, karate, tennis, and sports clinics)
  • Has the Saddleback Organic Garden Ministry, which aims to grow organic produce that will be distributed to needy families
  • Lead Pastor Rick Warren made 2 of our lists: Top 10 Fittest Pastors in America and Top 10 Fittest Christian Leaders

Calvary Chapel Fort Lauderdale – Fort Lauderdale, FLcalvary

  • Attendance: 18,000
  • Has an on-site restaurant (The Grill) that offers healthy menu items
  • Calvary Sports exists to make disciples by connecting people with a passion for sports/fitness and a passion for Jesus
  • Offers 17 fitness classes for men and women, including strength and conditioning, Zumba, core stretch, indoor cycling, power cardio, kickboxing, and more
  • Also offers youth and adult sports programs

The Potter’s House – Dallas, TX

Ministries

  • Attendance: 17,000
  • Pastor T.D. Jakes has been at the forefront of the health crusade in the black church
  • Has a Health Ministry
  • God’s Leading Ladies Life Enrichment Program includes physical fitness and healthy habits as part of the curriculum
  • The Medical Ministry consists of health care professionals and lay individuals dedicated to promoting health awareness, safety, and health maintenance in the church and community
  • Partnered with the YMCA, the American Heart Association, and Walgreens to host the Walkin’ and Rollin’ For Life Event in 2012
  • The event promoted exercise as part of a healthy lifestyle at any age and included a 5K walk/run/bike ride followed by a health expo

Southeast Christian Church – Louisville, KY

357CD6CEF0493A979806DA223650_h316_w628_m5_cRyzkhlho

  • Attendance: 16,264
  • Has a Sports and Fitness Center, a 64,000+ square-foot facility and resource for the development of overall health
  • The indoor area includes basketball courts, volleyball courts, racquetball courts, a suspended walking track, and group fitness rooms
  • The outdoor area includes baseball fields, softball fields, soccer fields, sand volleyball courts, and a walking track
  • The Sports and Fitness Ministry offers many programs that encourage participants to stay fit and connect with others through fitness; programs include seasonal Boot Camp classes, mini marathon training, and group fitness classes
  • The Ministry also offers a variety of youth and adult sports

Hopewell Missionary Baptist – Norcross, GA

hopewell

  • Attendance: 16,000
  • Has a Fitness and Wellness Center on campus with the purpose of providing creative and meaningful fitness activities for members in a Christian environment
  • The Music, Worship, and Creative arts ministry includes dance
  • Has a Health Ministry; its mission is to educate the congregation and surrounding community about living a healthy lifestyle and choosing healthy behaviors
  • Has a Recreation and Athletics ministry, which makes athletics and recreational activities available to both youth and adults
  • Hopewell has made efforts to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS in the black community

New Birth Missionary Baptist – Lithonia, GA

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  • Attendance: 15,000
  • Held a “Go Red” Sunday in February to bring awareness to the importance of “Heart Health” in the community
  • New Birth Student Ministries involve arts, sports, community service, business, and education
  • Held a “Diabetes Day” in 2009 in which members of the congregation participated in diabetes screenings and attended information sessions following Sunday services
  • At the event, pastor Eddie Long said, “We can take steps to reduce our risk – like eating healthier foods and exercising regularly”
  • Has a fitness center on campus
  • Held a fitness webinar in June 2010 that addressed how to live long, live strong, and live well by making a few adjustments to your daily habits

To read more about fitness and churches, read our articles below:

]]> https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/top-10-fittest-churches-in-america/feed/ 0 9599 lakewood church MG_2958sdp willowcreek lifechurch pastor-rick-warren-stands-on-stage-at-saddleback-church-in-lake-forest-calif-the-megachurch-this-month-is-launching-three-international-campuses-one-in-hong-kong-buenos-aires-and-berlin calvary Ministries 357CD6CEF0493A979806DA223650_h316_w628_m5_cRyzkhlho hopewell 1139402514_7861 Lakewood Church Resync Method To Improve Fitness Since 2011 https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/resync-method-being-taught-in-lakewood-church-since-2011/ https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/resync-method-being-taught-in-lakewood-church-since-2011/#respond Fri, 04 Sep 2015 15:40:20 +0000 http://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/?p=9297 Samir Becic, creator of the ReSync Method and founder of Health Fitness Revolution, and his Lakewood team are making a strong impact in America’s largest mega-church- Lakewood Church! Lakewood Church ReSYNC Method is changing lives for the better.

Since November 2011, Lakewood has been hosting it’s annual Health and Fitness Challenge in addition to an array of weekly health and fitness classes.  Joel Osteen is considered one of the fittest pastors in America, and felt strongly about influencing his congregation in a positive way, to enhance their health and physical fitness.  The Lakewood Leadership entrusted Samir to use his expertise in devising a program using his signature ReSync Method that would engage the members of Lakewood to become proactive with their health.  To do so, Samir put together a strong team of experts in fitness, nutrition, and spirituality to aid the congregation of Lakewood in becoming more educated in terms of healthy lifestyle.

To date, thousands of people at Lakwood Church have benefitted and continue to benefit from the unique and effective ReSync Method.

]]> https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/resync-method-being-taught-in-lakewood-church-since-2011/feed/ 0 9297 Sarajevo Film Festival: Social, Spiritual, & Mental Health Benefits https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/sarajevo-film-festival-social-spiritual-and-mental-health-benefits-of-experiencing-the-arts/ https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/sarajevo-film-festival-social-spiritual-and-mental-health-benefits-of-experiencing-the-arts/#respond Wed, 29 Jul 2015 17:03:11 +0000 http://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/?p=7670 Whether you’re performing the arts or viewing them, they have a great impact on your spiritual and mental health that nothing can compare to.  A great way to experience the intellectual and meditative effects of the arts is to attend a festival, for example a short film festival like the Sarajevo Film Festival in Bosnia. The Sarajevo Film Festival is a large, star-studded event that will occur this year from August 14-22. Here at Health Fitness Revolution we believe that overall health is composed not only of physical fitness and nutrition, but also social, spiritual, and mental health. All of these elements of well-being must be addressed in order to have a balanced, healthy lifestyle.

Explore Your Mind – Exposure to the arts helps you work out your ability to be creative, which promotes problem solving and fostering connecting to each other and the world around us. There are so many different artistic outlets out there that it’s easy to find something perfect for every individual. Viewing the arts is a good way for people of all ages to explore their minds and their interests, and simply to get to know themselves. Understanding the processes of your own brain helps you connect to yourself and improves your emotional state as you know how to help yourself when you’re down.

Improve Focus – Immersing yourself in the arts allows you to escape the worries of life and concentrate on the creative energy of someone else’s mind. Being able to fully focus on something helps the mind simultaneously relax and expand, which will help you focus in other areas of life as well, such as improving your interpersonal relationships and mental health. Often people find it difficult to meditate without anything to focus on – even if it’s freeing themselves of thought. This process becomes much easier when you have an object of focus, and you just allow your thoughts to centralize on it until you have released thoughts of anything else.

Reduce Stress – Our minds focused on something outside of our personal and work lives, the senses are heightened and the mind is at peace. A lot of focus is required to notice details in any art form, and because of this, your mind is unable to become distracted and strung out. Both creativity and focus work together to help the mind become centered and serene. This attitude translates into other parts of life as well and encourages healthy relationships and an effective work ethic.

Communicate Non-Verbally – When you see a work of art, you become privy to the emotional experience of the artist in the moment that they created the piece. You may be able to relate to their experience, or you may find meditating upon your thoughts that arise to be a spiritual experience, or even both. Often we find that non-verbal communication between individuals is extremely powerful (i.e. “a picture is worth 1,000 words”). Communication is key to social, spiritual, and mental health and helps you thrive in school, work, and personal environments. Seeing the arts in action can often inspire you to create your own pieces as well, which can be extremely therapeutic. See the health benefits of painting and the health benefits of pottery for more information.

Promote Cultural Awareness – If you attend an international festival like the Sarajevo film festival in Bosnia, or if you go to an internationally famous museum like the Louvre, you will be exposed to artistic works from all over the world. A major component of culture is the arts. Each area of the world has unique artistic style and unique history to draw artistic inspiration from. You can learn so much about a place, its people, and its culture from seeing the arts from there, and this knowledge gives you the insight to form stronger relationships with people different than yourself.

Encourage Sociability – Whether you’re spending the afternoon in a museum with the family or going to a music festival with your best friends, one thing is clear. The arts bring people together. Being surrounded by people and bonding with them over the arts helps you to create a support system that will increase your emotional stability and improve your overall health. Mental and emotional health is dependent not only on personal stability, but also external stability in life and relationships. Sociability is necessary for this.

Increase Optimism – Seeing so much beauty in the world by exposing yourself to the arts allows you to see positive qualities in your surroundings everywhere you go, even the less-than-ideal elements and experiences in your life. This outlook makes you less susceptible to mental illness, and it also helps to cope with a variety of mental disorders as well. In short, it makes life a better experience, and who doesn’t want that?

]]> https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/sarajevo-film-festival-social-spiritual-and-mental-health-benefits-of-experiencing-the-arts/feed/ 0 7670 Samir Becic and Dr. Lori Shemek Rock Lakewood Church https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/samir-becic-and-dr-lori-shemek-rock-lakewood-church/ https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/samir-becic-and-dr-lori-shemek-rock-lakewood-church/#respond Tue, 28 Jul 2015 17:40:32 +0000 http://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/?p=7596 Samir Becic and renowned health and nutrition expert Dr. Lori Shemek promoted health and fitness to a crowd of approximately 500 at Lakewood Church on July 27, 2015.

The speech urged audience members to wake up to health, incidentally the name of the challenge Shemek issued. The challenge is a mid-year challenge to compliment Lakewood Church’s annual January Health and Fitness Challenge.  This is the second week of the five-week challenge.

 

Becic motivated his audience by saying fitness starts somewhere. “You’re not expected to go into the gym and be an immediate expert,” Becic said. “You have to work yourself up!”

The statement proved motivational. The crowd was electrified with energy and inspired by both Becic and Shemek.

IMG_3128
The class, led by Samir, doing squats

Becic started the health and fitness program five years ago at Lakewood. The church has benefited from the fitness program and the community is among the fittest megachurches in America. The program frequently invited prominent guest speakers with their insight to the congregation. Classes at Lakewood are open to everyone and can be attended at Mondays at 7 p.m.

IMG_3124
Pastor Steve Austin, Samir Becic, Pastor John Bowman, and Dr. Bond

Along with Becic, Dr. Lori Shemek presented on health and fitness. Shemek has written two books, her latest being “How to Fight Fatflammation.” Her previous book, “Fire Up Your Fatburn” was a bestseller.  She has a doctorate in psychology is a certified nutritional consultant and certified life coach. She is a leading authority regarding inflammation and cell research and has appeared as a guest and health consultant for various media outlets, including Ladies Home Journal, Livestrong, CNN and Fox News.

Dr. Lori Shemek's Q&A
Dr. Lori Shemek’s Q&A

Dr. Lori Shemek and Samir Becic
Dr. Lori Shemek and Samir Becic

Samir Becic congratulates Mike Sinclair, who lost over 150lbs through Lakewood's Health and Fitness Challenges! Mr. Sinclair is showing his before pic.
Samir Becic congratulates Mike Sinclair, who lost over 150lbs through Lakewood’s Health and Fitness Challenges! Mr. Sinclair is showing his before pic.

]]> https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/samir-becic-and-dr-lori-shemek-rock-lakewood-church/feed/ 0 7596 IMG_3128 IMG_3124 IMG_3079 Dr. Lori Shemek's Q&A Screen Shot 2015-07-28 at 4.50.57 PM Dr. Lori Shemek and Samir Becic Screen Shot 2015-07-28 at 4.52.57 PM Samir Becic congratulates Mike Sinclair, who lost over 150lbs through Lakewood's Health and Fitness Challenges! Mr. Sinclair is showing his before pic. Samir Becic Meets With Cardinal Vinko Puljić https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/samir-becic-meets-with-cardinal-vinko-puljic/ https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/samir-becic-meets-with-cardinal-vinko-puljic/#respond Mon, 20 Jul 2015 22:01:59 +0000 http://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/?p=7424 Renowned fitness expert Samir Becic met with the Archbishop of Vrhbosna, Cardinal Puljić while visiting Europe on July 9. Becic was in Europe for the 20th memorial of the Srbrenica Genocide.

The cardinal and the fitness expert discussed the positive impact the Church has had in Bosnia and Herzegovina and its impact throughout the world.

Becic said his eminence is doing a fantastic job leading the Catholic Church in Bosnia. “Cardinal Puljić is an inspiration to Bosnian Catholics and it was my pleasure to meet with him,” Becic said.

Becic also congratulated him for receiving Pope Francis this past June, when the leader of the Church visited Bosnia’s capital, Sarajevo. The pope was very well-received, where he was greeted with crowds applauding and waving flags. The entire nation, regardless of ethnicity, received the Pope with love and joy. Cardinal Puljić did a phenomenal job in ensuring his visit was a success.

The pope was recently rated by Health Fitness Revolution as the fittest world religious leader.

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Cardinal Pujić gifted Samir his autobiographical book “Moje druge konklave”, which Samir was honored to receive.

]]> https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/samir-becic-meets-with-cardinal-vinko-puljic/feed/ 0 7424 03 Top 10 Pilgrimages and Spiritual Journey To Embark On https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/top-10-pilgrimages-and-spiritual-journeys-to-embark-on/ https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/top-10-pilgrimages-and-spiritual-journeys-to-embark-on/#respond Fri, 10 Jul 2015 20:05:28 +0000 http://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/?p=7274 Religious and spiritual journeys, often called pilgrimages, are ancient traditions which conscious-driven travelers embark on to let the outside world enrich and enable their hearts and minds. Health Fitness Revolution created a list of the 10 pilgrimages to embark on, and while pilgrimages can be a very important factor of many religions, the list we created is not necessarily exclusive to only the religious or a particular religion (though there is one exception, this being to Mecca). In fact, spiritual walks can be for people to “find themselves.”

Going on a pilgrimage is a life-changing and a transformational experience. Walking these paths are usually long because their purpose is to give time to be with God, the gods, with your faith, with yourself and with others. It is time take aside to meditate, relax and enjoy. Spending this quality time can help you strengthen your faith, spiritually heal you and give you new perspectives. They can be inspiring, calming, and fun, yet still challenging and rewarding, as you dedicate the tine and energy to traverse these long distances. Go ahead and plan your spiritual journey, you will experience a new level of spiritual and/or moral revival.

Spiritual Journey To Embark On Now

Canterbury Cathedral
Canterbury Cathedral

  • Pilgrims’ Way to Canterbury, England:
    • Location: Winchester or London to Canterbury, England
    • Significance: Visit the shrine of Thomas Beckett at the Canterbury Cathedral. He was known to be a miracle maker. Priests are available throughout the day to offer blessing to those who are done with the walk and to offer prayers to those who are arriving.
    • Routes: On the road you will enjoy the beauty of the countryside, villages, towns and cities. Learn some religious history while enjoy the English countryside. This journey will take approximately two weeks to complete.
      • From London – 180 km (112 miles)
      • From Winchester – 214 km (133 miles)

Kumano Kodo Trail
Kumano Kodo Trail

  • Kumano Kodo Ancient Trail, Japan:
    • Location: Mountains in Kii peninsula, south of Osaka, Japan
    • Significance: This trail focuses on three grand sacred shrines, the Oji shrines and numerous protector shrines and tea houses. This walk was part of the pilgrimage process for the pilgrims from 1000 years ago as they undertook rigorous religious rites of worship and purification. This is one of only two UNESCO-recognized pilgrimage walks.
    • Route: There are several routes which will take approximately 5 days each to complete. You can do the whole pilgrimage in roughly six weeks.The walking is mostly through paved village paths and unpaved mountains trails, ascending and descending constantly. The unique landscape views are often impressive. The most popular is the Tajijiri-Oji route, which is 40 km (25 miles). This is one spiritual journey that will make your heart sing.

Machu Picchu view in early morning
Machu Picchu view in early morning

  • Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, Peru:
    • Location: Machu Picchu, Peru
    • Significance: Experts believe the Incas built this trail as a holy pilgrimage to prepare visitors to enter Machu Picchu.The access to the trail is strictly controlled, with the Peruvian government only issuing 500 permits each day and about 200 of these are for tourists.
    • Route: The walk is very challenging since the terrain is rough with high altitudes. The distance is approximately 43km (26.7 miles).

Milestone on Way of St James
Milestone on Way of St James

  • Camino de Santiago, Spain: (Also known as The Way of St. James)
    • Location: From southern France (Saint-Jean-Pied-De-Port) to northern Spain (Santiago de Compostela)
    • Significance: This path leads to where the apostle St. James is said to be buried at the cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. The trek very easy to follow and gives the opportunity to stop and admire the culture of the small towns as you pass by and and even gives you the opportunity to try rioja wine.
    • Route:  The are many routes but the most popular one is The French Way, spanning a distance of approximately 725 km (450 miles), or approximately a month of hiking. Generally, routes will vary and take anywhere from a week to several months to complete. You will walk through very scenic views of the towns and amazing cornfields.

Mount Kailash in Tibet
Mount Kailash in Tibet

  • Mount Kailash Pilgrimage, Tibet:
    • Location: Mount Kailash, located in the westernmost part of the Tibetan plateau
    • Significance: Several religions believe that circling Mount Kailash on foot is a holy ritual that will bring good fortune and erase your sins. Your religious preference will determine which direction you travel around the mountain. Hindus and Buddhist travel in a clockwise direction, while other religions, like Bon faith, make the journey counterclockwise.
    • Route: Circling around the base of the mountain is 52 km (32.3 miles), taking roughly three days to complete the pilgrimage. It is forbidden to actually climb the mountain.

Croagh Patrick
Croagh Patrick

  • Croagh Patrick, Ireland:
    • Location: County Mayo, West of Ireland
    • Significance: Croagh Patrick is considered one of the holiest mountains in Ireland. This is where St. Patrick, patron saint of Ireland, is said to have spent 40 days and nights praying and fasting, his prayers leading to the removal of snakes from the country. Millions of people follow St. Patrick’s footsteps, some even do it barefoot.
    • Route: The mountain ascends 765 m (2,509 feet) – a roughly climb that may take hours to reach the top. There are, however, stunning views along the way up including breathtaking views of Clew Bay and the surroundings of south Mayo countryside are spectacular from any point while ascending the mountain. Once at the top, there is a chapel anyone can attend or one can just enjoy the views before you go back down. At the end of your hike, you can visit a local pub and chat with other pilgrims or locals. There is also the St. Patrick’s Heritage Trail that you can choose to walk, covering a span of 61 km (38 miles).

Himalayan Mountain Path
Himalayan Mountain Path

  • Char Dham, India:
    • Location: Foot of the Himalayas, India
    • Significance: There are four sites that serve as an important part of the Hindu tradition, with many Hindus aiming to visit all of them at least once, going from east to weest. For those of other religions and spiritualities, going on this journey can be an excellent opportunity to learn from the Indian culture and their traditions.
    • Route: The 4 sites are: Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath. Visiting all of them in a single go may take two weeks.

The Iya Valley, High angle view, Tokushima Prefecture, Shikoku, Japan
The Iya Valley, High angle view, Tokushima Prefecture, Shikoku, Japan

  • Shikoku Pilgrimage, Japan:
    • Location: Coast of Shikoku, Japan
    • Significance: The trail gives you a glance into Japanese tradition and history.
    • Route: The pilgrimage runs through 88 temples and 200 bangais (unofficial temples). As one of the longest trails on this list, the pilgrimage covers a distance of 1,400 km (870 miles!) and can take anywhere from 30 to 60 days to complete. There are a number of shorter imitative trails in Japan, such as the 150 km circuit on the island of Shōdoshima, a 3 km course in Ninna-ji, Kyoto and a route on the Chita Peninsula.

Ganges river in Himalayas mountains
Ganges river in Himalayas mountains

  • The Ganges River:
    • Location: Runs from the Himalayas to the Bay of Bengal in Ganges, India
    • Significance: With approximately 20 million people visiting a year, the Ganges River, also known as Ganga Ma or “Mother Ganges” is one of the most popular pilgrimages to embark on. To the many people living around it, and those who believe in its majesty, this river goddess represents life and purity. The story of the Ganga is of how the goddess poured herself down from heaven upon the ashes of King Sarga’s sons. It was this cleansing and self-sacrificing act that raised the king’s sons to dwell in peace in heaven. It is also believed that anyone who touches these purifying waters even today is cleansed of all sins. Hindus bathe in the river as they walk slowly during the Maha Kumbh Mela (Grand Pitcher Festival).
    • Route: The river’s length is 1,569 miles and while you do not have to traverse the entire length to experience the river, many Indians walk from their villages and cities to bathe in the river. You can choose to walk from any destination to the river.

Muslim pilgrims circumambulate the Kaaba at dawn
Muslim pilgrims circumambulate the Kaaba at dawn

  • Hajj Pilgrimage, Mecca, Saudi Arabia:
    • Location: Mecca, Saudi Arabia.
    • Significance: The pilgrimage to Mecca is called Hajj and is one of the largest gatherings in the world as the Islamic religion views Mecca as the holiest of places. It is part of their culture to do this pilgrimage at least once during the week of Hajj. Muslims have to be physically and financially capable to perform this pilgrimage. The week of Hajj entails a series of rituals such as head shaving and animal sacrificing. The entrance to the city of Mecca is strictly prohibited for non-Muslims since it viewed as a holy city.
    • Route: The pilgrimage can take anywhere from 3 days to a week’s worth of walking. Their rituals suggest walking counter-clockwise around the Ka’aba, symbolic for stoning the devil. Then they go between the mountain of Safa and Marwah getting on the wide plain of Arafah, where they start praying for forgiveness. The pilgrimage ends with Eid Al-Adha, a festival in which they celebrate with prayers and animal sacrifice, and they also exchange gifts.

Click here for more travel articles.

]]> https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/top-10-pilgrimages-and-spiritual-journeys-to-embark-on/feed/ 0 7274 ThinkstockPhotos-175789567 Canterbury Cathedral ThinkstockPhotos-471603460 Kumano Kodo Trail ThinkstockPhotos-465837960 Machu Picchu view in early morning ThinkstockPhotos-178279817 Milestone on Way of St James ThinkstockPhotos-472358788 Mount Kailash in Tibet ThinkstockPhotos-144346819 Croagh Patrick ThinkstockPhotos-158563224 Himalayan Mountain Path ThinkstockPhotos-105654318 The Iya Valley, High angle view, Tokushima Prefecture, Shikoku, Japan ThinkstockPhotos-156056172 Ganges river in Himalayas mountains ThinkstockPhotos-149121279 Muslim pilgrims circumambulate the Kaaba at dawn Top Fittest Female Pastors in America https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/top-fittest-female-pastors-america/ https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/top-fittest-female-pastors-america/#comments Thu, 11 Jun 2015 16:58:20 +0000 http://healthfitnessrevolution.com/?p=5043 Samir Becic, four-time No.1 Fitness Trainer in the world, and the Health Fitness Revolution team did research and found the Fittest Female Pastors in America. With this article, we want to alert other spiritual leaders to be more physically fit and active in order the represent their faith and beliefs in the best light for the 21st century.

Thanks to these powerful women who are leading by example in terms of healthy lifestyle and physical fitness, and being women of faith, the spiritual component elevates the experience to the next level. We hope that these women will be an inspiration to other women – and also men – in terms of living a healthy lifestyle.

“About 60 to 70 percent of known illnesses can be managed, controlled or completely avoided with spiritual awareness, physical fitness, healthy nutrition, and mental and social balance,” Becic said.

We first researched all the available data on religious/spiritual female leaders online and narrowed it down to 100. Then, we did more extensive research to narrow it down 50, and then finally 13. We used a combination of interviews, internet, library, industry literature, and Samir’s knowledge of over 33 years in athletics coupled with his experience as a four-time No. 1 Fitness Trainer in the world.

“Spiritual awareness is one of the key components of healthy lifestyle that impacts the whole body and rejuvenates the spirit,” Becic said. “Physical fitness and healthy nutrition allows that spirit to flourish to new dimensions and many people experience a closer relationship to God.”

There is an alarming crisis looming in the pews of churches across America. In fact, statistics suggest that the church today may indeed be in worse condition than the general population. A 2006 Purdue study found that the fundamental Christians are by far the heaviest of all religious groups led by the Baptists with a 30% obesity rate compared with Jews at 1%, Buddhists and Hindus at 0.7%. Similarly, a 2011 Northwestern University study tracking 3,433 men and women for 18 years found that young adults who attend church or a bible study once a week are 50% more likely to be obese.

“The churches of today hold a strong influence on the general opinion of mainstream America,” Becic said. “Followers look for daily guidance from pastors and heads of ministries on the best way to live their lives and raise their families. It is enormously important to provide the churches with the correct knowledge on fitness and proper nutrition so they can influence and better their members’ lives.”

However, the pastors we have chosen in our list below are not only great examples to their followers, they are also showing them they care by offering them a great role model, and some even offer great programs for their constituents. One of the key criteria for this list is that they promote healthy lifestyle to their congregation and followers. Pastors like the ones we have chosen, are, in our opinion, the definition of fitness, nutrition and spiritual balance.

This list is in alphabetical order.

Lisa Bevere, Messenger International

lisa bevere

  • Wrote the book You Are Not What You Weigh: End Your War With Food and Discover Your True Value
  • Teaches women how to identify and maintain an ideal weight, discover riveting truths from God’s Word that will deliver them from the lies of the world, trade their self-consciousness for a deeper consciousness of God, and break free from the destructive cycle of dieting
  • While working with a personal trainer in 2008, Lisa discovered her body fat percentage was high.
  • Lisa says her trainer said she was “skinny fat.” Lisa didn’t need to lose weight; she needed to gain strength.
  • Asserts many Christians are skinny fat, not physically but spiritually.
  • Says Christians need to raise the level of our passion, prayers and intelligence. “We are an army whose prayers ascend from earth to heaven as a mighty roar. It is high time we echo the lion’s roar.”

Nadia Bolz-Weber, 43, House for All Sinners and Saints, Denver, CO

nadia

  • Competitive weightlifter
  • Walks her Great Dane
  • Does CrossFit workouts
  • Works out at the gym 4 days a week
  • Goes to bed at 8:30 pm and wakes up at 4:30 am to exercise

Dr. Juanita Bynum, 56, Juanita Bynum Ministries, Norcross, GA

juanita bynum

  • Bynum, who was recently diagnosed with diabetes, has reportedly shed 30 pounds and is well on her way to reaching her goal weight of 135 pounds.
  • has attributed her weight loss to healthier eating, Bikram yoga, weight training, spin class. treadmill walking, and other exercises
  • Is gearing up to release her first ever weight loss book
  • “All that I had gone through, I felt like it was an opportunity to recreate myself,” she said of her new healthy lifestyle in an interview.

Shirley Caesar, 76, Mount Calvary Word of Faith Church, Raleigh, NC

shirley caesar

  • points to the importance of diet and lifestyle to prevent chronic illnesses
  • partnered with Akea to create the Shirley Caesar Wellness Initiative
  • they created the BluePrint JumpStart, an 8-week program of healthy eating and small lifestyle changes

Rev. Dr. Cynthia Hale, 62, Ray of Hope Christian Church, Decatur, GA

cynthia

  • Teaches the importance of exercising and eating right
  • Loves to workout
  • Promotes “Let’s Move!” a program that helps children fight against obesity by promoting physical fitness and living a healthy lifestyle

Rev. Katharine Jefferts Schori, 60, Episcopal Church, New York, NY

katharine

  • Has been active her whole life. Was a competitive swimmer and played water polo in college.
  • Was interviewed by Runner’s World and says she runs 3 to 7 days a week
  • Has completed several marathons since her first in 1979
  • In Nevada she runs hills and enjoys running in the woods
  • Wrote the foreword to the book All Shall Be Well: An approach to Wellness, a book that explores the theology of wellness and identity, core values, creativity and passion, renewal, emotional health, spiritual practices, balance, transformation, and fitness.
  • Elected as presiding bishop of the Episcopal Church

 Laura Lentz, Hillsong Church, New York, NY

laura lentz

  • Whole family works out
  • Her Instagram shows many active activities that they do as a family
  • Her husband, Pastor Carl Lentz has always been in shape and recently did two rounds of a fitness challenge and posted the great results on Instagram
  • When they play the game “heads up” as a family, the losers have to do burpees
  • Does outdoor bootcamps
  • Does Pilates
  • Drinks healthy smoothies post-workout
  • Bikes around NYC with her family

Heather Lindsey, The Gathering Oasis Church, Atlanta, GA

heather

  • Heather knows what it takes to stay healthy and fit after working as a TV show host in the entertainment industry.
  • In 2012 she founded The Pinky Promise, an organization that promotes honoring God with your life & body.
  • She penned a book “The Perfect Recipe”, which she calls an invitation for women who desire to get closer to Christ, eat healthier and feel better.
  • Is a vegetarian and follows a healthy, nutritious diet which helps her maintain her vibrant and youthful looks.
  • Heather also made our list of Top 10 Fittest Christian Leaders in America and Top 10 Religious Leaders in America

Joyce Meyer, 71, Joyce Meyer Ministries, Charismatic Christianity, Fenton, MO

joyce meyer

  • One of her favorite exercises is squats and lunges
  • Has a personal trainer 2-3 times a week
  • Gets adequate amounts of sleep
  • Drinks plenty of water daily
  • Makes healthy eating choices and takes daily vitamins
  • Is fully aware of how physical fitness and healthy lifestyle impacts her body and rejuvenates her spirit.
  • Tries to exercise while on the road and traveling.
  • “We need to do the best with what God has given us. God cares about your internal spirit, and looking nice is a reflection of a happy, healthy internal state.”
  • “I believe that we can overcome certain illnesses by doing simple things like eating right, getting enough sleep, drinking enough water, and exercising.”

Victoria Osteen, 53, Lakewood Church, Non-denominational Christianity, Houston, TX

victoria osteen

  • Works out 3-4 times a week
  • Receives personal training 2 times a week
  • In her work outs incorporates the use of treadmill, bicycle, elliptical and strength training
  • Has had an active lifestyle background. Her parents liked to take walks and lived in an active neighborhood. Worked out with her husband at the gym before they were married. Spent a lot of time at the gym.
  • Eats healthy foods, and also teaches her kids about healthy eating habits as well.
  • Also her Husband Joel Osteen is one the fittest Pastors in the nation. “Health runs in the family.”

Holly Wagner, Oasis Church, Los Angeles, CA

holly

  • Created GodChicks through her ministry and seeks to blow the lid off the boxes that women have sometimes put themselves in and encourages women to be the amazing, world-changing champions they were made to be.
  • Cancer survivor
  • Some of her books give practical tips of health and scriptural perspective on healing.

Kay Warren, Saddleback Church, Lake Forest, CA

kay warren

  • She and husband Rick Warren (who lost 65 pounds) eat healthy, fresh and natural foods
  • Avoids sweets
  • Exercises regularly
  • Worked with the ‘Rwanda Health Care’ Initiative and trained three thousand church members to teach 23 thousand homes in Rwanda about HIV prevention, basic hygiene and home health.
  • She is an adamant promoter of HIV prevention
  • Is a two-time cancer survivor
  • Has been open about her battle with depression
  • She has been through many physical and emotional difficulties and still exercises and believes in healthy lifestyle- which is why she deserves to be on this list.

Paula White, 48, New Destiny Christian Center, Non-denominational Christianity, Apopka, FL

paula

  • Believes in eating the right nutrients in moderation
  • Works out daily
  • Gets sufficient amount of sleep each night
  • Wrote a book titled The 10 Commandments of Health and Wellness, co-written with celebrity fitness trainer Dodd Romero
]]> https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/top-fittest-female-pastors-america/feed/ 11 5043 lisa bevere nadia juanita bynum shirley caesar cynthia katharine laura lentz heather joyce meyer victoria osteen holly kay warren paula Top 10 Health Benefits of Going to Church https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/top-10-health-benefits-going-church/ https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/top-10-health-benefits-going-church/#comments Thu, 21 May 2015 20:46:04 +0000 http://healthfitnessrevolution.com/?p=6291 Recent studies have revealed that attending church on a weekly basis can be beneficial to your health. Though the most obvious benefits refer to spiritual and psychological health, physical and mental benefits are in abundance as well.

Here are the Top 10 from Health Fitness Revolution and author of the book ReSYNC Your Life Samir Becic:

  • Guidance from social support – Going to a place of worship gives you a sense of community. You have a second family that you can share your life’s problems and fun times with. Friends from church support you through the best and worst of times. Praying and going to church together makes the sense of community stronger.
  • Good influence – Having friends from church not only help you lead a better spiritual life but also helps you be around a safe environment. They can also be a great support system when you or your family are going through tough situations. Being around pious people also helps you lead a sedentary lifestyle and not fall into social influence like drugs and alcohol.
  • Promotes accountability and routine – Attending church every Sunday gives you a sense of routine which can be incorporated into your everyday life. It helps you account for everyday responsibilities and get into routine with daily activities.
  • Discipline – Going to a place of worship gives you a strong sense of community and people that go to church are usually disciplined by the ways of christianity. This also teaches you to have a more disciplined attitude throughout life. Being disciplined can also help you make good life choices.
  • Teaches morals and good manners – Churches encourage their flock to think and act with goodwill. The aim of churches is often to provide mankind with outstanding citizens with set morals and manners, teaching the value of maintaining a personal set of ethics such as faith, hope, charity, integrity, knowledge, respect, and self-control.
  • Acceptance – Being in Church gives you a sense of community. Being a part of the Church family helps you feel socially accepted into a community. While praying Church and attending the ceremonies, you will also feel spiritually accepted by the environment you are  surrounded by.
  • Self identity/esteem –  Going to church promotes individual growth because it enables one to reflect back on their own actions and thoughts. The philosophical and theological values of which a church abides often is directed toward the individual, encouraging them to contemplate on who they are and the impact they can make to the world.
  • Promotes social services, charity, mentoring,tutoring – The selflessness that comes from going to church encourages one to action. Places of worship oftentimes promote service and goodwill action and will host a variety of events for volunteering, enabling one to teach, guide, and help others.
  • Inspiration/Motivation – The world can be overstimulating, especially when it comes to the five senses. The constant assault of living a routine lifestyle paired with the pressure to live up to responsibilities and success can result in one feeling drained and finding their lifestyle mundane. Creative outlets may even be staunched. Going to church can be an excellent way to draw on inspiration for activities and can motivate one to improve their lifestyle.
  • Reduces stress – The time spent drawing inward and focusing your energy on clearing your thoughts leads to a drastic reduction in stress levels. After spending time in the place of worship, you feel lighter, more confident and free from worldly worries.

Read more of our Top 10 Articles

Read more of our articles on Churches

]]> https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/top-10-health-benefits-going-church/feed/ 7 6291 Top 10 Health Benefits of Praying https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/top-10-health-benefits-praying/ https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/top-10-health-benefits-praying/#comments Thu, 21 May 2015 20:40:50 +0000 http://healthfitnessrevolution.com/?p=6293 Prayer is one of the leading pastimes in self-reflection and gratitude. Having the ability to draw inward and speculate is a fundamental skill if one wishes to grow and achieve an unlimited number of goals and grow spiritually. Praying, specifically, provides such benefits as not coming to understand oneself, but promotes virtuous ideals and personal character growth.

  • Better sense of self – Praying brings you closer to yourself as well as the higher power you pray to. A study by conducted by Columbia University shows that prayer reduces ego and promotes humility. This makes one more concerned for a greater good rather than just themselves, improving selflessness.
  • Good for your heart – Prayer helps regulate your heartbeat, making it stronger and less stressed. Though it is a mental and spiritual activity, prayer has been known to speed up the recovery of the heart following heart attacks and cardiac surgery.
  • Increase lifespan – By minimizing all the life-threatening effects of stress and environmental factors, praying helps your body heal more efficiently and age more smoothly. All this put together helps the body heal faster and live longer.
  • Improves attitude – Prayer helps you be humbled.Through prayer we come to realize how large the world is and how minor our problems are compared to it. When praying for other people we tend to sympathize to others’ problems rather than be selfish. When praying positively, we tend to see a change in our overall attitude making us feel happy both mentally and socially.
  • Gain forgiveness – Prayer helps us to open ourselves to forgiveness. It is important we are all humans who make mistakes and that praying help us forgive ourselves for those past mistakes made so that we can move on. Also, during prayer you may be able to gain some insight and sense of direction.
  • Gives us hope – When going through a very emotional phase, prayer helps us believe that there is hope in getting through situations. Praying helps us believe that there is a higher being that we can help us shoulder our burdens. Although having hope may not mean that things will turn out the way we want it to, trusting someone with our problems helps get a burden off our shoulder.
  • Relieves stress –  We live in a pressure-filled world where we are constantly being rushed to take on responsibilities, succeed and be at the top of everything. Reflecting on our problems through prayer helps relieve the initial stress of the situation. Leaving our problems up to a higher being.
  • Stronger mindset – While prayer also promotes hope in the future, faith is also what keeps a religious person centered and strong. Through their belief they have the strength to overcome both trivial and major worries.
  • Recovery – After a situation leaves you emotionally or physically distraught recovery is a timely process. Prayer serves as a way to deal with the aftermath and keep one’s faith. Your mind and body are focused solely on healing while prayer keeps you centered and hopeful.
  • Maintain a positive outlook on life –  Day-to-day issues affect our stress levels and mood. Daily prayer keeps religious people looking forward to a better tomorrow. By being thankful for every day and every day to come praying changes one’s outlook on life as a whole.

Read more of our Top 10 Articles

]]> https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/top-10-health-benefits-praying/feed/ 3 6293 Samir Becic on FOX 26 With Melissa Wilson https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/samir-becic-fox-26-melissa-wilson/ https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/samir-becic-fox-26-melissa-wilson/#respond Tue, 19 May 2015 18:01:44 +0000 http://healthfitnessrevolution.com/?p=6103 Samir Becic was interviewed by Melissa Wilson of Fox 26 on Wednesday for a feature story on the healthiest churches in Texas, based on Health Fitness Revolution’s lists Top 20 Fittest Churches in Texas and the Top 50 Fittest Mega Churches in America. The story will air on Friday at 5:45 a.m., 7:45 a.m., and again between 5 and 6 p.m. during the daily newscasts. Two mega-churches were interviewed for the story, Lakewood and Second Baptist, in which they discussed their respective programs and physical training available for the congregations.

Please read our other articles:

Top 10 Fittest Religious Leaders in America

Top 10 Fittest Pastors in America

Top 10 Fittest Female Pastors in America

Please read more of out Top 10 Articles

 

 

]]> https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/samir-becic-fox-26-melissa-wilson/feed/ 0 6103 HRF Donates Laptop Computer to Bishop Kossie https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/hrf-donates-laptop-computer-bishop-kossie/ https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/hrf-donates-laptop-computer-bishop-kossie/#respond Tue, 17 Mar 2015 17:41:51 +0000 http://healthfitnessrevolution.com/?p=5638 HFR founder Samir Becic and Bishop Roy Lee Kossie in front of HFR Jeep

Samir Becic, founder of Health Fitness Revolution donated a computer to Latter Day Deliverance Revival Church, located in the Fifth Ward of Houston. Bishop Roy Lee Kossie and his congregation were very thankful for Becic’s donation and plan to use the computer for the church ministry. Bishop Kossie has served for over 60 years for his congregation in the Fifth Ward.

The Latter Day Deliverance Revival Church used to be a theater and later converted by Bishop Kossie into the church. With much effort and struggle, the neighborhood was one of the most dangerous neighborhoods in Houston, with sexual trafficking, drugs, and many other crimes. But Bishop Kossie, with his family, stood there for decade and helped the neighborhood become a peaceful place. His church was an island of spiritual blessing for the neighborhood where many people took refuge.

Bishop Kossie is a hero for the Fifth Ward, and Health Fitness Revolution is more than honored to get an endorsement from him. He wishes HFR lots of blessings and much more success in this year.

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Samir Becic, Johnny McGowan, and Bishop Roy Kossie

IMG_1185
Latter Day Deliverance Church, a former theatre

IMG_1180
Bishop Kossie giving blessings

 

]]> https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/hrf-donates-laptop-computer-bishop-kossie/feed/ 0 5638 FullSizeRender IMG_1185 IMG_1180 Pastor Dr. Juanita Bynum Workout and Fitness Routine https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/pastor-dr-juanita-bynum-fitness-profile/ https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/pastor-dr-juanita-bynum-fitness-profile/#respond Wed, 25 Feb 2015 22:06:46 +0000 http://healthfitnessrevolution.com/?p=5351 Dr. Juanita Bynum workout routine:

  • Bynum, who was recently diagnosed with diabetes, has reportedly shed 30 pounds and is well on her way to reaching her goal weight of 135 pounds.
  • has attributed her weight loss to healthier eating, Bikram yoga, weight training, spin class. treadmill walking, and other exercises
  • Is gearing up to release her first ever weight loss book
  • “All that I had gone through, I felt like it was an opportunity to recreate myself,” she said of her new healthy lifestyle in an interview.

“I believe that spiritual wellness is one of the key components of healthy lifestyle that impacts the whole body and rejuvenates the spirit,” Becic said. “Physical fitness and healthy nutrition allow the spirit to flourish to a whole new dimension. Spirituality is a very personal experience for every individual, a unique expression of their own understanding of the world. I respect every religion and accept every person’s belief system and the peace it may bring.”

]]> https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/pastor-dr-juanita-bynum-fitness-profile/feed/ 0 5351 Pastor Joyce Meyers Fitness Profile https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/pastor-joyce-meyers-fitness-profile/ https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/pastor-joyce-meyers-fitness-profile/#respond Wed, 25 Feb 2015 21:55:40 +0000 http://healthfitnessrevolution.com/?p=5349 Joyce Meyers Workout:

  • One of her favorite exercises is squats and lunges
  • Has a personal trainer 2-3 times a week
  • Gets adequate amounts of sleep
  • Drinks plenty of water daily
  • Makes healthy eating choices and takes daily vitamins
  • Is fully aware of how physical fitness and healthy lifestyle impacts her body and rejuvenates her spirit.
  • Tries to exercise while on the road and traveling.
  • “We need to do the best with what God has given us. God cares about your internal spirit, and looking nice is a reflection of a happy, healthy internal state.”
  • “I believe that we can overcome certain illnesses by doing simple things like eating right, getting enough sleep, drinking enough water, and exercising.”
]]> https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/pastor-joyce-meyers-fitness-profile/feed/ 0 5349 Pastor Kay Warren Fitness Profile https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/kay-warren-fitness-profile/ https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/kay-warren-fitness-profile/#respond Wed, 25 Feb 2015 21:07:54 +0000 http://healthfitnessrevolution.com/?p=5347 Kay Warren Workout:

  • She and husband Rick Warren (who lost 65 pounds) eat healthy, fresh and natural foods
  • Avoids sweets
  • Exercises regularly
  • Worked with the ‘Rwanda Health Care’ Initiative and trained three thousand church members to teach 23 thousand homes in Rwanda about HIV prevention, basic hygiene and home health.
  • She is an adamant promoter of HIV prevention
  • Is a two-time cancer survivor
  • Has been open about her battle with depression
  • She has been through many physical and emotional difficulties and still exercises and believes in healthy lifestyle – which is why she deserves to be on this list.
  • Her home church, Saddleback, made our list of Top 50 Mega-Churches in America 2015
]]> https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/kay-warren-fitness-profile/feed/ 0 5347 Pastor Victoria Osteen Fitness Profile https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/pastor-victoria-osteen-fitness-profile/ https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/pastor-victoria-osteen-fitness-profile/#respond Wed, 25 Feb 2015 18:40:09 +0000 http://healthfitnessrevolution.com/?p=5330 Victoria Osteen Workout:

  • Works out 3-4 times a week
  • Receives personal training 2 times a week
  • In her work outs incorporates the use of treadmill, bicycle, elliptical and strength training
  • Has had an active lifestyle background. Her parents liked to take walks and lived in an active neighborhood. Worked out with her husband at the gym before they were married. Spent a lot of time at the gym.
  • Eats healthy foods, and also teaches her kids about healthy eating habits as well.
  • Also her Husband Joel Osteen is one the fittest Pastors in the nation. “Health runs in the family.”
  • Her church, Lakewood, also made our Top 50 Fittest Mega Churches in America list.
]]> https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/pastor-victoria-osteen-fitness-profile/feed/ 0 5330 Pastor Rick Warren Fitness Profile https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/pastor-rick-warren-fitness-profile/ https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/pastor-rick-warren-fitness-profile/#respond Wed, 25 Feb 2015 18:26:15 +0000 http://healthfitnessrevolution.com/?p=5315 Rick Warren, lead pastor of Saddleback Church didn’t always lead the way by healthy example…

This mega-church pastor had an epiphany one day while he was baptizing 858 people. After dipping the 500th body into the water, Rick Warren’s aching arms led him to conclude, “We’re all fat.” He concedes that it wasn’t a very spiritual thought for a pastor to have, but he also thought, “I’m fat, too. I’m as out of shape as everyone else is.” From this moment, he decided to create a health program with leading experts such as Dr. Oz, that Christians could follow by writing a book named the “Daniel Plan.” On this plan, the pastor himself has lost over 30 pounds. And although some have questioned Warren’s mix of church and health, he says: “You think that God is only interested in your soul? No, he is interested in your body, mind and soul. Jesus went into each village teaching, preaching and healing. The Daniel Plan has to do with healing.” Rick also made our Top 10 Fittest Religious Leaders in the U.S. list. His church, Saddleback, also made our Top 50 Fittest Mega Churches in America list.rick-warren-in-time-weight-loss

]]> https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/pastor-rick-warren-fitness-profile/feed/ 0 5315 rick-warren-in-time-weight-loss 2015 Lakewood Church Fitness Challenge Completed https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/2015-lakewood-church-fitness-challenge-completed/ https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/2015-lakewood-church-fitness-challenge-completed/#respond Mon, 23 Feb 2015 18:08:12 +0000 http://healthfitnessrevolution.com/?p=5216 The 4th annual Lakewood Total Life Challenge held with Houston’s Lakewood Church Fitness Program, was successfully completed with many participants’ lives changed for the better in terms of losing weight, improving health, and fighting ailments directly connected to unhealthy lifestyle and obesity.

Lakewood awarded two VitaMix products for the best improved participants of the challenge, while all other participants were offered VitaMix products at 50% off retail price.

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Judges stand with the winners

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More than 20 testimonies were shared, which the judges used to determine the winners.

All participants of the challenge can continue to improve their health and fitness through five health and fitness classes that Lakewood offers every week.

Read more of our articles on Churches

Lakewood Church is a nondenominational charismatic Christian megachurch located in Houston, Texas. It is the largest congregation in the United States, averaging more than 43,500 in attendance per week. The 16,800-seat Lakewood Central Campus, home to four English language services and two Spanish language services per week, is located at the former Compaq Center. Joel Osteen is the senior pastor of Lakewood Church with his wife, Victoria, who serves as co-pastor. Lakewood Church is a part of the Word of Faith movement

]]> https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/2015-lakewood-church-fitness-challenge-completed/feed/ 0 5216 FullSizeRender (1) FullSizeRender (2) God Wants You To Be Healthy and Fit https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/god-wants-healthy-fit/ https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/god-wants-healthy-fit/#respond Mon, 23 Feb 2015 17:23:36 +0000 http://healthfitnessrevolution.com/?p=5187 According to a 2006 Purdue University study, evangelicals are considered the heaviest of all religious groups. The study found that Baptists lead the group, with a 30 percent obesity rate, compared to Jews at one percent and Buddhists and Hindus at less than 0.7 percent.

Similarly, a 2011 Northwestern University study that tracked more than 3,000 people for 18 years, revealed that those who attend church or a bible study on a weekly basis are 50 percent more likely to be obese. On a larger scale, nearly one-half of the American population will be obese by 2030, reports a 2012 study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine.

Almost all spiritual institutions in America and the world will agree that God wants you at your very best in every single aspect. Here at Health Fitness Revolution, we know He wants America and the world to be healthy and fit. That’s why our team is the first in the United States and the world to begin exploring the role of health and fitness in spiritual institutions. Because leaders of spiritual institutions hold a strong influence on their congregation, we published the first article of its kind on the Top 10 Fittest Christian Leaders in the United States.

We followed with articles on the Top 10 Fittest Religious Leaders in the United States, and the Top Fittest Female Pastors in the United States. In our continued efforts to make a stronger impact on the spiritual world in America, we ranked the Top 20 Fittest Churches in America, the Top 20 Fittest Churches in Texas, and finally the Top 50 Fittest Mega Churches in America. From our perspective, we have only scratched the surface of the enormous potential that spiritual institutions can contribute in the fight against obesity, a plague that is threatening to destroy the very nature of our creativity, productivity, discipline, focus, determination and freedom that the Western civilization stands for.

“My main message to churches is to live like Jesus,” said Samir Becic to The Christian Post. “Two thousand years ago, we didn’t have access to processed food so Jesus only ate organic. Jesus was active; He was kind and always helping people. All those components that Jesus had 2,000 years ago are prefect examples of how to live a healthy lifestyle in the 21st century. Spiritual balance, social interaction, kindness, happiness, physical activity and organic food — that is my main message.”

“We want to focus on the Christian community because they have the highest obesity rate of any community in the U.S., and we believe that our bodies truly are our temples. When you are healthy, you’re able to be more focused on God, I believe that with my heart and soul. That’s a key component to a healthy lifestyle,” said Becic.

Samir Becic, founder of Health Fitness Revolution, started the Total Life Challenge at Lakewood Church, the largest in America, four years ago. Now, he is determined more than ever to challenge the thousands of churches and spiritual institutions across the country. As of right now, more than 500 churches in America are using Health Fitness Revolution resources in order to equip their congregations with the necessary knowledge and education about healthy lifestyle and physical fitness.

“Spiritual awareness is one of the key components of healthy lifestyle that impacts the whole body and rejuvenates the spirit,” Becic said. “Physical fitness and healthy nutrition allows that spirit to flourish to new dimensions and many people experience a closer relationship to God. The Mega-Churches of today hold a strong influence on the general opinion of mainstream America. Followers look for daily guidance from pastors and heads of ministries on the best way to live their lives and raise their families. It is enormously important to provide the churches with the correct knowledge on fitness and proper nutrition so they can influence and better their members’ lives.”

If your spiritual institution would like to get healthy and fit, email Health Fitness Revolution at info@healthfitnessrevolution.org for more information.

]]> https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/god-wants-healthy-fit/feed/ 0 5187 Samir Becic Speaks At Lakewood Church https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/samir-becic-speaks-lakewood-church/ https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/samir-becic-speaks-lakewood-church/#respond Thu, 12 Feb 2015 18:15:11 +0000 http://healthfitnessrevolution.com/?p=5067 The founder of Health Fitness Revolution, Samir Becic, spoke to the Women’s Ministry at Lakewood Church on Feb. 11 about the importance of a healthy lifestyle and the vision of Lakewood’s health and fitness program for 2015. Women’s Ministry Director Jackie Garner hosted the event, which was attended by more than 250 women.

Also, Joanna from the Women’s Ministry was sharing tips on nutrition and motivating the women to eat healthy.

According to one of the participants, “Last night was empowering, inspiring and just plain FUN!”

“I respect powerful women because they are the backbone of Western civilization,” Becic said. He was happy to see how open-minded this group of women were and progressive in their thinking. Four years ago, Pastor Jackie Garner and Pastor John Bowman began the Total Life Challenge and appointed Samir as the fitness expert. Since then, many things have happened. Pastor Steve Austin joined the group and with health and fitness classes under his spiritual supervision, a great avenue was created.

“I hope that all the pastors will join this great avenue as a team and make an even stronger impact,” Becic said.

Samir and his team at Lakewood are making the largest church in America healthy and fit and creating a vision for health and fitness in the spiritual world.

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Samir and Jackie Garner

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Samir and Joanna

Samir, Jackie and Joanna

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]]> https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/samir-becic-speaks-lakewood-church/feed/ 0 5067 FullSizeRender IMG_0951 Top 10 Unhealthy Things You Should Give Up For Lent https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/top-10-unhealthy-things-you-should-give-up-for-lent/ https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/top-10-unhealthy-things-you-should-give-up-for-lent/#respond Tue, 10 Feb 2015 18:52:11 +0000 http://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/?p=10009 Today is Ash Wednesday, marking the start of the Lenten season. Traditionally, the faithful give up a vice, or just something they enjoy, for 40 days during Lent. HFR suggests using this as an opportunity to give up an unhealthy habit, and ideally to replace it with a healthy alternative. If your New Years’ Resolution hasn’t been going well, consider this a second chance!

  • Soda: Soda is crazy bad for your health but it is a notoriously hard habit to kick. Muster your willpower and hold off on the high-sugar, enhanced-aging beverage. But don’t just replace it with another sugary drink like the fruit juices they sell at the grocery store. Instead, stick to water! You’ll be amazed by how much more energy you have and how much better your skin will look.
  • Fast food: Fast food is a super villain out to destroy good health and nutrition. With soda as its partner in crime, fast food raises weight, lowers energy, and puts toxins in our bodies. It is laden with fat, sugar, salt and processed carbs. If you have to eat out, choose a healthy option. Better yet, prepare your meals at home.
  • Alcohol: There are plenty of benefits to cutting back on alcohol, from improved liver function to increased productivity and mood. Use Lent as a time to go cold-turkey and let your body completely detox. Spend the time and money you would’ve put toward drinking on other hobbies to increase personal fulfillment.
  • Nicotine: Quitting nicotine for good is no easy feat, but giving it up for forty days might just convince you to cease this deadly habit for good. Your body has an amazing reaction to ceasing smoking, including increased cardiovascular flow, more energy, and a better mood.
  • Road Rage: #^@%! Our commutes are literally killing us by stressing us out. Indulging in road rage may be cathartic in the moment, but it spikes our stress levels, which has a host of negative physiological consequences. The negative effects of stress range from hormone imbalance to raising the level of fatty acids and triglycerides in your body. If you take a deep breath, relax, and channel a meditative state of being, you will be much better off.
  • TV Binge Watching: This seemingly harmless indulgence can actually be a sign of depression and puts you at risk for obesity and other illnesses. Invest that time in something that pays better dividends: your physical health! Double down on your cardio and strength training or join a recreational sports team.
  • Processed Foods: Processed foods are full of refined sugars, carbs, and plenty of other ingredients that are low in nutritional value and can actually cause cancer. Replace all processed foods with organic alternatives.
  • Sugar: There is a common denominator to all the other unhealthy foods on this list, and that is sugar. We’ve developed an insatiable sweet tooth, but it is killing us. Remove sugars from your diet this Lent.
  • Staying up too Late: Late nights are no good, and not only because they leave us groggy and unproductive the next day. A good’s night sleep can reduce the risk of heart attack by up to 80%. If you exercise, eat well, and don’t binge watch tv, then it will be easier to get the sleep you need to live a healthy lifestyle.
  • Procrastinating: We hope you aren’t here because you are procrastinating right now! Procrastination is bad for your health because it increases stress and anxiety as you rush to meet deadlines, or spend your day worrying about what you should be doing. Procrastination is also a bad habit that can negatively impact your health; chronic procrastinations might put off dealing with health problems because they are so used to avoiding unpleasant or challenging tasks. Get yourself in the right mindset by giving up this bad habit for Lent.
]]> https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/top-10-unhealthy-things-you-should-give-up-for-lent/feed/ 0 10009 Lakewood Superbowl Fitness Party https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/lakewood-superbowl-fitness-party/ https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/lakewood-superbowl-fitness-party/#respond Mon, 02 Feb 2015 19:42:35 +0000 http://healthfitnessrevolution.com/?p=4849 In order the celebrate the biggest day in football, Lakewood Health & Fitness threw a Superbowl Fitness Party, full of healthy snacks and working out! Pastor John Bowman and  Health Fitness Revolution founder Samir Becic led the group of participants in a fun, energetic workout.  During the game, attendees rewarded their efforts with plenty of healthy snacks – proof that even when throwing a party, we can all make healthy choices with plenty of options!

Samir’s team Dr. Neal Robinson and Janet Mata led a girls vs. boys game of tug-o-war and the girls won 2-0! There was also a round of limbo, touchdown dancing, and hula-hoops. The entire party was all about being fun and active!

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Health Snacks

 

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Touchdown Celebrations

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Dancing after every touchdown- keeping it fun and active!

 

 

]]> https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/lakewood-superbowl-fitness-party/feed/ 0 4849 10959390_963871303626142_2685796786777779583_n 10665682_963871190292820_4973028327036830310_n 10933892_963871260292813_3829959939971801914_n 10 Healthy Buddhist Teachings for Everyone https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/10-healthy-buddhist-teachings-for-everyone/ https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/10-healthy-buddhist-teachings-for-everyone/#respond Thu, 15 Jan 2015 20:12:52 +0000 http://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/?p=9863 Buddhism is an eastern religion that is both spiritual and philosophical. Its core tenets offer universal insight into the human condition, and suggest ways in which we might achieve balance and tranquility in our own life. Several Buddhist practices promote physical and mental health. Everyone, no matter their religious beliefs or lifestyle, can achieve a positive change in their life by contemplating the advice offered by Buddhism.

At Health Fitness Revolution we believe that a balanced spiritual life is crucial to good living. Here are 10 elements of the Buddhist faith that we believe promote a healthy and happy life.

  • Respect for themselves, people, and nature: The Buddhist ‘Path of Life’ offers prescriptions for the ethical and spiritual well-being of each individual urges them to develop wisdom and have compassion for all life forms.
  • Weave healthy behavior into life patterns, meditate: The Path is Eightfold and defined as Right View, Thought, Speech, Actions, Livelihood, Meditation, Effort and Mindfulness. Suffering with a practical and realistic Path involving meditation, practice and study leading to Enlightenment or Realized Buddhahood, are all intrinsic to Buddhism. The health benefits of meditation are consistently proven by science- making this ritual a fundamental health aspect within the Buddhist traditions.
  • Diet: Many Buddhists are vegetarian or vegan due to the 1st precept and respect for other sentient beings. Some may have taken a precept which involves eating only one main meal a day. This is usually eaten before midday. However it is not uncommon to find non-vegetarian Buddhists as the Buddha asked his monks to eat whatever they got.
  • Fasting: An individual’s health allowing, in all schools and traditions a one day fast is recommended on New Moon and Full Moon days. There are also other festival days such as Buddha’s birthday, death day, his enlightenment, the first Sermon and others.
  • Caution when using medications and drugs: Some Buddhists will be wary, and will wish to know the effects, of any drug which alters their emotional state or clarity of mind due to the 5th precept. However, the idea of the 5th precept is so that individuals do not perform harmful acts whilst intoxicated.
  • Be physical: There is no question – scientifically or energetically – that a healthy, fit, flexible body is a great complement and support to the pursuit of a healthy, fit, flexible mind.In Tibetan Buddhism one of the main meditation practices involves doing physical prostrations. In Vajrayana traditions all practitioners – monks and lay ones – need to complete at least 100.000 prostrations as a part of preliminary practices. According to his website, the Dalai Lama takes daily exercise, including walking on a treadmill if it’s too wet to walk outside.
  • Buddha taught the importance of a strong body: saying “To keep the body in good health is a duty… otherwise we shall not be able to keep our mind strong and clear.”
  • Living in the now, decreasing stress in your life: Buddha preaches “Do not dwell on the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment.”
  • You set your own limitations, break them: According to Buddha “The mind is everything. What you think, you become.”
  • Realize that nothing is accomplished instantly, so persevere to accomplish goals: “A jug fills drop by drop”- Buddha. This is entirely applicable to health and fitness goals, that improve and happen over time. Stay consistent and steadfast to accomplish your goals.
]]> https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/10-healthy-buddhist-teachings-for-everyone/feed/ 0 9863 Lakewood Church 2015 Total Life Challenge https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/total-life-challenge-lakewood-church/ https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/total-life-challenge-lakewood-church/#respond Fri, 02 Jan 2015 16:56:25 +0000 http://healthfitnessrevolution.com/?p=3993 As we start a new year in 2015, Lakewood Church is holding its 4th annual Total Life Challenge.

In January 2012, Lakewood held it’s first annual Health and Fitness Challenge. Pastor John Bowman, director of men’s ministry, and Jackie Garner, director of women’s ministry, with the blessing of Pastor Joel Osteen, entrusted Samir Becic to use his expertise in devising a program that will engage the followers at Lakewood to be proactive in their health. To do so, Samir put together a strong team of experts to aid the congregation of Lakewood in becoming more educated in terms of healthy lifestyle.

Total Life Challenge 2015 will take place on Sundays from Jan. 4 through Feb. 22 at 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the Mission Control (3rd Floor) at Lakewood Church.

The “Fast Start” 2015: 21 Day Daniel Fast begins Monday, Jan. 5 at 6 a.m. to Jan. 25 at 6 p.m. What are you fasting for? Let’s start the new year off right!

Many celebrities are supporting this cause. Special celebrity guest for the 2015 Total Life Challenge is health and news anchor Melissa Wilson from Fox 26. She was also honored by HFR as one of the fittest news anchors in Houston, and she is a great mother, businesswoman and ambassador for a healthy lifestyle,

In support of Samir Becic and his team, with the blessing of Pastor Steve Austin, who was named by HFR as one of the fittest pastors in Houston, Lakewood is hosting a series of health and fitness classes that meet weekly. Pastor John Bowman was also named one of the fittest pastors in Houston.

In response to Lakewood’s efforts to make the congregation healthy and fit, Becic says, “With Lakewood, one of the largest churches in America putting so much effort into the health and fitness of its congregation, it is a great motivation and influence for other congregations to follow. I am thankful to Pastors Joel and Victoria Osteen and their congregation for giving me their blessing to use my knowledge and experience to provide the information and guidance necessary to make this challenge a success to all the participants involved. It also helps that Pastor Joel Osteen is a very fit person who encourages his congregation to live a healthier lifestyle – he believes that by being a healthier version of yourself, you can become all that God has created you to be.”

http://www.lakewoodchurch.com/Pages/Ministry.aspx?mid=1118

]]> https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/total-life-challenge-lakewood-church/feed/ 0 3993 A Positive Mind = A Healthy Body https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/positive-mind-healthy-body/ https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/positive-mind-healthy-body/#respond Tue, 28 Oct 2014 19:00:03 +0000 http://healthfitnessrevolution.com/?p=3840 It’s a known fact: the more healthy and positive you are mentally, the more healthy your body is physically. More and more research is supporting the idea that mood actually does affect the human immune system.

Studies have shown that chronic depression, stress, or negative emotions, grudges and attitudes can damage the body physically. This is because the brain is naturally linked to the stress hormone cortisol, which, when elevated for a long time, suppresses the immune system, puts the body more at risk for illness, and extends the time it takes to heal and recover from injury or illness.

On the other hand, feelings of happiness and relaxation reduce cortisol levels, thus allowing the immune system to function properly and effectively. So how can you change a negative mood and boost your immune system at the same time? Here are a few suggestions to help you maintain a state of mental positivity and physical health.

1. Get a regular massage and listen to soothing music. A relaxing massage can do wonders for lowering stress levels, and soothing instrumental music calms the mind, as well.

2. Learn a new skill. Stimulating the brain in a way that promotes learning builds confidence and also promotes brain health. Try picking up a new sport or taking a class in something that interests you. Not only will it take your mind off the stress, but you’ll feel good about learning something new.

3. Take a yoga or tai chi class. Not only will yoga and tai chi help keep you physically active and fit, but it can improve your flexibility and mental focus.

4. Meditate. Daily meditation calms the mind and can help give you insight to the root of the stress in your mind. When you feel at peace with yourself, you are naturally happier with life and have a more positive outlook on the world.

5. Spend time with friends and family doing activities you enjoy. Sometimes, one of the best ways to take your mind off of things is to let it all go and do the things you enjoy. Find out what makes you happy, and invite someone to join you, whether it’s a trip to the movies, a walk in the park or at the beach, or a trip out to the lake for some fishing. You’ll be amazed what some fresh air and a carefree attitude can do for the mind.

]]> https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/positive-mind-healthy-body/feed/ 0 3840 Health and Fitness Classes at Lakewood Church https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/health-fitness-classes-lakewood-church/ https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/health-fitness-classes-lakewood-church/#respond Wed, 08 Oct 2014 22:06:19 +0000 http://healthfitnessrevolution.com/?p=3691 Now in its third year, the Lakewood Health and Fitness Program is expanding! Health Fitness Revolution founder Samir Becic is the Director of the program and we are excited that health and fitness is continuing to grow and spread in the largest church in America!

Starting this week, Lakewood Church is increasing their amount of health and fitness classes from 1 to 5 weekly.

Classes will be as follows:

  • Sundays

    • 10:00-10:45am “Healthy U Class” on an 8-week rotation of different instructors each week. The instructors will be Dr. Derek de la Pena, Rudy Morales, Terry Williams, Kimberly Fuller, Meg McCall, Shannon Kelly, and Samir Becic

  • Mondays

    • 7:00-7:45pm “Total Transformation” with a focus on nutrition Instructor Meg McCall
    • 7:45-8:30 Resistance Training with Dr. Neal Robinson

  • Fridays

    • 7:00-7:45pm Fitness Boot camp with Director’s Assistant Shannon Kelly
    • 7:45pm – 8:30 Zumba with Janet

With these 5 classes and the growing Health & Fitness Challenge in January, Lakewood Church is expanding tremendously in the health and fitness arena to better serve their congregation. Men’s Ministry Director, Pastor John Bowman and Pastor Steve Austin are doing a great job of continuing to support the 4th annual Health & Fitness Challenge 2015 and the health and fitness classes. Lakewood Church is inviting the Houston public to join any and all health and fitness classes regardless of church affiliation!

Joel Osteen and Victoria Osteen, Pastors of Lakewood frequently post diet and fitness advice on their websites, and Joel encourages his congregation “to take care of your temple. Don’t put things in that you know shouldn’t be in. Limit the sugars. Limit the caffeine. Drink more water. Eat more fruits and vegetables and don’t live off of these packaged lunch meats,” Osteen advises. “Eat more organic when you can. More baked and less fried.” Osteen was named among our Top 10 Fittest Religious Leaders in America, Top 10 Fittest Christian Leaders in America and Lakewood Church was among our Top 20 Fittest Churches in America and Texas.

It is clear that health and fitness plays a fundamental role in spirituality. Please stay tuned for even more classes to be added soon!

Read more of our articles on Churches

]]> https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/health-fitness-classes-lakewood-church/feed/ 0 3691 Pope Francis – The Fittest Religious Leader in the World https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/pope-francis-fittest-religious-leader-world/ https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/pope-francis-fittest-religious-leader-world/#comments Mon, 15 Sep 2014 13:23:53 +0000 http://healthfitnessrevolution.com/?p=2169 Samir Becic, 4 times Number 1 Fitness Trainer in the world and the Health Fitness Revolution team did research and found the Fittest Spiritual Leader in the World.  With this article, we want to alert other religious and spiritual leaders to be more physically fit and active in order the represent their faith and beliefs in the best light for the 21st century.

“The wealth (read = health) and prosperity of a nation is dependent on the health and physicality of it’s people.”-Samir Becic

With this being said, Health Fitness Revolution will go into every segment of society and pick it’s leaders and heroes in healthy lifestyle in order the create strong ambassadors.

We first researched all the available data on religious/spiritual leaders online and narrowed it down to 25. Then, we did more extensive research to narrow it down 10, and then finally 1. We used a combination of interviews, internet, library, industry literature, and Samir’s knowledge of over 33 years in athletics coupled with his experience as 4 times Number 1 Fitness Trainer in the world.

Our choice is His Holiness Pope Francis. The reasoning behind this decision is based on the tremendous spiritual impact Pope Francis has had on the world since his inauguration.

“Spiritual health is fundamentally important to living a balanced, healthy lifestyle.”-Samir Becic

No other religious/spiritual leader has made such a positive impact in the world in less than a year.  Having one lung removed as a teen, and living since then with solely a singular lung,the 76-year old is a testament that living a healthy lifestyle can overcome many odds. He clearly demonstrates that his surgery did little to hamper his ability to live a full and active life. Regardless of this obstacle, he continues to spread a tremendous spiritual health message worldwide that is influencing people regardless of their religions or spiritual beliefs.

Pope Francis is a great example of how a healthy body, an active mind, and a giving heart can truly influence the world we live in.

 

]]> https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/pope-francis-fittest-religious-leader-world/feed/ 2 2169 Top 20 Fittest Churches in Texas https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/top-20-fittest-churches-texas/ https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/top-20-fittest-churches-texas/#comments Wed, 13 Aug 2014 20:18:05 +0000 http://healthfitnessrevolution.com/?p=3364 Regardless of religious preferences,  Samir Becic and the Health Fitness Revolution Team has made a list of the Top 20 Fittest Churches in Texas.. We’ve researched all the possible data that was available on over 250 churches and what they offer their members. We’ve complied a list of  the difference churches in Texas and narrowed it down to 100 then 50 then 25 to 20. We used a combination of interviews, internet, library, industry literature, and Samir Becic’s knowledge of over 33 years in athletics coupled with his experience as four-time No. 1 Fitness Trainer in the World.

“Spiritual awareness is one of the key components of healthy lifestyle that impacts the whole body and rejuvenates the spirit. Physical fitness and healthy nutrition allows that spirit to flourish to new dimensions and many people experience a closer relationship to God.” – Samir Becic

 Champion Forest Baptist Church

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  • Houston, Tx
  • More than 12,000 members
  • Cardiovascular equipment
  • Weight room
  • 2 full size gyms
  • Jogging/walking track
  • Racquetball courts
  • Adult sports: Ultimate frisbee
  • Kids sports: basketball, tae kwon do, volleyball, martial arts and summer camps
  • Low impact aerobics class
  • Pilates class
  • Body blaster class (weights and running)
  • Wholyfit
  • Kickboxing
  • Cardio/weights fusion
  • Flex and flow
  • Refit
  • Nutrition class

Christ United Methodist Church

Christ United Methodist Church, Plano, Texas 2

  • Plano, Texas
  • Large sized church
  • 6 basketball goals
  • Indoor track
  • Full size weight room
  • Kitchen
  • Basketball league
  • Volleyball league
  • Cheer leading
  • Dance classes
  • Camping trips
  • Health education
  • Tai Chi class
  • Karate
  • Yoga for all levels
  • Yin yoga
  • Teen yoga
  • Novice yoga
  • Chair yoga
  • Balls and bands
  • Body sculpting
  • Circuits
  • Core and tone
  • Boot camps
  • Active adults
  • Insanity
  • Zumba
  • Beginner tap dance

Columbus Avenue Baptist Church

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  • Waco, Texas
  • About 2,500 members
  • Heated indoor pool
  • Weight room
  • Aerobics room
  • Basketball court
  • Racquetball court
  • Indoor track
  • Cardio floor
  • Personal training
  • Massage therapy
  • Flag football
  • Body pump class
  • Water aerobics
  • Chair aerobics
  • Yoga mat pilates

Cornerstone Christian Fellowship

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  • Midland, Texas
  • Medium sized church
  • Fit for the Cross: crossfit style workout with over 70 people attending each class

Crossroads Fellowship

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  • Odessa, Texas
  • About 1,500 members
  • Hosts a run that includes a 5k, 10k, half marathon and a marathon that is a qualifier for the Boston marathon

First Baptist Church Abilene

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  • Abilene, Texas
  • Large church
  • Weight room
  • Cardio room
  • Racquetball courts
  • Full size gym
  • Indoor track
  • Bowling alley
  • Basketball league
  • Racquetball leagues
  • Inline skating
  • Flag football

First Baptist Church Amarillo

Current FBC Amarillo 2

  • Amarillo, Texas
  • Over 6,000 members
  • State of the art weight room
  • cardio room
  • Full size gym
  • Weight room
  • Indoor track
  • Playland for kids
  • Upward sports
  • Yoga class
  • Senior men’s fitness
  • Men’s fitness
  • Ladies fitness
  • Boot camp

First Baptist Houston

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  • Houston, Texas
  • About 6,000 members
  • Personal Training
  • Sculpting class
  • Zumba and zumba kids
  • Godspeed (cardio)
  • Lift
  • Step
  • Bootcamp
  • Circuit
  • Abs
  • Stretch
  • Foam rolling class
  • Senior fitness class
  • Pilates
  • TRX suspension training
  • Perfect alignment (Yoga alternative)

Green Acres Baptist Church

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  • Tyler, Texas
  • 15,000 members
  • Weight room
  • Cardio room
  • Full size gym
  • Zumba classes
  • Bodypump class
  • Body Vive (low impact cardio) class
  • Yoga
  • Pilates

Hyde Park Baptist and the Quarries Church

HPBHS

  • Austin, Texas
  • 11,000 members
  • Rockwall
  • Fitness center
  • Weight room
  • 100 yard indoor running track
  • Tennis courts
  • Basketball courts
  • Youth sport leagues
  • Zumba class
  • Stretch class
  • Pilates class
  • Step aerobics class
  • Senior fitness class

Lakewood Church

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  • Houston, Texas
  • Mega church with over 45,000 members
  • Total life challenge
  • Started one of the first mega challenges in U.S. with fitness expert Samir Becic
  • Offers several classes that combine physical fitness, nutrition, spiritual, mental, and social balance
  • Pastor Joel Osteen is very fit and by appointing Samir Becic as head of health and fitness was trying to make a point that fitness is an important factor in the church
  • Samir is building new fitness force at Lakewood with over 30 trainers in order to expand healthy lifestyle to the majority of the congregation attending Lakewood Church
  • Also, building a network of smaller churches that are connected to Lakewood Church to spread the message and to implement the message of healthy lifestyle and fitness programs

Living Stone Church

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  • Alvin, Texas
  • Pastors Scott and Kelley Niemeier are very fit
  • Volleyball
  • Boys and girls basketball
  • Crosscountry
  • 6 man football
  • One of the largest outdoor recreation/sport facilities in all of Texas

Lifepointe Church

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  • Crowley, Texas
  • Pastor is one of the fittest Christian leader is the US
  • Annual 5K fun run
  • Sermons include healthy lifestyle tips
  • Seminars on healthy lifestyle
  • Pastor Chuck Bernal made our Top 10 Fittest Christian Leaders in America list because he promotes fitness as part of the foundation of their church and healthy lifestyle
  • Holds Annual Fit Weekend
  • Promotes fitness through social media,blog, using members as examples to become active and healthy.
  • Talks about how healthy lifestyle and physical activity can help overcome issues
  • Members who are part of the church that have a background in nutrition educate other members on nutrition.
  • There are trainers available at the church that help people with weight training and nutrition training also in addition to members who already have a background in nutrition

Park Cities Baptist Church

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  • Dallas, Texas
  • Senior fitness class
  • Cheerleading
  • Soccer league
  • Aerobics class
  • Joint effort classes
  • Boot camp

Prestonwood Baptist Church

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  • Plano, Texas
  • 28,000 members
  • Sport leagues
  • Fitness classes
  • Weight room
  • Cardio room
  • Outdoor recreation/sports facility

Salem Lutheran Church

bigchurch

  • Tomball, Texas
  • Partnered with Unique Physique and opened a 100,000 square foot recreation center on the second floor of church
  • Fitness center includes: indoor track, weight room, cardio room, aerobics room, stretching area, basketball courts, personal training and nutritional seminars

Second Baptist Houston

second_baptist_church_houston0001

  • Houston, Texas
  • About 25,000 members
  • Personal trainers
  • Fitness classes
  • Indoor/outdoor track
  • Whirlpool and sauna

Stonegate Fellowship

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  • Midland, Texas
  • About 3,000 members
  • Men’s sport league
  • Women sport leagues
  • Co-ed sport leagues
  • Zumba classes
  • Stretching classes
  • Pump and tone class
  • Body by baby class
  • Fit N Firm class
  • Total body conditioning class
  • YoPi strength class

St. Luke’s United Methodist Church

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  • Lubbock, Texas
  • Trains novice runners for half and full marathons
  • Partnered with USA fit
  • Men’s softball
  • Women’s softball
  • Yoga
  • Running program

Wayside Chapel

WelcomeSignScreenshot

    • San Antonio, Texas
    • Medium sized church
    • First Place 4 Health – It is a Christ-centered weight loss and healthy living program that addresses the whole person – physical, mental, emotional and spiritual
    • 55+ Fitness Classes – age appropriate exercises to maintain and improve fitness

Health Fitness Revolution by Samir Becic Foundation is a 501(c)3 organization, to make the world a healthier, fitter place, please donate!




Read more of our articles on Churches

]]> https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/top-20-fittest-churches-texas/feed/ 1 3364 Champions Forest Baptist Church 3 – Details Christ United Methodist Church, Plano, Texas 2 127136 image download (1) First_Baptist_Church,_Abilene,_TX_IMG_6315 Current FBC Amarillo 2 622×350 e598d0b46690d8c7f5d02b517ce7df40 HPBHS Lakewood Church Stu 4e417d2214f4d.preview-300 LifePointe Final Logo churchbuilding1 prestonwood-plano-campus626C510BAA9C08C664012B9E bigchurch second_baptist_church_houston0001 134___selected logo_st-lukes-umcNoTag WelcomeSignScreenshot Top 10 Fittest Gospel Singers https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/top-10-fittest-gospel-singers/ https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/top-10-fittest-gospel-singers/#respond Fri, 08 Aug 2014 16:07:47 +0000 http://healthfitnessrevolution.com/?p=3110 Gospel music. When we hear of this musical genre, we think of church choirs or of songs we hear on Christian radio. However, the genre has a bigger influences and impact than what may first come to mind. Big name artists, such as Aretha Franklin and Elvis Presley both were impacted by the genre. Aretha got her start singing in the gospel choir at church, and Elvis was inspired to sing by the gospel he heard in church. And that is just to name two. Countless others in the music industry have been influences by gospel music.

Gospel music has a far reach; in both the US and the world. Many artists on our top ten list are Grammy nominees and winners, and have sold millions of records both nationally and worldwide. As a result, these people are viewed as influences and role models, so it is their responsibility to be a good role model in health and fitness to influence their audience.

We have compiled a list of the top ten gospel singers who we find to currently live the healthiest, by eating well and working out regularly. We chose these singers by researching all available data online: from magazine interviews, to video interviews and even to personal websites. Some singers did not necessarily start off as healthy. Quite a few had some health problems along the way; however, those represented on the list have demonstrated that they now live actively healthy lifestyles.

“Spiritual awareness is one of the key components of healthy lifestyle that impacts the whole body and rejuvenates the spirit. Physical fitness and healthy nutrition allows that spirit to flourish to new dimensions and many people experience a closer relationship to God.” -Samir Becic

Here is Samir Becic and Health Fitness Revolution‘s list of the Top 10 Fittest Gospel Singers:

Lecrae

lecrae

  • Lift weights
  • Runs
  • Sit-ups
  • Skateboards while son bikes
  • Claims his sports background is “mostly recreational. I just enjoy getting out there and doing it.”
  • Plays basketball at the arenas on tour
  • Posted on Facebook on July 4th, 2013 “Any fitness trainers in ATL wanna help me work off this Fourth of July food? Asking for help in advance”

 

Kirk Franklin

kirk

  • Works with the American Heart Association to promote healthy lifestyles in the community
  • Went on tour to promote stroke awareness

 

Kim Burrell

kim

  • Lost 107 pounds
  • Healthy Diet
  • If junk food doesn’t fit into a cup, she will not eat it
  • Had three heart attacks and decided to change her lifestyle after the third one.
  • Had Gastric Bypass Surgery
  • Runs

 

David Mann and Tamela Mann

mann

  • David Mann was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and his wife Tamela works out with him to support his fight against it.
  • Both work out with a personal Trainer
  • Started cutting out starches out of their diet
  • Limit intake of juices by diluting them with water
  • Work out doing cardio and weight training
  • Both promote exercising and diabetes type 2 prevention

 

Mary Mary-Gospel Duo

mary

  • Wanted to improve health rather than lose weight
  • Created a meal plan
  • Focuses on increasing fruit and vegetable consumption and replacing some of the starchy carbs and processed sugar with healthy alternatives
  • Eats a lot of green, leafy vegetables and lean sources of protein like fish and chicken
  • Created a fitness regimen that focuses on fat burning, muscle toning, and improve stamina
  • Increase water consumption

 

Donald Lawrence

donald

  • “I’ve learned that I have to exercise and get proper rest.”
  • “Cardio, some light strength training and Pilates really works for me as I have scoliosis.”
  • ” I TRULY believe a ‘kingdom life-style’ is balance: spirituality, family, life, love and healthy living.  I hope to create or be a part of a wellnes program that helps not only Gospel artist but African American people to faith to just stop and take a look at their life’s balance.”
  • Eats protein bars
  • Gluten free
  • 85% Paleo lifestyle Gluten Free on the weekend with 1 or 2 cheat meals
  • Hits the gym 4 days a week

 

Earnest Pugh

earnest

  • Lead a wellness fest at Hilltop Church
  • Served 15 years in US Army
  • Was a drill sergeant

 

Michelle Williams

michelle williams

  • Does circuit training
  • Lots of workout videos
  • Was dealing with years of depression which she overcame with “exercise, therapy, and positive thinking.”

 

Sandi Patty

sandi_patty

  • Got lap-band surgery
  • Lost 75 pounds
  • Has healthy cookbook
  • Diet
  • Exercises

 

Yolanda Adams

yolanda-adams

  • Promotes health and wellness on her morning show
  • Promotes healthy dieting
  • Goes to Bootcamp Classes
  • Had inflammation in her body so her doctor changed her diet from linguine and clams, gluten and yeast
  • Different diet regimen now
  • Wants to live to 105
]]> https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/top-10-fittest-gospel-singers/feed/ 0 3110 lecrae kirk kim mann mary donald earnest michelle williams sandi_patty yolanda-adams Top 20 Fittest Churches in America https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/top-20-fittest-churches-america/ https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/top-20-fittest-churches-america/#respond Thu, 12 Jun 2014 17:23:00 +0000 http://healthfitnessrevolution.com/?p=3061 Regardless of religious preferences, Samir Becic and the Health Fitness Revolution Team has made a list of the Top 20 Fittest Churches in America. We’ve researched all the possible data that was available on over 1,000 churches and what they offer their members. We’ve complied a list of  the difference churches in America and narrowed it down to 100 then 50 then 25 to 20.

We used a combination of interviews, internet, library, industry literature, and Samir Becic’s knowledge of over 25 years in athletics coupled with his experience as 4 times Number 1 Fitness Trainer in the World.

“Spiritual awareness is one of the key components of healthy lifestyle that impacts the whole body and rejuvenates the spirit. Physical fitness and healthy nutrition allows that spirit to flourish to new dimensions and many people experience a closer relationship to God.” – Samir Becic

“The Mega-Churches of today hold a strong influence on the general opinion of mainstream America. Followers look for daily guidance from pastors and heads of ministries on the best way to live their lives and raise their families. It is enormously important to provide the churches with the correct knowledge on fitness and proper nutrition so they can influence and better their members lives.”-Samir Becic

This list is ranked in alphabetical order:

Appelton Alliance ChurchScreen Shot 2014-07-01 at 12.12.03 PM

  • Appleton, Wisconsin
  • Has fitness center and offers group classes
  • Personal training available
  • Before and after assessments of body fat, circumference measurements and step test
  • Personalized workout available to someday allow the participant to live a healthy lifestyle without assistance
  • Fitness classes include spin, suspension training, strong bones, Zumba, total body conditioning, HIIT, dancercise, speed work, running club, karate, ballet
  • Softball and Basketball sports leagues are available

Bayside Church

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  • Roseville, California
  • 13,000 members
  • Personal training and fitness classes available
  • Yoga
  • Pilates
  • Adventure sports
  • Sports Leagues

Bellevue Presbyterian Church

Screen Shot 2014-07-01 at 1.07.01 PM

  • Bellevue, Washington
  • Men’s softball
  • Holy Yoga
  • Aerobics and strength
  • Boot camp conditioning
  • Sports
  • Cardio sculpt
  • Badminton
  • Volleyball
  • Indoor soccer
  • Basketball
  • Core power ball class
  • Community Center

Berean Missionary Baptist Church of Crown Heights

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  • Brooklyn, New York
  • Four story facility with dialysis unit, primary health care clinics, gymnasium and fitness center
  • Wants to “aggressively work to educate church and community members about ways to prevent diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, strokes, prostate cancer, breast cancer, and HIV/AIDS”
  • Gym includes indoor track and weight – room
  • Free to community

Central Baptist Church

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  • Fountain City, Tennessee
  • Step class
  • Kickboxing
  • Dance
  • Yoga
  • Pilates
  • Strength training
  • History of dedication to fitness
  • Classes held Monday through Saturday
  • Certified instructors
  • Weight room
  • Racquetball courts
  • Indoor track
  • Non-impact classes for seniors

Crossings Community Church

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  • Mega church in Oklahoma
  • Fitness center with free weights, group classes, and personal training
  • Sports leagues
  • Bootcamp and Basic Bootcamp
  • Total body conditioning for women
  • Senior Fitness
  • Lunchtime exercise
  • Strength circuit
  • Cardio blast
  • Yoga
  • Adult basketball league
  • Youth soccer, basketball, and cheer leagues

Dunwoody Baptist Church

Screen Shot 2014-07-01 at 1.14.33 PM

  • Atlanta, Georgia
  • About 1,000 attendees every sunday
  • Abs, Buns and Thighs
  • All about abs
  • Cardio kickboxing
  • Cycle
  • Chisel
  • Core and cardio challenge
  • Core combo (yoga and pilates)
  • Core and restore (yoga)
  • Early bird burn
  • Posture perfect
  • Retro cardio
  • Rip-it-up
  • Rush your release
  • Tai Chi
  • Step and Sculpt
  • Zumba
  • Personal training available
  • Taekwondo
  • Dynamo swim pool
  • Grounded yoga program for kids
  • Summer challenge – “Sizzlin Summer Shape Up” (June – August)

First Chinese Baptist Church

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  • Los Angeles, California
  • 500 members
  • Offers a fitness center with a weight room and cardio equipment
  • Basketball leagues – Men, women, co-ed and kids
  • Volleyball leagues – 3 courts for various skill levels
  • Ping-Pong – different tables for different ages and skill levels

Hyde Park Baptist and The Quarries Church

Screen Shot 2014-07-01 at 1.17.21 PM

  • Austin, Texas
  • 11,000 members
  • Rock wall
  • Fitness Center
  • Weight room
  • Baseball program
  • Softball and 5 on 5 flag football adult sports leagues
  • Cardio tennis, leagues, and private/group tennis lessons
  • Basketball court
  • Pickleball
  • 100 yard indoor running track above gym
  • Zumba
  • Strength and Stretch
  • Pilates
  • Step Aerobics
  • Seniorcise
  • Outdoor recreation programs
  • Youth sports leagues
  • Summer camps for youth
  • Gladiator adult fitness program

Lakewood Church

Screen Shot 2014-07-01 at 1.17.57 PM

  • Houston, Texas
  • Mega church with over 45,000 members and 30 million viewers on TV
  • Has Total Life Challenge
  • One of the first mega challenges in the U.S. with fitness expert Samir Becic
  • Classes offered combining physical fitness, nutrition, spiritual, mental, and social balance
  • Pastor Joel Osteen is very fit, and by appointing Samir as head of health and fitness was trying to make a point that fitness is an important factor in the church
  • Adding 30 trainers to expand healthy lifestyle to the majority of the congregation
  • Smaller network of churches connected to Lakewood Church are being built to spread the message and to implement the message of healthy lifestyle and fitness programs

McElwain Baptist Church

Screen Shot 2014-07-01 at 1.18.43 PM

  • Birmingham, Alabama
  • Full sized basketball gym
  • 3 on 3 basketball, volleyball and children sports leagues available
  • Pool and Ping Pong tournaments
  • Walking and jogging club
  • Ladies fitness class
  • Zumba
  • Personal Training
  • Nutrition class
  • Senior adult fitness classes
  • Offer state of the art weight room and cardio machines

Peachtree Presbyterian

Screen Shot 2014-07-01 at 1.19.32 PM

  • Atlanta, Georgia
  • 6,940 members (largest Presbyterian church in the US)
  • Fitness, sport, dance, and gymnastic camps
  • Over 60 fitness classes held each week
  • Cardio room and weight room
  • Indoor track
  • Certified personal trainers
  • 50-60 team adult basketball league
  • Youth sports include: basketball, gymnastics, cheer, dance, tee ball, sports 101, flag football, inline skating, and junior golf

Prestonwood Baptist

Screen Shot 2014-07-01 at 1.20.02 PM

  • Plano, Texas
  • 28,000 members
  • Sports leagues
  • Fitness classes
  • Free weights
  • Weight room is equipped with the latest free weight and cybex equipment
  • Cardio room – cross training machines, treadmills, ellipticals and stair masters
  • Two sand volleyball courts
  • Football, softball, and soccer fields

Saddleback Church

Screen Shot 2014-07-01 at 1.20.51 PM

  • California
  • The “Daniel Plan”
  • Over 60 fitness classes per week offered
  • Cardio room
  • Weight room
  • Indoor track
  • Certified personal trainers
  • 50-60 team adult basketball leagus
  • Fitness classes include: The Cross, Bootcamp, cardio kick boxing, low back and core, chair relaxation, stretch and strengthen, walk and worship, fit people fit pets, Zumba, running, hiking, triathlon 101
  • Sports include: basketball, women’s soccer, co-ed softball, mens softball, volleyball, karate, tennis, surfing, badminton and bridge
  • Cycling includes: mountain biking, road cycling, motorcycle, off-road dirt biking

Second Baptist Houston

Screen Shot 2014-07-01 at 1.21.35 PM

  • Houston, TX
  • Approximately 24,000 at each of the five campuses
  • Gym
  • Personal Trainers
  • Fitness classes include: core conditioning, interval, TRX, bootcamp, aerobics, spin, foam roller
  • Indoor and outdoor track
  • Whirlpool and sauna in locker rooms
  • Full size weight room and plenty of cardio equipment
  • Sports leagues

Second Ponce De Leon Baptist Church

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  • Atlanta, Georgia
  • 70,000 square foot fitness center
  • Fitness classes include: Zumba, interval training, pilates, PiYo (pilates and yoga combined), Yoga, Sculpting, Step, Cardio Sculpt, Active Adults and Bootcamp
  • Functional Room includes squat platforms, ropes, cross training equipment, and kettlebells
  • Indoor track
  • Weight and cardio rooms
  • Full size gym
  • Racquetball courts
  • Steam rooms and sauna

Southeast Christian

Screen Shot 2014-07-01 at 1.23.15 PM

  • Louisville, Kentucky
  • Over 30,000 members
  • Personal trainers
  • Fitness classes
  • Sports leagues
  • Group fitness classes
  • Spin
  • HIIT
  • Pilates
  • Flexible Strength
  • Kickboxing
  • Cardio Blast
  • Step
  • Sport Conditioning
  • Strength and Super Spin
  • Hiking and Biking Groups

Ray and Joan Kroc Corps Community Center

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  • Chicago, Illinois
  • Kroc Community Church ran by the Salvation Army
  • Kroc Fit for Youth
  • Kroc Strength for Youth
  • Adult classes include: Senior Fit, Golden Zumba, Family Boot Camp, Walking club, cycling, cardio kickboxing, step aerobics, abs and stretch, hi-low impact fusion, tone balance and core, cardio-lates (dance), flowjam (Christian yoga), different dance classes, get strong, TRX suspension training, tai chi, qi dong
  • Sports include: daily open gym, tennis league, girls basketball, co-ed volleyball, golf, indoor soccer, co-ed basketball, outdoor soccer, mens basketball

Victory Church

Screen Shot 2014-07-01 at 1.25.27 PM

  • Rochester, New York
  • Medium sized church
  • Group fitness classes
  • MMA classes
  • Fitness Chicks
  • Dancercise
  • Outdoor Adventure
  • Barbell
  • Victory fit (HIIT)

Wayside Chapel

Screen Shot 2014-07-01 at 1.26.38 PM

  • San Antonio, Texas
  • Between 1,000 – 5,000 members
  • First Place 4 Health – Christ-centered weight loss and healthy living program that addresses the whole person – physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual
  • 55+ Fitness Classes

Read more of our articles on Churches

]]> https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/top-20-fittest-churches-america/feed/ 0 3061 Screen Shot 2014-07-01 at 12.12.03 PM Screen Shot 2014-07-01 at 12.26.10 PM Screen Shot 2014-07-01 at 1.07.01 PM Screen Shot 2014-07-01 at 1.08.49 PM Screen Shot 2014-07-01 at 1.11.03 PM Screen Shot 2014-07-01 at 1.13.56 PM Screen Shot 2014-07-01 at 1.14.33 PM Screen Shot 2014-07-01 at 1.15.13 PM Screen Shot 2014-07-01 at 1.17.21 PM Screen Shot 2014-07-01 at 1.17.57 PM Screen Shot 2014-07-01 at 1.18.43 PM Screen Shot 2014-07-01 at 1.19.32 PM Screen Shot 2014-07-01 at 1.20.02 PM Screen Shot 2014-07-01 at 1.20.51 PM Screen Shot 2014-07-01 at 1.21.35 PM Screen Shot 2014-07-01 at 1.22.28 PM Screen Shot 2014-07-01 at 1.23.15 PM Screen Shot 2014-07-01 at 1.24.01 PM Screen Shot 2014-07-01 at 1.25.27 PM Screen Shot 2014-07-01 at 1.26.38 PM The 10 Fittest Religious Leaders in the U.S. https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/10-fittest-religious-leaders-u-s/ https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/10-fittest-religious-leaders-u-s/#respond Mon, 31 Mar 2014 21:11:57 +0000 http://healthfitnessrevolution.com/?p=2059 Samir Becic, 4 times Number 1 Fitness Trainer in the world and his Health Fitness Revolution team created a list that is the first of its kind- the 10 Fittest Religious Leaders in the U.S. HFR believes that spiritual health is a key component of total body health. We also believe that spiritual leaders cannot achieve their full potential without being physically fit. Healthy body = Healthy Spirit. This is why we are bringing you the list of the Fittest Spiritual Leaders in America.

This list was difficult to create considering that there is not much data available. We screened several hundred religious leaders, narrowed it down to 100, then 50, 25, and ultimately these 10. We took into consideration their fitness levels, their nutritional diets, their own struggles with health issues, their ages, and the amount health and fitness awareness that they promote to within congregations.

Pastor Joel Osteen

Pastor Joel Osteen
Pastor Joel Osteen

The 50-year-old preacher made headlines a couple years ago when he was pictured in Hawaii with 6-pack abs, which is a testament in itself to how much he exercises. Osteen frequently posts diet and fitness advice on his website, encouraging people “to take care of your temple. Don’t put things in that you know shouldn’t be in. Limit the sugars. Limit the caffeine. Drink more water. Eat more fruits and vegetables and don’t live off of these packaged lunch meats,” Osteen advises. “Eat more organic when you can. More baked and less fried.” He cares so much about the health of his congregation that he even appointed one of the top fitness experts in the world, Health Fitness Revolution founder Samir Becic to be in charge of Health and Fitness at his mega-church, Lakewood in Houston, TX. We wrote about it in an article here. Samir says “Joel Osteen makes me laugh so hard that sometimes I have a sore stomach, laughter is a key component of health.” Joel Osteen also made our list of Top 10 Fittest Christian Leaders in America.

Marianne Williamson

Marianne Williamson
Marianne Williamson

This spiritual leader, new thought minister, and best selling author wrote the book “A Course in Weightloss: 21 spiritual lessons for surrendering your weight forever.” In her book, she says that in truth, our weight problems are caused by our minds and in particular, caused by the fear inside our minds- and until we spiritually rid ourselves of certain thoughts and fears- we will “yo-yo diet”. She says our fears will express itself in unhealthy eating habits or resistance to exercise. Put simply, Marianne’s course aims to take you through a series of 21 spiritual lessons that will help heal the ‘inner’ you, so that the ‘outer’ you will follow naturally. Marianne has said “When people are ‘missing’ something emotionally or spiritually, they tend to overeat or avoid exercise.” Marianne believes the reason obesity is such an epidemic in the Western world is partly because of the food we’re eating. “I certainly know there’s an epidemic in the US. I think one of the problems we have in the US is so much of diet is from processed foods. If your ancestors didn’t eat it, then your body doesn’t recognize it,” she says. “It’s like the digestive tract is saying – what is this? I don’t recognise this. It recognises cumquats, but not the macaroni and cheese.

 ShiFu Shi Yan Ming

ShiFu Shi Yan Ming
ShiFu Shi Yan Ming

ShiFu Shi Yan Ming is a Chan Master, Founder and abbot of the USA Shaolin Temple. A 34th generation Shaolin Warrior monk from China’s Shaolin Temple–the birthplace of Chan Buddhism and the mecca of all martial arts–Yan Ming teaches the students at his New York Shaolin Temple a rigorous program of kung fu for getting the body and mind into warrior condition. He even wrote a book called “The Shaolin Workout: 28 Days to Transforming Your Body and Soul the Warrior’s Way” which is highly ranked by readers on Amazon.

 Tom Cruise

Tom Cruise
Tom Cruise

Tom cruise has been the public spokesperson for Scientology since 2004. Although he is not the official head of the church, he received their Freedom Medal of Valor from the International Association of Scientologists– the first such medal ever awarded. Since he is an actor, his workout routine varies from role to role but he is known for having a vigorous workout routine. When he is in training, he follows a prescription designed for him by world-class soccer player David Beckham: sticks to a strict and balanced nutritional diet, lifts weights, does calisthenic exercises and engages in a lot of fun type physical activities like jogging, hiking, playing tennis and other things to keep his body moving. He is a great example of healthy living for his scientologist community. Tom Cruise also made our list of Top 10 Fittest Hollywood Actors, Top 10 Fittest Hollywood Celebrities, and Who are the Fittest Hollywood Celebrities of 2014?

Rabbi Levi Brackman

levi
Rabbi Levi Brackman

The self-proclaimed “Crossfit Rabbi” works out four to five times a week and is health conscious. As a contributing writer in the Denver Post, he parallels fitness and spirituality: “To become fit either spiritually or physically takes dedication and effort. While it may not be fun initially, if you stay with it the benefits will become self evident. It always amazes me when people are able to see this clearly with regard to their physical fitness, but are blind to it when it comes to spirituality. “

His Grace Gadadhara Pandit Dasa

His Grace Gadadhara Pandit Dasa
His Grace Gadadhara Pandit Dasa

His Grace Gadadhara Pandit Dasa is a lecturer and Hindu chaplain at Columbia University, New York University, and Union Theological Seminary in addition to being a contributing writer for the Huffington Post. He practices yoga and follows the true meaning of the term- which is to try and reconnect with the divine. He has written on the yoga of eating an entirely vegetarian diet because “when an individual consumes this offered or “karma-free” food, one’s mind, senses and consciousness get purified of such tendencies as greed, anger, envy and selfishness. One comes simultaneously closer to the divine.” By following a vegetarian diet, many hindu’s eat diets that tend to be higher in fiber and protective phytonutrients and lower in saturated fat than the typical American diet.  This healthier diet helps explain why vegetarians tend to have less cardiovascular disease, Type 2 diabetes, hypertension and fewer weight problems than their meat-loving counterparts. Pandit wrote about being an urban monk in his book “Urban Monk: Exploring Karma, Consciousness, and the Divine”.

Abuhena Saifulislam

Abuhena Saifulislam
Abuhena Saifulislam

Abuhena Saifulislam is the first Muslim appointed as an imam chaplain in the United States military. In the Navy his rank is Lieutenant Commander and he is popularly known as Chaplain Saif. This Lieutenant Commander in the navy must be fit in order to fulfill his roles and duties, and the Navy considers a physically fit body as important as a sound mind. Those in the navy must develop stamina, endurance and improve overall physical condition so they can meet demanding physical fitness requirements of their jobs. Men in the navy cannot have body fat over 22% and must maintain fit throughout their active duty. Abuhena Saifulislam is a great example to muslims in maintaining a physically fit body while still practicing their faith.

Pastor Heather Lindsey

Pastor Heather Lindsey
Pastor Heather Lindsey

Heather knows what it takes to stay healthy and fit after working as a TV show host in the entertainment industry. In 2012 she founded The Pinky Promise, an organization that promotes honoring God with your life & body. She also penned a book “The Perfect Recipe” which she calls an invitation for women who desire to get closer to Christ, eat healthier and feel better. Heather is a vegetarian and follows a healthy nutritional diet which helps her maintain her vibrant and youthful looks. We feel she is a great example for women in the Christian community who leads by example. Heather also made our list of Top 10 Fittest Christian Leaders in America.

Pastor Chris Townsend

Pastor Chris Townsend
Pastor Chris Townsend

This Lutheran pastor is so committed to fitness that he’s now working out while delivering his sermon. In a creative and eye catching way, Chris Townsend is aiming to inspire his congregation by showing them that you truly can make time to be fit by brining stationary bikes, treadmills, and yoga balls to the pulpit! So far he’s lost 35 pounds, 5 inches off his waist, and built muscle in other areas. But his main message is to be physically and spiritually fit. Leading by example, Townsend is hopeful others will join him in transforming their mind and body. “Hopefully it will inspire, prayerfully inspire, people to get fit. Not just physically fit, but spiritually fit working on the spiritual muscle that’s the core muscle for us,” said Townsend. The pastor still wants to lose another 25 to 30 pounds to reach his goal weight. In addition to exercise, Townsend has also completely cut out caffeine and changed his diet. Chris also made our list of Top 10 Fittest Christian Leaders in America.


Pastor Rick Warren

Pastor Rick Warren
Pastor Rick Warren

This mega-church pastor had an epiphany one day while he was baptizing 858 people. After dipping the 500th body into the water, Warren’s aching arms led him to conclude, “We’re all fat.” He concedes that it wasn’t a very spiritual thought for a pastor to have, but he also thought, “I’m fat, too. I’m as out of shape as everyone else is.” From this moment, he decided to create a health program with leading experts such as Dr. Oz, that Christians could follow by writing a book named the “Daniel Plan.” Although the pastor himself has struggled with his own weight for a very long time, we put him on this list because he found leading experts in the health and fitness fields and wrote a book with them that has helped millions get healthier. His book is a lifestyle program that helped Warren lose 65 pounds in 2011 and aided members of his congregation to get healthier by dropping more than 250,000 pounds collectively that year. Rick Warren also made our list of Top 10 Fittest Christian Leaders in America.

Health Fitness Revolution by Samir Becic Foundation is a 501(c)3 organization, to make the world a healthier, fitter place, please donate!




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]]> https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/10-fittest-religious-leaders-u-s/feed/ 0 2059 Joel Osteen Pastor Joel Osteen marianne williamson Marianne Williamson Shi Yan Ming ShiFu Shi Yan Ming Tom-Cruise-tom-crui090310 Tom Cruise levi Gadadhara-Pandit-Dasa-410×273 His Grace Gadadhara Pandit Dasa Abuhena M. Saifulislam, George W. Bush Abuhena Saifulislam heather lindsey Pastor Heather Lindsey Screen Shot 2014-01-24 at 4.53.58 PM Pastor Chris Townsend Pastor Rick Warren Top 10 Fittest Christian Leaders in America https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/top-10-fittest-christian-leaders-america-2/ https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/top-10-fittest-christian-leaders-america-2/#comments Thu, 20 Mar 2014 10:22:46 +0000 http://healthfitnessrevolution.com/?p=2561 Samir Becic, 4 times Number 1 Fitness Trainer in the world and the Health Fitness Revolution team did research and found the Fittest Christian Leaders in America.  With this article, we want to alert other spiritual leaders to be more physically fit and active in order the represent their faith and beliefs in the best light for the 21st century.  The wealth (read = health) and prosperity of a nation is dependent on the health and physicality of it’s people.  With this being said, Health Fitness Revolution will go into every segment of society and pick it’s leaders and heroes in healthy lifestyle in order the create strong ambassadors.

We first researched all the available data on religious/spiritual leaders online and narrowed it down to 25. Then, we did more extensive research to narrow it down 10, and then finally 1. We used a combination of interviews, internet, library, industry literature, and Samir’s knowledge of over 33 years in athletics coupled with his experience as 4 times Number 1 Fitness Trainer in the world.

“Spiritual awareness is one of the key components of healthy lifestyle that impacts the whole body and rejuvenates the spirit. Physical fitness and healthy nutrition allows that spirit to flourish to new dimensions and many people experience a closer relationship to God.” – Samir Becic

There is an alarming crisis is looming in the pews of churches across America. In fact, statistics suggest that the church today may indeed be in worse condition than the general population. A 2006 Purdue study found that the fundamental Christians are by far the heaviest of all religious groups led by the Baptists with a 30% obesity rate compared with Jews at 1%, Buddhists and Hindus at 0.7%. Similarly, a 2011 Northwestern University study tracking 3,433 men and women for 18 years found that young adults who attend church or a bible study once a week are 50% more likely to be obese.

However, the pastors we have chosen in our list below are not only great examples to their followers, they are also showing them they care by offering them a great role model, and some even offer great programs for their constituents. Pastors and priests like the ones we have chosen, are, in our opinion, the definition of fitness, nutrition, and spiritual balance:

 

PASTOR JOEL OSTEEN

Pastor Joel Osteen

The 50-year-old preacher made headlines a couple years ago when he was pictured in Hawaii with 6-pack abs, which is a testament in itself to how much he exercises. Osteen frequently posts diet and fitness advice on his website, encouraging people “to take care of your temple. Don’t put things in that you know shouldn’t be in. Limit the sugars. Limit the caffeine. Drink more water. Eat more fruits and vegetables and don’t live off of these packaged lunch meats,” Osteen advises. “Eat more organic when you can. More baked and less fried.” He cares so much about the health of his congregation that he even appointed one of the top fitness experts in the world, Health Fitness Revolution founder Samir Becic to be in charge of Health and Fitness at his mega-church, Lakewood in Houston, TX. We wrote about it in an article here.  Samir says “Joel Osteen makes me laugh so hard that sometimes I have a sore stomach, laughter is a key component of health.” Joel also made our Top 10 Fittest Religious Leaders in the U.S. list.

FATHER MARK IVANY

father mark ivany

The rising rate of obesity among all Americans is not lost on church leaders or the priests themselves. Mark Ivany believes that staying healthy and eating well and staying in good shape is going to add to his service as a priest. He was an All-American Lacrosse player in college and says he doesn’t like the gym, so he would rather motivate students, friends, and family to be active in social sports. “Physical fitness and the priesthood have a lot in common,” Ivany told Catholic News Service. “The healthier I am, the longer I can be a priest in service here on this earth.”

PASTOR STEVE SPEAR

Screen Shot 2014-02-12 at 3.29.47 PM

49 year-old Steve Spear, who took up running just 5 years ago ran coast to coast- which totals 3081 miles from LA to NY in 5 months, averaging 170 miles a week, or a marathon a day. The Chicago-area pastor quit his job last year as a Willow Creek pastor after 15 years, to focus on raising $1.5 million to provide clean water for 30,000 people living in Kenya.

PASTOR CHUCK BERNAL

ChuckBernal-Before-After

Chuck Bernal wasn’t always the picture of health, but in 2010 he decided to reform his life and health the right way- and it worked. When he started, he weighed in at 367 lbs and 12 months of hard work got his to a healthy weight of 226 lbs,  a weight he has managed to maintain for 18 months now- which shows that he truly has undergone a lifestyle change! Here are Chucks secrets to success:

  • He eats 5 small meals a day
  • Drinks over 100 ounces of water daily
  • Uses the elliptical for 45 min a day in addition to going to the gym
  • Exercises at least 5 times a week

Chuck, the lead pastor at LifePointe Church in Crowley, Texas says he absolutely feels spiritually stronger since losing the weight. Not only is he more positive, he says his emotional and relational health has also grown. He is a great promoter of healthy lifestyle among his followers and congregation and considers himself a great role model. He beleives that by losing the weight, he is honoring christ.

PASTOR SCOTT BENNEFIELD

scott bennefield

Known as the “Ironman Pastor”, Scott began running for fitness in 1991. He started out as a normal guy with minimal athletic background, but since then, he has had 7 Ironman finishes, the first at age 43.  He says he has purpose in training and competing that transcends the physical aspects of endurance sports. “I do race for trophies, but even more for the reward of running the race of life.” (Hebrews 12:1-3) He wants to model and assist others to run the ‘race of life’ with passion and purpose. He currently serves as an associate pastor who runs “faith and fitness” at New Covenant Church in New Mexico.

MSGR. RICK HILGARTNER

Msgr. Rick Hilgartner

This American Monsignor has said modern technology and transportation advances have helped create a more sedentary life for humans in the past century, and that includes priests. He says “If I take seriously being a good steward of the gift God has given me — the gift of myself, my body, who I am as an instrument for the Lord — then I need to take care of that.” It’s one of the reasons why this 45-year-old priest makes time in his schedule to work out daily in the gym and to run. In fact, running has become a passion for him, and he has participated in many marathons in recent years.

PASTOR RICK WARREN

Pastor Rick Warren

This mega-church pastor had an epiphany one day while he was baptizing 858 people. After dipping the 500th body into the water, Warren’s aching arms led him to conclude, “We’re all fat.” He concedes that it wasn’t a very spiritual thought for a pastor to have, but he also thought, “I’m fat, too. I’m as out of shape as everyone else is.” From this moment, he decided to create a health program with leading experts such as Dr. Oz, that Christians could follow by writing a book named the “Daniel Plan.” On this plan, the pastor himself has lost over 30 pounds. And although some have questioned Warren’s mix of church and health, he says: “You think that God is only interested in your soul? No, he is interested in your body, mind and soul. Jesus went into each village teaching, preaching and healing. The Daniel Plan has to do with healing.” Rick also made our Top 10 Fittest Religious Leaders in the U.S. list.

PASTOR HEATHER LINDSEY

Pastor Heather Lindsey

Heather knows what it takes to stay healthy and fit after working as a TV show host in the entertainment industry. In 2012 she founded The Pinky Promise, an organization that promotes honoring God with your life & body. She also penned a book “The Perfect Recipe” which she calls an invitation for women who desire to get closer to Christ, eat healthier and feel better. We feel she is a great example for women in the Christian community who leads by example. Heather also made our Top 10 Fittest Religious Leaders in the U.S. list.

 PASTOR CHRIS TOWNSEND

Pastor Chris Townsend

This Lutheran pastor is so committed to fitness that he’s now working out while delivering his sermon. In a creative and eye catching way, Chris Townsend is aiming to inspire his congregation by showing them that you truly can make time to be fit by brining stationary bikes, treadmills, and yoga balls to the pulpit! So far he’s lost 35 pounds, 5 inches off his waist, and built muscle in other areas. But his main message is to be physically and spiritually fit. Leading by example, Townsend is hopeful others will join him in transforming their mind and body. “Hopefully it will inspire, prayerfully inspire, people to get fit. Not just physically fit, but spiritually fit working on the spiritual muscle that’s the core muscle for us,” said Townsend. The pastor still wants to lose another 25 to 30 pounds to reach his goal weight. In addition to exercise, Townsend has also completely cut out caffeine and changed his diet.

PASTOR JEFF KAPUSTA

jeff kapusta

Jeff, who has a personal blog with a fitness section, says that he hadn’t realized how much the ministry could be hazardous to ones health.  He had spent years trying to “care” for everyone around him and had managed to neglect himself.  As a result, he had no energy, not even enough to play with his kids when he got home at night. At 205 lbs in 1995, he decided to make a change, and made healthy lifestyle a priority by biking, surfing, running, and trying every fitness program he could get hands on including p90x, Insanity, memberships at 3 different gyms, and now CrossFit. While doing CrossFit, he managed to get down to 180 lbs- but it wasn’t until he embraced healthy nutrition and the “Paleo Diet” that he got to his ideal weight of 163 lbs. Jeff has said “by neglecting myself, I had less energy to give to my family, less focus toward my work, and less value toward who God had created me to be.  The only area of my life that I had “more” of was the area just above my belt.” He continues to live a healthy lifestyle and is lead pastor at LifePoint Church in Wilmington, NC.

 

Health Fitness Revolution by Samir Becic Foundation is a 501(c)3 organization, to make the world a healthier, fitter place, please donate!




Follow us on twitter and facebook and visit www.healthfitnessrevolution.org!

]]> https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/top-10-fittest-christian-leaders-america-2/feed/ 4 2561 Pastor Joel Osteen father mark ivany Screen Shot 2014-02-12 at 3.29.47 PM ChuckBernal-Before-After scott bennefield Msgr. Rick Hilgartner Pastor Rick Warren Pastor Heather Lindsey Pastor Chris Townsend jeff kapusta Want Better Health? Try Meditating! https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/meditation-and-health/ https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/meditation-and-health/#respond Sun, 16 Mar 2014 16:30:27 +0000 http://healthfitnessrevolution.com/?p=193 Health Fitness Revolution always emphasizes the importance of living a life that is well balanced- which is a major component of health.  This can sometimes prove to be a challenge in the fast paced, stressful world we live in.  Stress is a known cause of mainly ailments we suffer from such as depression, high blood pressure, digestive issues, and memory problems.

This is precisely why it is so important to take time out everyday for yourself and meditate.  Meditation time can be as simple as laying down with your eyes closed for 10 min and just focusing on breathing and clearing your mind.  It is an important time to slow down, feel your body, and not stress about all the little things you worry about every day.

Here are reasons why Health Fitness Revolution believes you should incorporate meditation into your daily lifestyle routine:

  •  It leads to neuroplasticity: Which is your brain’s ability to change, something very important as you age.
  • It increases gray matter: Which is associated with attention, memory, and decision making.  It also means your brain is aging at a slower pace.
  • It can be better than sleep: A study tested alertness levels of people who had napped, meditated, and watched TV.  Those that had meditated were 10% more responsive and alert than the two other groups.
  • It lowers blood pressure: In a three-month study, 80% of those that meditated everyday saw a reduction in blood pressure
]]> https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/meditation-and-health/feed/ 0 193 Top 10 Fittest Christian Leaders in America https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/top-10-fittest-christian-leaders-america/ https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/top-10-fittest-christian-leaders-america/#respond Thu, 06 Mar 2014 03:25:34 +0000 http://healthfitnessrevolution.com/?p=2199 Samir Becic, 4 times Number 1 Fitness Trainer in the world and the Health Fitness Revolution team did research and found the Fittest Christian Leaders in America.  With this article, we want to alert other spiritual leaders to be more physically fit and active in order the represent their faith and beliefs in the best light for the 21st century.  The wealth (read = health) and prosperity of a nation is dependent on the health and physicality of it’s people.  With this being said, Health Fitness Revolution will go into every segment of society and pick it’s leaders and heroes in healthy lifestyle in order the create strong ambassadors.

We first researched all the available data on religious/spiritual leaders online and narrowed it down to 25. Then, we did more extensive research to narrow it down 10, and then finally 1. We used a combination of interviews, internet, library, industry literature, and Samir’s knowledge of over 33 years in athletics coupled with his experience as 4 times Number 1 Fitness Trainer in the world.

There is an alarming crisis is looming in the pews of churches across America. In fact, statistics suggest that the church today may indeed be in worse condition than the general population. A 2006 Purdue study found that the fundamental Christians are by far the heaviest of all religious groups led by the Baptists with a 30% obesity rate compared with Jews at 1%, Buddhists and Hindus at 0.7%. Similarly, a 2011 Northwestern University study tracking 3,433 men and women for 18 years found that young adults who attend church or a bible study once a week are 50% more likely to be obese.

However, the pastors we have chosen in our list below are not only great examples to their followers, they are also showing them they care by offering them a great role model, and some even offer great programs for their constituents. Pastors and priests like the ones we have chosen, are, in our opinion, the definition of fitness, nutrition, and spiritual balance:

 

PASTOR JOEL OSTEEN

Pastor Joel Osteen

The 50-year-old preacher made headlines a couple years ago when he was pictured in Hawaii with 6-pack abs, which is a testament in itself to how much he exercises. Osteen frequently posts diet and fitness advice on his website, encouraging people “to take care of your temple. Don’t put things in that you know shouldn’t be in. Limit the sugars. Limit the caffeine. Drink more water. Eat more fruits and vegetables and don’t live off of these packaged lunch meats,” Osteen advises. “Eat more organic when you can. More baked and less fried.” He cares so much about the health of his congregation that he even appointed one of the top fitness experts in the world, Health Fitness Revolution founder Samir Becic to be in charge of Health and Fitness at his mega-church, Lakewood in Houston, TX. We wrote about it in an article here.  Samir says “Joel Osteen makes me laugh so hard that sometimes I have a sore stomach, laughter is a key component of health.” Joel also made our Top 10 Fittest Religious Leaders in the U.S. list.

FATHER MARK IVANY

father mark ivany

The rising rate of obesity among all Americans is not lost on church leaders or the priests themselves. Mark Ivany believes that staying healthy and eating well and staying in good shape is going to add to his service as a priest. He was an All-American Lacrosse player in college and says he doesn’t like the gym, so he would rather motivate students, friends, and family to be active in social sports. “Physical fitness and the priesthood have a lot in common,” Ivany told Catholic News Service. “The healthier I am, the longer I can be a priest in service here on this earth.”

PASTOR STEVE SPEAR

Screen Shot 2014-02-12 at 3.29.47 PM

49 year-old Steve Spear, who took up running just 5 years ago ran coast to coast- which totals 3081 miles from LA to NY in 5 months, averaging 170 miles a week, or a marathon a day. The Chicago-area pastor quit his job last year as a Willow Creek pastor after 15 years, to focus on raising $1.5 million to provide clean water for 30,000 people living in Kenya.

PASTOR CHUCK BERNAL

ChuckBernal-Before-After

Chuck Bernal wasn’t always the picture of health, but in 2010 he decided to reform his life and health the right way- and it worked. When he started, he weighed in at 367 lbs and 12 months of hard work got his to a healthy weight of 226 lbs,  a weight he has managed to maintain for 18 months now- which shows that he truly has undergone a lifestyle change! Here are Chucks secrets to success:

  • He eats 5 small meals a day
  • Drinks over 100 ounces of water daily
  • Uses the elliptical for 45 min a day in addition to going to the gym
  • Exercises at least 5 times a week

Chuck, the lead pastor at LifePointe Church in Crowley, Texas says he absolutely feels spiritually stronger since losing the weight. Not only is he more positive, he says his emotional and relational health has also grown. He is a great promoter of healthy lifestyle among his followers and congregation and considers himself a great role model. He beleives that by losing the weight, he is honoring christ.

PASTOR SCOTT BENNEFIELD

scott bennefield

Known as the “Ironman Pastor”, Scott began running for fitness in 1991. He started out as a normal guy with minimal athletic background, but since then, he has had 7 Ironman finishes, the first at age 43.  He says he has purpose in training and competing that transcends the physical aspects of endurance sports. “I do race for trophies, but even more for the reward of running the race of life.” (Hebrews 12:1-3) He wants to model and assist others to run the ‘race of life’ with passion and purpose. He currently serves as an associate pastor who runs “faith and fitness” at New Covenant Church in New Mexico.

MSGR. RICK HILGARTNER

Msgr. Rick Hilgartner

This American Monsignor has said modern technology and transportation advances have helped create a more sedentary life for humans in the past century, and that includes priests. He says “If I take seriously being a good steward of the gift God has given me — the gift of myself, my body, who I am as an instrument for the Lord — then I need to take care of that.” It’s one of the reasons why this 45-year-old priest makes time in his schedule to work out daily in the gym and to run. In fact, running has become a passion for him, and he has participated in many marathons in recent years.

PASTOR RICK WARREN

Pastor Rick Warren

This mega-church pastor had an epiphany one day while he was baptizing 858 people. After dipping the 500th body into the water, Warren’s aching arms led him to conclude, “We’re all fat.” He concedes that it wasn’t a very spiritual thought for a pastor to have, but he also thought, “I’m fat, too. I’m as out of shape as everyone else is.” From this moment, he decided to create a health program with leading experts such as Dr. Oz, that Christians could follow by writing a book named the “Daniel Plan.” On this plan, the pastor himself has lost over 30 pounds. And although some have questioned Warren’s mix of church and health, he says: “You think that God is only interested in your soul? No, he is interested in your body, mind and soul. Jesus went into each village teaching, preaching and healing. The Daniel Plan has to do with healing.” Rick also made our Top 10 Fittest Religious Leaders in the U.S. list.

PASTOR HEATHER LINDSEY

Pastor Heather Lindsey

Heather knows what it takes to stay healthy and fit after working as a TV show host in the entertainment industry. In 2012 she founded The Pinky Promise, an organization that promotes honoring God with your life & body. She also penned a book “The Perfect Recipe” which she calls an invitation for women who desire to get closer to Christ, eat healthier and feel better. We feel she is a great example for women in the Christian community who leads by example. Heather also made our Top 10 Fittest Religious Leaders in the U.S. list.

 PASTOR CHRIS TOWNSEND

Pastor Chris Townsend

This Lutheran pastor is so committed to fitness that he’s now working out while delivering his sermon. In a creative and eye catching way, Chris Townsend is aiming to inspire his congregation by showing them that you truly can make time to be fit by brining stationary bikes, treadmills, and yoga balls to the pulpit! So far he’s lost 35 pounds, 5 inches off his waist, and built muscle in other areas. But his main message is to be physically and spiritually fit. Leading by example, Townsend is hopeful others will join him in transforming their mind and body. “Hopefully it will inspire, prayerfully inspire, people to get fit. Not just physically fit, but spiritually fit working on the spiritual muscle that’s the core muscle for us,” said Townsend. The pastor still wants to lose another 25 to 30 pounds to reach his goal weight. In addition to exercise, Townsend has also completely cut out caffeine and changed his diet. Chris also made our Top 10 Fittest Religious Leaders in the U.S. list.

PASTOR JEFF KAPUSTA

jeff kapusta

Jeff, who has a personal blog with a fitness section, says that he hadn’t realized how much the ministry could be hazardous to ones health.  He had spent years trying to “care” for everyone around him and had managed to neglect himself.  As a result, he had no energy, not even enough to play with his kids when he got home at night. At 205 lbs in 1995, he decided to make a change, and made healthy lifestyle a priority by biking, surfing, running, and trying every fitness program he could get hands on including p90x, Insanity, memberships at 3 different gyms, and now CrossFit. While doing CrossFit, he managed to get down to 180 lbs- but it wasn’t until he embraced healthy nutrition and the “Paleo Diet” that he got to his ideal weight of 163 lbs. Jeff has said “by neglecting myself, I had less energy to give to my family, less focus toward my work, and less value toward who God had created me to be.  The only area of my life that I had “more” of was the area just above my belt.” He continues to live a healthy lifestyle and is lead pastor at LifePoint Church in Wilmington, NC.

 

Follow us on twitter and facebook and visit www.healthfitnessrevolution.org!

]]> https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/top-10-fittest-christian-leaders-america/feed/ 0 2199 Pastor Joel Osteen father mark ivany Screen Shot 2014-02-12 at 3.29.47 PM ChuckBernal-Before-After scott bennefield Msgr. Rick Hilgartner Pastor Rick Warren Pastor Heather Lindsey Pastor Chris Townsend jeff kapusta 10 Ways Praying Actually Benefits Your Health! https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/10-ways-praying-actually-benefits-health/ https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/10-ways-praying-actually-benefits-health/#comments Tue, 18 Feb 2014 17:54:25 +0000 http://healthfitnessrevolution.com/?p=2289 If you are a religious or a spiritual person and pray every day, there is now proof that you might be doing your brain and body a huge favour. According to a new study spiritual or religious practice may fight off depression – particularly in people who are predisposed to the disease – by thickening the brain cortex.

The study conducted by Lisa Miller, professor and director of Clinical Psychology and director of the Spirituality Mind Body Institute at Teachers College, Columbia University, included 103 people who were at a high risk of depression. Their level of risk was based on their family history.

On mapping their brain activity and structure using an MRI, Lisa found that people who valued their religion more and regularly prayed had thicker cortices when compared to those who did not. The thinning of the cortice, especially in certain areas of the brain is an indicator of impending ill health, particularly due to depression.

Thicker cortices indicated a lesser chance of suffering from depression, suggesting that prayer and spirituality really does yield some stunning benefits to the human brain.

This study is just one in a slew of studies that have proved the exact same thing. When we compared the findings of all the studies, we zeroed in on all the benefits praying has on your body:

  1. Makes you stress free: Praying influences your state of mind, helping you relax and thereby reducing the effects stress has on various body organs. It is known to not only help reduce mental stress; it also helps beat physical stress and evens out your emotional reaction to it.  
  2. Reduces your chances of suffering from depression and anxiety: According to a UK based study, published in British Journal of Health Psychology, praying can reduce your risk of developing depression and anxiety. It also found that you have a higher probability of being positive and less depressed if you prayed at a place of worship.
  3. Helps you deal with emotional onslaught: Praying is extremely useful in giving you the strength to deal with day-to-day stress. It offers you some quiet time alone, where you can think and gives you the opportunity to focus on yourself and reduce mental stress.
  4. Keeps away common stress related disorders: Chronic diseases like heart diseases, diabetes, hypertension, ulcers and migraines are all considered to be a result of too much stress. According to alternative therapies like Ayurveda, stress is the number one reason for the buildup of toxins in the body, which not only leads to chronic conditions like diabetes but also certain cancers.
  5. Makes you happier: A study conducted by Dr. Andrew Newberg, Department of Psychiatry at University of Pennsylvania, found that praying can actually boost the level of dopamine or the ‘happy hormone’ in your brain. Making you happier and more peaceful.
  6. Makes you a better person: The same study also found that the practice helps reduce the level of one’s ego by affecting the area of the brain associated with that emotion. It therefore makes you more humble, less greedy for material things and a better person.
  7. Speeds up post-surgical recovery: Other studies have found that praying helps in the quicker healing of surgical scars. This is because when your body is out of sync and stressed, it focuses all its efforts in equalizing itself; thereby offering less resources to the healing of wounds.
  8. Keeps diseases at bay: Praying has been known to improve one’s immunity. One particular study also found that praying also reduces the symptoms of asthma. The studies on why one sees this reaction is still on.
  9. Is good for your heart: The practice of praying has shown a lot of benefits on the functioning of your heart. It is known to speed up the recovery of the heart after a heart attack and surgery. Apart from that it also helps regulate your heart beat, makes it stronger and less stressed.
  10. Helps you live longer: Apart from all the other benefits of praying, one of the most striking perks is that it helps you live longer. By minimizing all the ill effects of stress and environmental factors it helps your body heal better and age more efficiently. All this put together helps the body heal faster and beat the common ailments that affect you when you get older.

 

Originally Published on India.com

]]> https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/10-ways-praying-actually-benefits-health/feed/ 3 2289 Lakewood Church Healthy U Testimony https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/lakewood-church-healthy-u-testimony/ https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/lakewood-church-healthy-u-testimony/#comments Fri, 14 Feb 2014 22:42:26 +0000 http://healthfitnessrevolution.com/?p=2693 Lakewood Church Health & Fitness Program Director Samir Becic sat down with Lisa Gaines, who attends the Healthy U Class and has lost 50 lbs over the past couple months! Listen to her wonderful testimony and her tips to getting healthier, fitter, and happier!

http://youtu.be/ljkFns49C88

There is an alarming crisis is looming in the pews of churches across America. In fact, statistics suggest that the church today may indeed be in worse condition than the general population. A 2006 Purdue study found that the fundamental Christians are by far the heaviest of all religious groups led by the Baptists with a 30% obesity rate compared with Jews at 1%, Buddhists and Hindus at 0.7%. Similarly, a 2011 Northwestern University study tracking 3,433 men and women for 18 years found that young adults who attend church or a bible study once a week are 50% more likely to be obese.

Here are Health Fitness Revolution‘s Top 10 Health Tips for the Christian Community:

  • Spirituality: Spiritual awareness is one of the key components of healthy lifestyle that impacts the whole body and rejuvenates the spirit. Physical fitness and healthy nutrition allows that spirit to flourish to new dimensions and many people experience a closer relationship to God.
  • Education:  Education is one of the most important aspects to changing your life.  Knowledge is the ultimate power when it comes to healthy lifestyle because it helps people in making healthy decisions and empowers them to take control of their lives.
  • Balance: A major component to healthy lifestyle is balance.  Knowing that happiness is good for your healthy, getting a healthy support system and friends, and indulging occasionally.
  • Physical Activity:  The best way to burn calories and fat!  It doesn’t have to be a crazy workout routine that is intimidating, it is best to start with walking for 30 minutes 3 times a week. Just start moving a bit more during the day.
  • Healthy Nutrition:  What we put in our bodies as fuel is fundamental to being healthy.  Start by cutting out sodas, drinking more, water, adding more fresh vegetables and fruit to your diet.
  • Positive Attitude/ Motivation and Accountability:  There are days it is going to be frustrating to switch to healthy lifestyle – which is why positive attitude is so important.  Realize that you are human, and keep yourself motivated to stay on this amazing, healthy path.  Accountability is also very important – knowing that ultimately you are in charge of what you put in your body and how you use it.  Accountability will keep you motivated.
  • Family Unit:  As a family, you can all keep each other on path and motivate each other through the tough days.  The family unit is very strong, and can be your best support system – and you can also motivate your family to be healthy with you!
  • Media Support:  The media needs to start promoting real healthy lifestyle programs instead of quick weight-loss programs that do not work long-term.
  • Government Support:  The government needs to promote more activities for our children, and make being an active a priority in our lives.  Healthier citizens would put less strain on their countries economies.
  • Vision:  There need to be a healthy, natural, balanced vision that influences people’s ideals of health and fitness.  Finding a vision that positively influences the health industry long-term.

Read more of our articles on Churches

 

 

]]> https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/lakewood-church-healthy-u-testimony/feed/ 4 2693 Lakewood Church Healthy U Testimony - Lakewood Church Health & Fitness Program Director Samir Becic sat down with Lisa Gaines, who attends the Healthy U Class and has lost 50 lbs over the past couple months! Listen to her wonderful testimony and her tips to getting healthier, fitter, and happier! http://youtu.be/ljkFns49C88 There is Interview with Lakewood’s John Bowman https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/interview-with-lakewoods-john-bowman/ https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/interview-with-lakewoods-john-bowman/#respond Fri, 31 May 2013 17:50:49 +0000 http://healthfitnessrevolution.com/?p=729 Health Fitness Revolution believes that spirituality is a fundamental part of health.  With this being said, we will be interviewing spiritual leaders across the world in order to present you with the facts necessary to find yourself, your calling, and your own spirituality.

Today, the founder of Health Fitness Revolution Samir Becic sat down with his brother, the leader of Lakewood Church’s Men Ministry, John Bowman to discuss his journey, lifestyle, Lakewood Health and Fitness Challenge, and the Daniel Fast:

HFR: John, you were one of the people who started Lakewood Health and Fitness Challenge, tell us about the beginnings.

John Bowman:  I served for seven years as the Ministry Leader overseeing Lakewood’s prayer partners. During this time, I recognized that we were praying for many people who had sicknesses that could have been prevented through a healthier lifestyle. Of course, I encourage people to get prayer for healing. I also encourage us all to do what we can to live healthy so we can avoid an illness all together. God wants us to live a long healthy life, and we need to partner with Him to do our part.

The Health and Fitness Challenge was birthed out of a series of leadership sessions we did to launch the Men’s Ministry at Lakewood Church. We wanted to give men a cause to stand behind that could make a difference in their lives and the lives of their families. We knew that people make new year’s resolutions at the beginning of the year, so if we could support the congregation in getting healthy, this would be a benefit to them. This was something new for Lakewood. The initial response was amazing as hundreds of people came out to participate.

HFR:  You were the first person to suggest the Daniel Fast be part of the Challenge, what inspired you?

John Bowman: People frequently start the year by dieting and exercising but it doesn’t last. As a church, we want to make sure people put God first in everything they do. The Daniel Fast is a very healthy fast. It is basically eating fruits, vegetables, and nuts for 21 days. By starting the challenge with a healthy fast and dedicating our bodies to God, we knew He would bless everyone’s efforts and help people to move to a more healthy lifestyle. The fasting is now an annual first of the year focus for the church. By honoring God with the first month of the year, we know that He will bless the remainder of the year.

Fasting is basically abstaining from food for a specific period of time for spiritual purposes. It is not a diet. It is a way to honor God and to tune ourselves in spiritually to hear from God. By limiting our strongest fleshly desire to eat, we can become stronger in overcoming other addictions.

HFR:  How did the Lakewood Challenge change your life?

John Bowman: I wanted to lead by example so I participated fully in the challenge. Through the support and encouragement of Samir and Dijana Becic, I put their tips into action and still practice them two year’s later. Samir suggested that I put a glass of water by my bed and drink it first thing in the morning. Formerly, I drank several cups of coffee in the morning and my energy level would go up and down. Now I have given up coffee and drink water throughout the day. My energy is much more consistent. This is just one example of many tips they shared and I put into practice.

HFR:  I know you’re a runner, tell us about the connection between being physically active and spiritually in tune.

John Bowman:  I always enjoyed running and it was a time when I would think creatively. It gets me away from other distractions. As I run, I feel energized and rejuvenated. When you have energy, you can be full of joy and spend time praising God. When you are run down and tired, we are less likely to feel like doing this. I find being healthy makes me more effective and focused on God.

HFR: You are the leader of the Mens Ministry, a highly viewed position, tell us about your career at Lakewood.

John Bowman: Lakewood Church has many amazing ministries and ways for our congregations to get involved. Since we are made up of men and women, those ministries are an important entry point for many people. We consider any man that attends Lakewood Church a part of our ministry for men. We want men to be involved and effective in serving God. We have men at every point of maturity from the new beginner to seasoned leaders who facilitate our many teachings and events. I encourage any man to come join us on Wednesday nights at 6:30pm in the New Beginnings Room (2nd floor), right before the main service.

HFR:  Tell us about your day-to-day job.

John Bowman:  I enjoy developing people whether it involves my children, church or work. It is great having a single focus. In addition to being a Pastor, I work in helping organizations with talent management (who they select, develop and promote). We should all enjoy what we do and I am thankful that I get to do what I love all day long.

HFR:  What influence did the Lakewood Challenge have on Lakewood Church?

John Bowman:  Pastor Joel has always lived a healthy lifestyle and been physically active. I believe the challenge is in alignment with helping our congregation to live this same lifestyle. So many people struggle with being healthy. I am thankful the Challenge has provided an avenue for us to support the members of Lakewood in being healthy. We hear testimony after testimony of how the Challenge has impacted people’s lives. We’ve seen people loose 20, 30, 40 plus pounds and keep it off. Families are eating better. We’ve even heard testimonies of where a doctor confirmed that a man with type one diabetes was healed and no longer has to take his medicine. That’s what happens when you partner with God.

HFR: Pastor Joel is one of the fittest pastors in America, do you think that influences his congregation?

John Bowman: Definitely. Pastor Joel is a great example of a Godly man. You can see how his healthy lifestyle contributes to his energy, excitement, joy. He has an extraordinary schedule. I’m not sure he could be as effective as he is without being so fit. He inspires me personally to do more. I want to be healthy and live a long life for God. Pastor Joel inspires us through having each and every area of his life shine as an example of how we should live as Christians.

HFR: What are your hobbies?

John Bowman: My top hobby is Bible Study. I make growing in Christ my number one priority and attend a bible study in addition to church at least once a week. I also read the bible every morning to start my day. I’ve now made running every other day a primary focus. I love it. Running to me is fun and makes me feel alive. I also love traveling, especially to water location. We spend part of our summers on an island in Croatia and recently went on a Caribbean cruise.

HFR: You have beautiful children, how do you influence them to live a healthy lifestyle?

John Bowman: I think the best way we can encourage our kids is through our example. I’ve always been active. When Brandon was little, I would throw the football with him or play basketball nearly every day. It is just part of what we do and now he does it on his own every day with his friends. I also encourage them to focus on one thing at a time and do it really well. His passion is football and I support him. When Bianca was little I coached her soccer team. Later she got into gymnastics. There mom and I are both very active. To be completely transparent, they are still not eating like I would like them to. I was the same way as a kids – meat and potatoes. But they see what we eat and will eventually come around, just like I did. To sum it up, we have to be the change we want to see in our kids. It starts with you and me.

 

]]> https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/interview-with-lakewoods-john-bowman/feed/ 0 729 The Synergy Between Fitness, Politics, and Religion https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/the-synergy-between-fitness-politics-and-religion/ https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/the-synergy-between-fitness-politics-and-religion/#respond Mon, 25 Feb 2013 19:59:48 +0000 http://healthfitnessrevolution.com/?p=221 In the 21st Century, the health and medical industry is going to have an awakening. As time progresses, the correlation between fitness, media, politics and religion is becoming blatantly apparent.

The more we understand how society works, the more the parallels between these areas begin to interact, affect each other and their functions in society. The way that fitness impacts the health and medical industry is greatly influenced by politics and agendas marketed through the media.  Considering that 60-70% of known chronic illnesses can be managed, controlled, or completely avoided with fitness, healthy nutrition and spiritual balance, we still need to convince politicians to support this idealism through any means available to them, and motivate the media to spread the message.

Even though we are witnessing influence from politics and media on the health and medical industry of today, it is not revolutionary enough.  I would personally like this influence to be in spreading the message of healthy lifestyle and its impact on the masses. Considering that we are the most obese country in the world, and statistics are showing that by 2015 over 75% of Americans will be overweight – the right message from politics and media can be a breaking point in a positive direction towards a healthier and fitter America. More media personalities need to be aware of how a healthier lifestyle can have a positive impact on American society and how their influence as ambassadors for healthy living can be crucial in orienting this nation toward being a leader in health and fitness.

Political leaders can be one of the building blocks toward attaining a healthy lifestyle in mainstream America.  Their influence in making the laws and their presence is imperative toward exciting the masses into changing their nutrition for the better and being more physically active.  Coupled with corporations, politicians can produce the necessary financial means to support the media in starting to become more proactive in providing the exposure needed to make wide-ranging changes towards a healthier U.S. Through having a healthier workforce, corporations will see added benefits to supporting the health and fitness movement.

Based on statistics, such as for every $1 spent on wellness initiatives, corporations can save as much as $10. We can conclude that healthy employees benefit the employer. Conversely, we can conclude that the money that corporations spend on employees’ unhealthy lifestyle is so high that it can determine the future existence of the company and standing of the employees’ job security.  On the other hand, if the company did not have such astronomical health costs, that money could be used for improving the quality of the workplace, more benefits for the employees, and possibly higher income. The new emergence in the corporate world is the Religious non-profit sector such as the “Super Churches” that have enormous influence on its followers – which is a substantial portion of the population.

The Mega-Churches of today hold a strong influence on the general opinion of mainstream America.  Followers look for daily guidance from pastors and heads of ministries on the best way to live their lives and raise their families.  It is enormously important to provide the churches with the correct knowledge on fitness and proper nutrition so they can influence and better their members lives.  I am glad that some mega-churches are currently trying to do this and are already having very respectable results in the field.  One of these churches is Joel Osteen’s Lakewood Church, which continuously provides their members with educational materials, programs, and motivation to live healthier and fitter for themselves and their families.  It also helps that Joel Osteen himself is a very fit man, that in addition to his spiritual guidance, he also inspires people to live healthier lives.  I see that several national churches are following Lakewood’s admirable example, and I truly believe that even more will follow suit.

With this being said, it becomes apparent that all the segments of society need to be reawakened and educated in terms of what “truly” makes a population healthy.  To achieve this, we need all the factors mentioned above to work in a synergistic manner to accomplish the greatest good in terms of health and fitness on a national level.  In the past, there were too many quick-fixes, like short-lived diets and “magic” weight-loss pills that didn’t work – the proof is in 11% obesity rate increase over the past decade.  With proper education in fitness and healthy nutrition, or, Healthy Lifestyle , we can change the significance of what health means to the United States citizens. The Health and Fitness Revolution will change the public opinion toward long-term healthy lifestyle instead of short-lived trends and fads.

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