To those that know me, I am affectionately known as Big Mama, which is as much a personality descriptor as it is a physical attribute. Anyone that follows me on social media knows that I work out consistently and I always attempt to motivate my friends and family to as well. It is not just about losing weight, but it is about feeling healthy and strong. As I age, I have been experiencing many of the physical challenges of working out. Ailments, motivation, and fatigue have become barriers in my fitness routines. I have found that I often need to pivot my workout practices in order to stay healthy. Lately my diagnosis of arthritis in my right knee has kept me from getting out and walking the long distances that I had been so accustomed to in the past. So, to pivot, my husband got us a Peloton bike and I love the classes and have added weight training to my daily routine. I am sharing a few tips and scriptures that motivate me to stay on my grind. I pray that it brings motivation to you as well. I am not an expert on fitness or nutrition. I am simply here to share my personal testimony of fitness through the lens of my faith.

Matthew 22: 39 Love your neighbor as yourself.

As women, we often focus on the neighbor part. Most women will do anything to help someone else. Today I want you to focus on the love thyself part. My “aha” moment was when a friend of mine Warren Wolf mentioned in a post that there are 24 hours in a day, 8 of which are for sleeping. He asked “What are you doing with the other 16? Can you take 1 hour out of the day to take care of self?” Take care of yourself first or you will have nothing left to give others. Self-Care is not selfish. You cannot serve others from an empty vessel.

The first thing you need to do is find a physical activity that you can enjoy. You will not commit to something you dislike. I started off walking through the park. I am not a runner and could not commit to running. I started doing Zumba and line dancing. As my knees have gotten weary I have incorporated some pool exercise, bike riding, and strength training. I have an accountability group with my cousin and sister to text an encourage each other. We track each other on our Apple Watches.

Remember that God loves you and you should love you, too!

NO JUDGEMENT ZONE INCLUDING SELF JUDGEMENT:

Isaiah 54:17 No weapon formed against you shall prosper.

Watch how you speak to yourself. I don’t have time. I am too big to exercise. I can’t go to the gym. It’s raining outside, It’s too hot outside. I suffer from a chronic illness. Do not step on the scale with ill intentions. There is no need to beat yourself up. What we say to ourselves matters. Your body is listening to your mind. Whatever you believe about yourself on the inside is what will manifest on the outside. Be kind to yourself. Plan your meals and set yourself up for success. Watch your portion sizes. Don’t eat before bed. What weapons have formed against you that keep you from taking care of yourself?

Corinthians 6:19 - Do you know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God?

How do you treat the temple? Are you serious about doing the work of the Lord? Is there something that God has put on your heart that you can not do because your temple is out of shape? You are a worthy gift to this world. Take care of yourself.

Philippians 4:13 I can do everything through him who gives me strength.

It is not a process it is a decision. Make the decision today and God will do the rest. We don’t join church because we are perfect. We come as we are and put one foot in front of the other. The first time I started to walk after the challenge from my friend Warren Wolf, I said to myself, “Yes I will walk one hour every day.” I laced up my shoes and started walking. 10 minutes into my walk doubts crept in. I thought “Dang I have to walk back! I better turn around now!” But I persisted. Each day I walked up to my 20 minutes limit. Then a few months later it was 30 minutes and eventually I could walk for an hour and a half. It was that first 10 min decision that got me there. What is your choice to get your body moving? Do it today! What are you waiting for?

I ONLY HAVE ONE MINUTE

by Benjamin E. Mays

I have only just one minute, only sixty seconds in it.

Forced upon me, can’t refuse it.

Didn’t seek it, didn’t choose it, but it’s up to me to use it.

I must suffer if I lose it.

Give account if I abuse it.

Just a tiny little minute but eternity is in it.