Thoughtful Thursday

This week has been a week of exploration. If you completed the challenge, good job. In exercise understanding that when it gets tough to continue, hold on to God's unchanging hand and He will see you through. We need to remember that as Jesus was saying to His disciples in Matthew 19:26 "With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible." It is possible to live a life of abundance. Remember the benefits of exercise and how it will change your life.

Benefits of Exercise

Reduce the risk of premature death
Reduce the risk of developing and/or dying from heart disease
Reduce high blood pressure or the risk of developing high blood pressure
Reduce high cholesterol or the risk of developing high cholesterol
Reduce the risk of developing colon cancer and breast cancer
Reduce the risk of developing diabetes
Reduce or maintain body weight or body fat
Build and maintain healthy muscles, bones, and joints
Reduce depression and anxiety
Improve psychological well-being
Enhanced work, recreation, and sport performance

Benefits of Strength Training

Increased muscular strength
Increased strength of tendons and ligaments
Potentially improves flexibility (range of motion of joints)
Reduced body fat and increased lean body mass (muscle mass)
Potentially decreases resting systolic and diastolic blood pressure
Positive changes in blood cholesterol
Improved glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity
Improved strength, balance, and functional ability in older adults

Benefits of Aerobic Training

Increased maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max)
Improvement in cardiovascular/cardiorespiratory function (heart and lungs)
Increased blood supply to muscles and ability to use oxygen
Lower heart rate and blood pressure at any level of submaximal exercise
Increased threshold for lactic acid accumulation
Lower resting systolic and diastolic blood pressure in people with high blood pressure
Increased HDL Cholesterol (the good cholesterol)
Decreased blood triglycerides
Reduced body fat and improved weight control
Improved glucose tolerance and reduced insulin resistance

“Don’t Just Live, Live Well.”


Then remember to put into action Psalm 103:1-5
"Bless the Lord, O my soul and all that is within me, less His holy name. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits: Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases, Who redeems your life from destruction, Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies, Who satisfies your mouth with good things, So that your youth is renewed like the eagles."

Where there is No Challenge, There is NO Change