"In 2001, Kurt and his wife Brenda established the First Things First Foundation, a non-profit public charity dedicated to impacting lives by promoting Christian values, sharing experiences and providing opportunities to encourage everyone that all things are possible when people seek to put first things first." http://www.allamericanspeakers.com/speakerbio/Kurt_Warner.php
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08-26-2010 10:46:27 PM CST
Amazing Child Basketball Star says his favorite passage is "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." He Reads the Bible and says to remain humble. A must watch for the Christian Fitness Network!
I have been a Certified Fitness Trainer since June 2004. Personal Training was more of a hobby for me up until a month ago when I received the news that the City Engineer was going to have to lay me off because of budget constraints. I was his assistant, but he also had an assistant that worked at his other office that had seniority…so…I decided that it was time, once and for all, to follow my passion of helping others achieve a fit lifestyle.
Through Adversity Christ Carries You
As a believer, I also realize the importance of caring for the Temple in which God resides. I always think of it this way…if Jesus were to announce that He was coming to your home, wouldn’t you get out the best china, dust off the furniture, and spruce the place up so that it was fit for a King? Well, why is it that so many Christians neglect the Lord’s “Temple”? Many, many Christians are so busy that they forget about taking care of themselves. Of course, much of the busyness is the Lord’s work, but think of how much MORE we could accomplish if we were all FIT and HEALTHY!
Sleeping on Sunday March 15th,2009. I know I had a dream that would change my life. You see I am a fitness professional and I have to admit that it has been much more challenging then I thought. Although giving up was not an option not believing, discouragement, lack of faith, and frustration were now part of my daily routine and it shows.
But then this dream changed it all. Here is the dream. Picture this if you will. I am running a special boot camp at a huge college campus. Hundreds if not thousands of people are invited to the camp and about 40 show up. Now for some odd reason there are a few adults in their 40s,50s, and 60s. They seem to be an important part of community. Now I have put together one of the most thought out camps ever. The students are not listening. Ya they are exercising but they are just goofing off and going through the motions.
The students showed up about 1 minute before the start so they were not able to pay prior to the camp. I feel this is fine because I trust them to pay (they know how much it costs through the advertisement). Well the truth is after the camp people started to talk and everything became disorganized and only one student paid for half. Everyone else said they would pay next week. But then comes the special part of the dream. The few older adults all pay. Not only that but one man in particular paid double the cost for the workout. I asked him how many this is for and he says just me. He smiles and I come over and give him a hug. He looks back at me seeing I am so grateful and says “you will be known one day” and “you will make it… never give up.” With joyful tears in my eyes I walk away knowing I will not see this man again at least not in this life. I do not know who this man is and do not even really remember the face. I do remember a healthy glow about him and gray hair but he is not a typical old man. He is filled with youth, energy and vitality. I can see he abounds with Wisdom, Love, and Peace. I just know that he is the Ultimate Success and from that point on it matters not what happens to me but it matters what I think, believe, and act upon. I know that no matter what happens I will never give up. In fact, I know that I will be successful just from what he said.
I wake up with joyful tears in my eyes. A thankful heart and a new sense of confidence I have never had before! The TRUTH is if your heart is right, you give all you got, and never give up on your mission then you will NEVER FAIL!
When talking to an old friend about this website, she told me of her battle with weight loss and how she conquered the “battle of the bulge” by giving her all for God. She called it her “Jesus Diet.” When I asked her for more details about the “Jesus Diet”, she replied, “I dedicated my body to my Lord. I searched out the inspiration from the Bible and joined a group for Christians, that wanted to do right by God and praise Him by becoming healthy and fit – the way God intended for us to be. I also joined an online fitness program that walked me through healthy eating and exercise routines. ”
She pulled out a little notebook that had pages and pages of Bible passages hand-written on them. Every time she felt like she was going to fail, she pulled out this little book from her purse and read a passage or two. She read me two of her favorite passages. In Psalm 139 the Bible states, ” I am fearfully and wonderfully made; marvelous are your works.” And Philippians 4:13 says, “I can do all things through Christ who strengtheneth me.”
“We truly can do all things through Christ,” she said. “I am proof that you can lose weight with God’s help, as I have lost over 40 pounds since I started my “Jesus diet.”
Glory be to God!
I truly hope that this site can inspire you to do right by God and become fit and healthy for His glory!
This is great advice, inspirational, and funny at the same time
A little more serious but very powerful. My parents had plenty of flaws but one thing they never did is crush my dreams. Please listen and watch the video and never crush a child’s dream NEVER!
Coffee/caffeine is probably the most studied drug. Yes caffeine is a drug. It is a stimulant. So lets get through the thick of things and discuss what coffee can do and not do for you. Coffee can temporarily make you more alert. The problem I see so often is that coffee gets overused and abused. Truth be told I drink one coffee a day and sometimes two.
Caffeine is not a miracle solution to weight loss like so many people are led to believe. The truth is in moderation I personally believe coffee to be ok. Once a day it can be used. For Futher reference click the funny picture below to see what other Christians have to say about caffeine.
Here is a fitness center and like minded people working out. It discusses faith and fitness together. Although it is not boot camp style workout at least they are working towards the same goals of health, fitness, and faith.
This blog is about faith and fitness. Growing up Christian I have always believed in Jesus as my Savior. Although, there was a point in my life where I was unhappy, unfulfilled, unhealthy, and just plain sad. I longed for hope like so many others that I now help. Hope in a better life, a better career, better health, happiness, joy, and so on. Then one day as I was reading a book by my old apartment (this was over 4 years ago now) that changed my life forever. The book was Body for Life.
Body for Life taught me:
1. Average people can have a great body
2. That people underestimate their own potential when it comes to fitness
3. That when your body goes through a transformation you feel better, look better, and are happier.
4. That I wanted to help others do the same things I had done.
5. To have a vision of the future and see myself as I want to be!
Finally after lots of prayers, I decided to become a fitness professional. I thought that I would be an instant success. The truth is it has taken education, coaches, reading, prayers, and patience to get to where I am at today. Life is a journey and we should all have goals. This website is an extention of my faith in Christ and my dedicated service to fitness and to all of those wanting to better themselves.
To read more about how I became a fitness entreprenuer and expert just click here!
Watch my video below as I talk about this website!
Today I have the pleasure of bringing Shannon’s background about faith and fitness. Shannon has worked hard to become fit and healthy. In fact she is a camper of mine at boot camp. I have seen her get more fit but the most important thing is her faith. Shannon has done so well she can nearly do a pull up. A feat she has not accomplished since grade school.
This blog is dedicated to YOU the reader. Please give your ideas about what you would like when it comes to fitness and the Christian Faith.
Do you want interviews with fitness leaders who are Christians?
Do you want posts with people who have transformed their bodies through Christ?
Do you want videos, texts, pictures or all three?
Do you want something totally different?
Today my friend Mike Harris discusses his transformation and his FAITH in Jesus along with his amazingly fit life.
Please look at his before and after pictures. This is a very well written article talking about one man’s journey to faith and in the end all praise belongs to Jesus!
Without further ado here is Mikes story:
“I became a Christian late in life—I was about 40 years old when I surrendered control of my life to God that Friday afternoon in 1986. And I grew up in a home that was essentially secular so I really had no preconceived notions about exactly how a Christian should deal with everyday things like physical well-being and participation in sporting events and competitions. Before becoming a Christian I had been interested from a purely spectator perspective in the sport of bodybuilding, but I wasn’t really sure whether that was something I could do and still be a “good” Christian.
As I looked around my church, it seemed like the answer to my questions must have been “no” based on what most of the folks there looked like! They were plump and pretty much sedentary for the most part. But the senior pastor was a guy who was fit, and who seemed to enjoy rigorous activities so I just asked him my question.
The pastor basically assured me that maintaining the “Temple of the Spirit” was indeed important, especially if we wanted to be the kind of Christian who was interested in evangelism. He pointed out that Christians have exactly the same needs and abilities to stay healthy as everyone else, but that we were also supposed to be good example setters. He asked me what I thought when I saw a particularly rotund pastor on TV, and whether I thought the appearance he made helped or hurt that pastor’s ministry in any way. I got the point.
The pastor went on to say that good health is a gift of God just like all the other things we have and that good stewardship of our bodies helps us to become disciplined and effective in other areas as well. He told me that when he ran track at a Christian college, he loved the feeling of winning, and he likened soul-winning to that feeling. He believed that the Holy Spirit put in our hearts a competitive fire to bring as many people to Christ as possible, and that maintaining a competitive and winning way in our sporting life would help stoke those fires within us.
He closed our conversation by urging me to guard my heart, and to put my time with the Lord ahead of all other things, and to keep sports activities as a priority, but as a lower one than God, family and job.
I’m nearly 63 years old now; too old to ever become a top body builder or even a decent amateur body builder now. But, I work out like most body builders, and most people think I look pretty good for my age. When I was 60, I won my age division in the Body for Life national competition. At Columbus Ohio, there was a beautiful celebration for the winners, and one of the things we got to do was to tell people how important the winning of the Body for Life contest was in our lives. I began my short presentation by pointing out that there were several other things that came ahead of it, and when I told them about Jesus being the most important, the applause went on and on. How fitting that He got the glory that night.”
Thanks you Mike for helping others and being the best you can be. To read more about Mike’s life just click here!
Is it your diet? Is it exercise? What is it that makes someone lose weight and stay trim and fit? It is in one simple word “faith” or “belief.” If you think you can just diet and exercise your way to success but not believe you will never be successful with staying fit, trim and healthy. In the same manner if you believe you can do it but than sabatoge it with no or little action that will not work either. Listen below as Jeremy Likness author of “Lose Fat not Faith.” For more information or to order is book just click here.
Does true inspiration ever leave a person? I am not sure of this answer but I do know this… I know that when you are truly inspired and you are doing good for the world nothing can get in your way. When you are inspired you will fight for something you believe in and never give up. Watch as these men are inspired to lift amazing amounts of weight.
The nutrition video tip below is all about soda. Although cutting soda is a great plan, if you do not want to do that but you still want great results. Chose one reward day per week where soda is included. In the end moderation is key in everything.
Hello faith and fitness readers. This a challenge to you. I am going to be donating money based on the number of hits and comments that are on here. The charity that I am going to give money towards is the task force on family violence which protects children and women mainly. They are a great company and I support them 100%!! I am going to do $1 per comment about what you want on here or what you like on here. In addition I am giving 10 cents per hit. Why am I doing this? Two reasons one to get more people to the blog and secondly because I want to give money to that charity anyways:) Please feel free to browse around. I am going to run this challenge until Sunday June, 16th. I will have a cap on the amount I will give but I do not know what that will be. I also have know idea if that will be a concern. Time will tell.
I am so grateful to have an awesome niece and nephew. They both love to exercise and they both love certain sports. Watch as they each wanted to show you a quick workout… Enjoy!
Today’s Fitness Professional and expert is my good friend from Texas, Steve Payne. It has been a blessing to get to know Steve despite being on opposite parts of the United Sates. Steve is a long time veteran in the fitness business and has helped countless people get fit, and lose weight. To read even more about Steve you can click here. It makes sense that a man with a last name Payne would write about pain in our lives. Thanks Steve for a great article!
Athletes and Pain
…neither shall there be any more pain; for the former things are passed away. – Revelation 21:4
Nothing can be more discouraging to an athlete than a nagging injury. To play with pain is more often a greater challenge than meeting and defeating an opponent. Pain often indicates a serious injury that can keep a player from practice and their participation in a game. An individual’s reaction to pain will oftentimes determine their level and degree of determination and enthusiasm with which they play.
The avoidance of pain is quite natural to our behavior. It’s all in what we prepare for and grow accustomed to. A 250 pound tackle who both takes and gives blow after crushing blow may faint at the mere sight of the nurse with a needle. The man who jumps rows of cars while on the back of a motorcycle may shy away from the invitation to crawl upon the back of the bucking bull in a rodeo.
The thought of enduring pain would always seem to be on the mind of the quarterback as he stands confidently in the “pocket” waiting to launch a pass as tons of competitively minded, testosterone filled humanity is bearing down upon him. These same thoughts must surely pass through the mind of the receiver waiting to catch the pass.
The player who’s been out of action for a time because of injury is encouraged as the pain subsides and begins to leave his injured limb with each passing day’s workout. In this instance, one must be willing to endure the pain of conditioning in order to replace the pain of injury. As stated before by a great coach, “You can live with the pain or you can play with the pain.”
I believe that we can safely say that pain is a cold, hard fact of life. In my nearly 49 years of life I’ve endured over 30 broken bones (had my nose broken 6 times), had stitches 11 times, the last time I sewed myself up, and have dislocated both shoulders and four fingers. One of my old coaches told me after a rather severe crash into a much larger opponent, “You are either in pain now or you’re going to be. Deal with it.”
In Matthew 13:21, Jesus spoke of a type of reaction to pain. This person without “roots in himself” can only endure a short time. “Tribulation or persecution” eventually causes him to be offended (discouraged), and he becomes a dropout.
Jesus also said, “In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33)
There is a time coming when God will wipe away “all the symptoms of pain…tears from their eyes, no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying.” That’s when we’ll be with Jesus in eternity. But that day will not come without much pain and heartache here.
Sometimes our sense of reality is off. This guy makes it funny!
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07-11-2010 7:04:37 PM CST
Christian Radio Show I was on
Interesting story… I received a late night text that I should call to be on an early morning radio show. The person who helped me was King Hoover!
I called in and after a little confusion I found a great family radio station. Check them out here
We are all working on this together to spread faith in Christ and faith in fitness. We need to be healthy and fit so we can live the life the Lord has planned for us. So we can spread the WORD and be role models for others.
Thank you King and Family Net for your help in this mission.
“Jesus essentially ate a Mediterranean diet rich in whole grains, fish, fruit and vegetables and modest amounts of olive oil, meat and wine, Colbert says. Anything the Old Testament blacklists in its dietary prescriptions is out, including shellfish, pork products, horses, camels, birds of prey and other carnivores.” http://www.beliefnet.com/Health/Weight-Loss/2003/08/What-Would-Jesus-Eat.aspx
“Due to working in such an environment, Jesus would have been a rugged, physically fit, masculine-looking man. And He would have worn durable, practical clothing, which would have helped Jesus to blend in with the crowd, indistinguishable from the common “blue-collar” fisherman with whom He associated. This was another reason He needed to be identified with a kiss when arrested. Also, since Jesus spent most of His time under the Mediterranean sun, His skin would have been tanned—not pale and even chalky as Christendom portrays.”
“The above article also stated, “From analysis of skeletal remains, archeologists had firmly established that the average build of a Semite male at the time of Jesus was 5 ft. 1 in., with an average weight of about 110 pounds. Since Jesus worked outdoors as a carpenter until he was about 30 years old, it is reasonable to assume he was more muscular and physically fit than westernized portraits suggest.””
The truth most likely seems that Jesus would have eaten very healthy and was very fit. But the most important concept is that Proverbs states “…but keep my commands in your heart, for they will prolong your life many years and bring you prosperity.” We need to obey what God wants and I know the Lord wants us to be healthy and fit to proclaim HIS work.
Of course he does. In fact, this what one website says,
“JESUS INCREASED IN STATURE – verse 39.
His boyhood was an actual normal boyhood. His development was like that of all children. He came amongst men to learn all the features of our development, learnt from his family.
a) His development came from a healthy life style. Childhood needs respect for the body God has given so it will be useful. He would have ran and played with children of his age but without sin. We should keep our bodies fit and healthy.
b) His development came from using hands to get proficiency. Every Jewish child learned a trade. Saul learnt to use his hands to make tents to support himself so he would not depend on others Jesus learnt the trade of a carpenter. He was fit and healthy, he needed the physical stamina during those years of his ministry. Jesus walked for miles and spoke publicly for hours. He needed to be physically fit. Today we have lost the benefits of manual skills. It is important to develop manual skills in those who best suited for them.” http://waterfordhouse.blogspot.com/2008/02/jesus-in-nazareth.html
Today I want to talk about Christian Fitness TV. From what I see and hear these guys are great. There are not a ton of Christian fitness websites and I think it is something that is needed. I hope that you can learn from myself and these guys on how to become more fit, lose weight, and do it all through Christ!
“Fitness Boot Camps” Offer Opportunity to Tone Up for a Good Cause
New Berlin, Wis. – A local fitness entrepreneur is offering residents an opportunity to get in shape for a good cause at a series of workouts starting July 18.
Jeremy Belter, who operates “Fat Blasting Fitness Boot Camps” in New Berlin, will donate all proceeds from his July sessions to The Women’s Center, a Waukesha-based agency that provides a broad spectrum of services to women and families in crisis.
The “boot camps” will be held at Star of Bethlehem Church, 3700 S. Casper Drive, New Berlin. The sessions are scheduled July 18 at 8 a.m., and July 20, 22 and 24, all at 5:30 a.m. Suggested minimum donation is $15 per session.
Each “boot camp” session is an intense 30-minute full-body circuit training regimen. Participants should bring their own exercise mat and dumbbells.
“The purpose of my fitness boot camps has always been to help people improve their physical and mental health,” Belter said. “It’s great to add another positive focus by benefiting The Women’s Center, which offers so much valuable assistance to troubled families and victims of domestic violence.”
Belter will boost the fund-raising power of the events by matching 50 cents on each dollar donated, up to $200. More information is available at http://www.bcwap.org/bootcamp_new_berlin_wisconsin.html
Belter, 31, has worked as a fitness boot camp coach for five years. He operates the “Fat Blasting Boot Camps” under the auspices of his company, Fitness4U. His charitable sessions are part of a nationwide initiative titled Boot Camps With a Purpose, started in 2007 by a fitness club owner in Exton, Pa.
The Women’s Center participates in numerous fund-raisers, but none literally as physically strenuous as the fitness boot camps, said Ken Genin, the center’s Director of Development.
“I really appreciate that Jeremy is doing this,” Genin said. “It’s contributions from individuals and businesses such as his that allow The Women’s Center to continue providing services to the community.”
Founded in 1977, The Women’s Center offers a broad array of services to women, children and families affected by sexual assault and domestic violence. The center, located at 505 N. East Ave., Waukesha, will hold its annual Jeri Phillips’ Walk for Family Peace Sept. 12 in Waukesha. More information is available at www.TWCWaukesha.org.
What does it mean to be strong? What does it mean to be a strong Christian? What does it mean to spread the gospel? This Christian man is living hope for so many. For more information go to http://www.lifewithoutlimbs.org/media.php
When it comes to nutrition there are so many ideas. Look around and you will find a new fad diet that will make you gain weight in the long run… I promise. The most important concepts are moderation and eating for an active life. Ask yourself these questions! ”Which foods are going to help create lean muscle tissue, give you energy, or help with your overall health?”. Here is a secret. This does not include a double quater pounder of anything except maybe veggies:) Watch below for more information!
Today I have some writings from a special person that I will never forget. I remember Julie emailing with me. She was so encouraging despite her disease and sickness. She never gave up and she had a heart of gold. She asked for a promise before her death. A request from those that knew her. Here is Julie’s request to us!
“I believe I will not only live, but thrive after this transplant. That said, if I am wrong and if this is the end for me, I need your help. I expect all of you, who are ALL champions in your own right, to carry my torch.I think my story lit a spark in people and I want to keep the flame alive if I’m not here to do it myself.
The way I see it, I can’t lose. Surviving this transplant means a whole new life for me. Dying from this transplant means a whole new life for me. I’ve never been so at peace with something. This is my time to shine, so whether that light shines on Earth or in Heaven, may God’s will be done.
Please remember that I love you. You have brought immeasurable happiness into my life. My life has been a hard one, but very blessed at the same time, and I’m thankful to God for it. God bless and keep you every one! “
Julie Whitt
Written to her blog
Tuesday, October 18, 2005
Click on the picture below to learn of her inspiration and just how special she is.
Those two words don’t seem to go together well when you just look at them. Like the last peice of the puzzle that just does not fit. But let me tell you, keeping your faith does fit well with your lives.
I remember my twin sister and I sitting on the front pews with our feet dangling as we played with the one toy mother let us bring as we stayed quiet through service. So eagerly wanting to go outside and play a.k.a fitness.
Growing older I entered the world of playing sports! Now I could see how Faith in Christ and Fitness went together. Enter the locker room before game day. Picture this…. My high school coach at Kenosha Tremper had us all grab hands and kneel and say the lords prayer. We also prayed to play at the top of our potential, no injuries on either side of the ball or court, and God willing that we could come out victorious. That was the first day that I saw what faith and believing in God, myself, and teammates was all about. We had faith and we took action. Faith with positive actions is what helped us that day.
Through Christ my faith is now stronger than ever before. I know what its like to be on the very top and feel like everything is going great, then the next moment all you have is faith, hope and belief.
The Lutheran College I attended required chapel attendence and religion classes. Faith now became embedded in me. Now I understand what faith is and how the lord had helped me every single day with every single breath. From playing on NCAA conference championship teams to having games comes down to 1 point and all you have is faith and desire.
Faith is what has helped me go from the little chubby kid from Kenosha, Wisconsin to a up and coming blossoming personal trainers in the Wisconsin area. There have been times where my faith in Jesus is the only attribute that has kept my head up and moving forward.
Funny enough I was on my way to teach my Jungle Gym Bootcamp class today and realized I had a flat tire about 30 minutes before I was due to work. With having only changed one flat tire in my life, I knew this wouldn’t be easy! But with prayer and faith I knew I could do it. Luckily enough about 35 minutes later two men with the same truck I have came with the missing piece that I didn’t have to pull my spare down and were able to help me get it off and then put the spare tire on.
This day the Lord sent me two helpful servants. All we can do sometimes is close our eyes and say a prayer of thanks to the lord! A prayer for what he has put us through to equip us for HIS SERVICE. Follow his lead and always stay faithful, because you never know when you will be the servent that changes someone elses life.
Now get to the gym, ask God for the faith and desire to have an amazing transformation and start at it one workout at a time.
This is a post about raising money with fitness. There is a company called BOOT CAMPS WITH A PURPOSE!
This company helps boot camp instructors around the United States raise money for charities. I know this because I am a member and I am running charity boot camps this July. I challeng you to support your local boot camps . It is for a good cause and for me all money goes here!
What does this have to do with Faith? Proverbs 11:24-25
One man gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty. A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.
1 Timothy 6:17-19
Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.
