“Aerobic training combines faith and fitness - Herald & Review” |
| Aerobic training combines faith and fitness - Herald & Review Posted: 26 Nov 2010 04:42 PM PST DECATUR - Decatur churches are community centers for a variety of secular activities, so it shouldn't be surprising to learn that one church is introducing some intensive physical activities to its schedule. What is unique, though, is Grace United Methodist Church's fusion of a Christian religious service with an intense aerobic training session to create a brand new church-based workout program open to anyone who wants to get healthy. "The program is a combination of praise-influenced moves set to contemporary inspirational gospel music," said Penny Butts, the program coordinator and workout leader. "It's the first time I've ever sweated while praying." The program, "Grace, Faith & Fitness," is held at 5:30 p.m. every Monday in Grace's Great Hall and employs a workout program called "Body Gospel." Butts works for workout program distributor Team Beachbody selling programs like Body Gospel and P90X, but she donates the program to the church. The program is also free for all who attend. "We begin with a prayer and a devotional before the workout, and then we project the program on the wall," Butts said. "I was very involved in our church and in fitness, so I wanted to start a club there with Body Gospel because it obviously fits the location." Response has been positive from the congregation, and each week's session since Nov. 1 has shown increased attendance. Participants at all levels of fitness are able to join in and can benefit from the program, Butts said. "It's a way to get healthy combining faith, fitness and fellowship. The program involves aerobics and cardio, and it will eventually work its way into light weights and resistance bands as well. I like the religious aspect, and it's a lot of fun. You can tailor it to your own fitness level, no matter where you are physically." Even participants who were initially skeptical about the idea of working out in front of other members of the congregation have come around to the idea. "There's no mirrors anywhere in the Great Hall, and everybody is too busy working out to focus on what you're capable of doing," Butts said. "We always stress at the beginning to just 'do what feels comfortable to you,' and most importantly, always be moving." Grace United Methodist has also offered other physical activities such as ballroom dance in the past, but nothing as intense as the Body Gospel program featured in "Grace, Faith & Fitness." Those curious about the program can see videos at www.gospelworkoutprogram.com, and the church also maintains a Facebook page under the name of "Grace Faith and Fitness." The addition of weights and resistance training is one of several upcoming expansions to the program that is being considered if attendance continues to rise. In January, the program may expand to two nights per week, and a baby-sitting program at the church during the workout is likely on the horizon. "It's a great community outreach for our church," Butts said. "It's a first for a lot of people, including me. I've never led a class before, but it's so much fun. People should just wear comfortable clothes and tennis shoes, remember to bring some water and have fun." jvorel@herald-review.com|421-7973 This entry passed through the Full-Text RSS service — if this is your content and you're reading it on someone else's site, please read our FAQ page at fivefilters.org/content-only/faq.php This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
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