Got My Mind Set on Freedom
Kahlil Carmichael MAPCC, MDIV, CPT is the pastor of Live Well Church, in Somerset, New Jersey. He is a fitness specialist at The Fitness Doctor, a fitness and wellness consulting company; and the author of 50 Tips for a Better You. He is a contributor to Guideposts magazine. His first publication, Living Longer Living Better, is available now. Go to www.livewellchurch.org for more information.
I have “freedom” on the brain. This time of the year reminds me of the costs of liberty. Memorial Day and Juneteenth cause us to recall those that gave their lives and sacrificed much for our freedom. We then round it out by celebrating the nation’s independence on July Fourth.
To say that persons of color have suffered greatly to achieve freedom is a gross understatement. But there seems to be an awakening occurring within our nation regarding the impact of systemic racism upon our rights to simply “be”. For this I am grateful! As this victory unfolds, let’s take this awakening further. Are you exercising your freedoms to live well, whole, and free in every way—to be healed?
Healthfully speaking, we must make the choice to liberate ourselves from bad habits that weigh us down. As the Fitness Doctor and a life-long exercise enthusiast, I believe mindful daily physical activity is essential to bodily health, mental well-being, and being made whole. Incorporating exercise into your schedule will benefit you in untold ways—weight loss, improved flexibility and stamina, and greatly reducing the appearance or symptoms of chronic diseases such as high blood pressure and diabetes. People who exercise are more joyful, heart-healthy, and younger in attitude and appearance—almost aging in reverse! Improved health is achievable. Healing is attainable!
• Get your physician’s approval before starting an exercise plan.
• Exercise regularly, slowly building in intensity. Take it slow.
• Put a praise on it! Thank God for the knowledge of how to be healed and include meditation as part of your daily activity.
• Work smart! Get a certified personal trainer to take your workout to the next level.
• Eat clean! Include lots of colorful vegetables and lean proteins. Don’t undo all of your hard work with empty calories and excess sugar. If you only knew how much exercise it takes to burn off those 500-calorie coffees!
• Drink at least 64 ounces of water daily! When dehydrated, you may crave unhealthy foods. This affects your skin, and bodily processes such as the digestive and adrenal systems do not work as well.
• Get plenty of rest! Your body also craves unhealthy foods when you are sleep deprived. Health professionals believe adults need 7–8 hours of sleep per night. While you rest, your body is hard at work releasing toxins.
• It is never too late to improve your health. It is God’s plan for you to live an abundant life—healed, whole, and free from chronic disease and pain.
• The sooner you start, the better. Let’s usher in the healing! Live well and Prosper!
Fitness training is available through the Live Well Church FITCARE program, offered at the Fitness Doctor Studio in Somerset, New Jersey. Please call Karen Beasley at 732-912-4435 to schedule a free assessment.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this column is of a general nature. You should consult your physician or health care professional before beginning any exercise program or changing your dietary regimen.
