Dear Friends,

This has been on my heart for a long time, so I decided to write a blog about it. I hope you enjoy it. If this helps you, please share it with friends and family, because this changed my life. I pray that it strengthens you in your faith and wellness journey, too. :)

I think we’re all interested in living a long, healthy life. Why? Because the benefits are endless! And, I believe that God created us with a desire to live a long life.

“My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments, for length of days and years of life and peace they will add to you.” (Proverbs 3:1-2, ESV)

The Bible is full of promises from God that include health, strength, vitality, and long life. This is something we should all aim at and strive for because it's a gift from God.

A life of health and strength means that you don’t have limitations on you like excessive doctor visits and bills, less medications that have numerous effects on your physical and mental health, a longer time with your children, family and loved ones, a satisfying and fulfilling life on earth, the ability to do various activities for longer periods of time, and accomplishing your purpose while you’re alive. The list could go on and on forever.

There’s been so many times in my life where a friend asks for my help with moving, or I need to do something strenuous at home or at work, or I need to be on my feet all day long. I've literally had to run for my job over 10 times, and one time was up a mountain, lol!

I’m able to do these things because I’ve taken steps towards living a healthy life. Every time I’m able to do these things, I thank God for a healthy body, and ask Him to continue to help me and strengthen me in my overall wellness.

Health is a gift that we should not take for granted.

Have you ever been sick or injured and unable to work or be active as you normally are?

Every time this has happened to me, I’m always incredibly grateful to be back on my feet again and in a routine of health and wellness.

If you are taking steps towards your health and wellness, then you are ahead of the game!

Where ever you are today, go ahead and give yourself a pat on the back! Celebrate every step you take towards your wellness because every step counts. We all need to let go of perfection in this area, and rely on God's wisdom and strength to guide us individually. Just because I did something and it worked for me, doesn't mean it will automatically work for you.

Action based off of comparison will never produce lasting results in your life.

Ask God today, and He will lead you in your faith and wellness journey. Your job is to follow Him.

A lifetime of wellness is as easy as starting today! It takes as little as 10-30 minutes a day, depending on your goals and time available. Before we jump into the practical, let’s discuss some quick reasons why a life of wellness is so important. 

First, God tells us that our bodies are His temple, and we need to glorify Him with our body.

“Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20, ESV)

I hear you saying, "Erin, is this even possible!?"

Yes, my friends! When we make Jesus our Lord, we receive His Spirit inside of us which makes us born again. His Spirit gives us all of His fruit, which includes a Spirit of self-control and temperance in our lifestyle (Gal. 5:22-23).

God tells us that we are a three-part being spirit, soul, and body, and that we wants to bring all of us into wholeness in each of these three areas (1 Thessalonians 5:23). The Apostle Paul said that he brings his body into subjection every day so that he would not be disqualified in fulfilling His God-given purpose to spread the gospel and live a godly life as a testament to those around him (1 Corinthians 9:27). The list goes on!

Second, let's get to the science behind a life of wellness.

Research shows:
We begin losing muscle at the age of 30-35, and that loss increases by about 3-5% every decade. The rate of loss can accelerate after the age of 60 if steps aren’t taken to counteract it. 

Did you know that this is why many elderly people end up in nursing homes? A lack of activity has caused muscle atrophy and they can no longer stand on their own.

Muscle loss is just one small example, folks.

The good news:
A health-conscious lifestyle of strength training, adequate protein intake, staying active, healthy nutrition, and consistency can help prevent and mitigate muscle loss as we age.

You can slow or even reverse muscle loss by:

1. Strength training: Engaging in resistance exercises at least 2-3 times a week.

2. Adequate protein intake: Aim for about 1.2-2.0 g of protein per kg of body weight daily, depending on activity level.

3. Staying active: Incorporate regular physical activity, such as walking, cycling, or swimming.

4. Healthy nutrition: Eat whole foods and foods rich in vitamins D and B12, which support muscle and bone health.

5. Consistency: Maintain an active lifestyle over time to sustain muscle mass and strength. Take walks daily, use the stairs if you’re able, park farther away at the store, and stand instead of sit at your desk all day.

Our Fitness Journey Membership is a 12-month guide where we not only workout with you via video, but show you proper form, and help you build muscle and progress in your fitness throughout the year. We give you tips on nutrition, send you an accountability message every week, and include bonus videos such as stretching and HIIT workouts. Our program is beginner friendly so that no one is excluded from their health and fitness journey!

When I go to the grocery store, I grab things that are good for me! If I don’t buy sugary, processed food, then I won’t eat it! These things take a huge toll on your physical health, yes, but also on your mental and emotional health. They immediately make you feel tired and mentally slow. Consuming these things on a regular basis can even lead to mood disorders, obesity, and depression.

It's time to say hello to the new you and choose things that are good for you!

Every day, I prepare a fresh juice at home, a smoothie for a snack at work, fresh veggies to munch on like carrots or celery, raw nuts, a protein shake, plus my lunch which has lean proteins and lots of veggies, so I’m staying fueled with things that are good for me. These things are quick and take me 10-15 minutes to prep before work, and I’m always so grateful I do!

Studies show that a health-conscious lifestyle can add 10-14 years to your life! A little physical activity and proper nutrition only take 10-30 minutes a day! It’s easy! Not only will it add years to your life, but it will make those years more enjoyable, fulfilling, and satisfying.

So, again I say, give yourself a pat on the back for taking steps towards a healthy lifestyle because you are literally adding years to your life, your children, your loved ones, and to fulfilling your God-given purpose!

If you still don't believe me, I think you'll like this story which proves my point perfectly.

When I was a fitness trainer in Nashville, we had a man who was wheelchair bound who came to the gym every day. He was joyful and even though some people thought he was “limited,” that’s not the way he saw himself. He exercised every day, and completely changed my mind set about what I’m capable of.

How do you see yourself? As limited? Or that you can do all things through Christ who strengthens you?

We might need to change the way we see ourself and the way we talk to ourself in order to see growth and change in our daily lifestyle.

We all have something to offer, and our health and ability to walk or lift or use each day to glorify God in every area of our life should not be taken for granted. If God is leading you to make a change in your lifestyle, listen to Him. He may be saving you from something to come, or trying to lead you to His best outcome for your life!

I used to despise all things health and fitness, but I decided to start and do a little every day. It not only healed my body, but it also healed my mind and my emotions. Today, I see wellness as an opportunity to serve God and others with my health and strength, and to give Him my all in everything I do.

“And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.” Colossians 3:17 (KJV)

If these things are resonating with you, I encourage you to watch my recent teaching on this topic. It might be exactly what you need to encourage and motivate you in your lifestyle.

This season, discover what motivates you in your success journey, and use that to move forward with your health and wellness. I also invite you to join our wellness community where we will encourage you and give you the tools you need to succeed and live a long, strong, healthy life! If you have questions or need prayer and support in this area, contact us and let me know. I’ll be so glad to walk beside you!

You can sign up for our faith-based Fitness Journey for only $10 a month, and cancel any time.

Don’t wait for change to get easier before you start investing in yourself and your future.

Let us help you live a life of wellness and walk through this journey together! We are starting quarterly zoom calls and live Q&A’s with our Fitness Journey members, so join our supportive community today at NewYouMinistries.com/fitness

Praying for your health and to be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus!

Let’s Be Steadfast Together, 


Erin
1 Corinthians 15:58