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Dads, Take Your Rightful Places
The Fitness Dr.
By Kahlil Carmichael
There is an often-repeated joke that you can always find a seat at a restaurant on Father’s Day. The joke implies that unlike Mother’s Day, it is not a highly reverenced day. The joke might be funny except there is a bit of truth to it. Something has transpired in our society that makes it acceptable for there not only to be vacant seats at restaurants, but dads are also missing from dinner tables in our community.
In my house one of the things that is important to my wife and me, is to have a family dinner several times each week. We both recognize that with our busy schedules, if we do not make a conscious effort to do this, our children will not have this tradition to follow when they have families of their own. Even when this is not possible, my wife keeps the seating order. The seat at the head of the table is left vacant. Even at the age of two, my son knows that this reserved seat is for Daddy.
As the head of my family, it is not only important for my children to see me at the head of my dinner table, but also to bear witness to how I have been to serve my community, pray, preach His word on wellness, be an entrepreneur and continue my education. And it’s important that they see me exercising daily.
As fathers and the priest of our households, it is our responsibility to lead our families on the path of health and wellness. I thank God that my children see me taking care of my body, which is, after all, the temple of the Holy Spirit.
Proverbs 13 says, “A wise son heareth his father’s instruction.” I see this as my son, Zion, imitates me, frequently attempting to do crunches and push-ups alongside me. Or when he is in my office, I see him kneeling down to count the number of repetitions my clients are performing.
It has been a blessing to see my spiritual father enhance his well-being, by taking control of his nutrition, now juicing and eating an organic diet and working out regularly. My natural father is taking control of his health as well, having recently informed me that he was ready to start an exercise program with me. I thank God that these fathers are willing and able to receive instruction from me, their son!
So this Father’s Day, why not make the decision to take your rightful place not only at the head of the table, but in the lives of your families, and set a standard for better health and fitness?
Here are a few quick tips to help you:
1. Do fitness activities together-Workout, run, play ball, and bike together.
2. Invest in your own health-Hire a fitness professional to help you get in shape or show you how to utilize your home-gym equipment.
3. Cook Healthy Meals-Get great light recipes on-line and prepare meals a few times a week for your family.
Eat Healthy, Exercise Consistently, and Live Well!
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