Scrapbooks and Photo Albums|
What do they say about fitness?

One of the things I love to do when visiting relatives is to look at scrapbooks and photo albums of family members from back in the day. As we all gather around the now familiar pictures, turning the pages in anticipation, we comment on the beauty of Aunt Sophia, the unmatched style of Uncle Johnny, and the flawless complexion of Aunt Gloria. We laugh at their youthful expressions, and smile as we share in the imminent joy that seems to jump off the pages and make you want to be a part of every family reunion, fishing trip, and graduation. But as we continue to turn the pages, something else stands out. Everyone is at least 100lbs. lighter than they currently are.

Most people believe that putting on the pounds as we age is as natural as graying hair, and accept it as an inevitable part of the process, but really, it’s not. Aunt Sophia was 120 lbs. at 22, now at 49 she is 220 lbs. Cool Uncle Johnny was 196 lbs. at 26, and now he is 280 lbs at 51 years of age. Should our weight almost double in proportion to our age? Not!

Something about this just did not sit well with me. When I looked at old photos from my wife’s family, I noticed the same phenomena. My mother-in-law, a former model, and her sisters, could easily have given Diana Ross and the Supremes, not to mention Sister Sledge a run for their money! Now they too are at least 100 lbs. heavier and suffering with health issues. I also observed their children to be heading towards a life of obesity and health related issues, but it was happening to them at a much younger age.

Was this a coincidence? An inevitable part of life? I would have to say I don’t believe it is. When there is a behavior, thought or physical manifestation that continues to wreak havoc in our lives, and our best efforts to deal with it or our unawareness have produced failure and continued negative results, it is a stronghold. In II Corinthians 10: 3-4 it says, “For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds…” In the case of my family as well as my wife’s family, these strongholds of obesity are generational. What truly saddens me is that obesity has become a very much-accepted stronghold in our community. Drug addiction and child abuse are strongholds that are recognized as such and are taken seriously and dealt with proactively, but what about the abuse of our bodies and the mindset that allows it? Ladies and gentlemen, it is time that we take a closer look.

So, what do you do if you now recognize that obesity is a stronghold in your life? I suggest the following:

1. Prayer. After acknowledgement, this must be your first step—asking God for help and change. Ask God to give you the discipline you need to start a fitness routine and stay committed to it.
2. Pursuit. You must pro-actively pursue making different life affirming choices. This includes changing your diet and activities, as well as seeking professional help. Don’t assume a trainer is going to show up at your door to make you exercise or get out of bed each day. You must make the investment to get the right information for you.
3. Patience. Don’t beat yourself up or have a pity party if the changes do not happen right away. Access your faith and trust God.

It’s sometimes not easy to look at unpleasant truths in our lives, but doing so will give us the freedom to enjoy it to the fullest. Be encouraged and know that, “He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.” (Philippians 1:6) .

Eat Healthy, Exercise Consistently and Live Well!

Kahlil Carmichael C.P.T, author, motivational speaker, and radio personality is the owner of The Fitness Doctor Inc., One on One Personal Training Studios. Listen to The Fitness Doctor every Thursday at 2:30 on WKMB 1070 AM or live on the Web at www.harvestradio.net. For more information on transforming your life through fitness contact Kahlil at www.thefitnessdoctor.com or (732) 293-0039.