Get Out (and Get Healthy)

by Brandon Jubar

It's an amazing world we live in today. Science and the great advancements in technology have allowed millions of people to live better and longer than their ancestors ever did. But sometimes I think we've gone too far too quickly.

I believe it's true that we can have too much of a good thing -- and technology might be a prime example. Television, video games, the Internet, and all the other high-tech entertainment tools and toys have accomplished one major thing: They've made it easy for us to vegetate!

A "Heavy" Problem

Today in the US, obesity is killing people. Deaths due to obesity-related conditions are on the rise, and Americans are fatter than we've ever been. I'm not talking about just carrying around a couple extra pounds, either. I'm talking some serious weight problems here! And it's not just affecting adults. It's a problem that teens, even younger children, are now facing as well.

So What Can We Do?

Well, we can do plenty. But the first step to staying fit is simply getting out and doing something. We need to get off our lazy duffs and head outside. Take a walk. Ride a bike. Go for a jog. Fly a kite.

If you can convince someone else to join you -- even a family member -- play Frisbee or throw a football around. Do you have a couple baseball gloves around? Play a little catch or hit a few balls. How about golf? Can't afford to play a real course? Grab a pitching wedge and a couple irons and head out to a grassy park.

Create Good Habits

It doesn't really matter what you decide to do. You just need to get out of the house and start moving around. And if you can get into the habit of getting out and about while you're younger, it will make your adult life a whole lot easier. Healthy habits can last a lifetime. And that lifetime is usually longer (and healthier) because of those habits.

One final thing to keep in mind is that many people feel closest to God when they are out in nature. These healthy habits we are talking about can be good for the soul as well as the body. God created everything, so let's get out and get healthy!

Life Applications:

How often do you exercise or do physical activities?
What are your favorite outdoor activities and why?
How can you combine physical fitness with spiritual fitness?

Copyright 2004-2008  by Brandon Jubar
All rights reserved.