What Should I Wear–to the Gym?

By Cami Checketts –

As a woman I’m always a bit concerned about what I’m going to wear. It may seem vain, but I find if I’m dressed appropriately I’m more confident and comfortable.  The older I get the more conscious I become about dressing modestly, covering my body in a manner that is appropriate for a Christian.

To be honest I didn’t always feel the same rules of modesty applied at the gym. When I exercise, I work hard and all I cared about was being comfortable. But then I started to notice that my fellow gym rats were watching me a bit too closely. I realized that I couldn’t use the excuse that I was a Mom and nobody should be looking, because they were looking.

While getting dressed for the gym one morning, Jesus’ words came to mind: “But I say unto you, that whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart” (Matthew 5:28 KJV).

I’m not saying that these men were lusting after me, but I wasn’t being fair to them or myself by wearing a tank top that was a little too tight or shorts that were a little too short. If I’m not careful to cover my body appropriately, no matter what activity I’m participating in, I’m using my body as a walking billboard that definitely isn’t furthering the Savior’s work.

I know this is a tough subject. I have many relatives and friends whom I love and respect who disagree with me. They feel that the gym is a safe spot where you can wear what you want and nobody should be looking. The problem is that they do look, sometimes not intentionally, but they still get the view that can detract from their spirituality… and yours.

Please share your opinions on this subject. I would love to hear from you!

Hard Work—What’s the Secret Enjoying It?

By Cami Checketts –

Thomas Edison said, “Genius is 1% inspiration and 99% perspiration,” and he’s right! Genius or any kind of success in life isn’t usually based on how smart or talented we are. I’m sure you know many talented or brilliant people who haven’t accomplished as much as those who have learned how to work.

My sons groan every time I tell them that I’m more proud of how hard they work and how nice they are than how smart they are. Don’t get me wrong, I’m thrilled that they do well in school but my oldest has never been in more trouble than when he got a hundred percent on the test and eighty percent on his homework assignment.

As an adult, it’s easier to recognize that hard work, in and of itself, brings satisfaction. When I make the time, I actually enjoy cleaning. I love working hard to produce a new novel. You probably have interests and hobbies that you enjoy, even though they’re difficult.

Becoming physically fit is one of those areas that requires hard work. Most people exercise because they want a certain result such as weight loss, strength gain, or a more toned appearance. But is it really possible to enjoy exercising?

I believe that it is, even during a really hard workout. Here’s the secret: perception. If you can shift your perception and convince yourself that fitness is enjoyable, it can be. I can talk myself into or out of quite a few things. Fitness is one of those areas that I’ve learned to talk myself into a good attitude. It doesn’t work every time but as I’m pushing hard during my morning jog (and wishing I could lay down on the side of the road and call my husband to come get me) I say to myself, “I feel good, I feel great, I feel wonderful.” Most of the time my body buys into mind’s perception and I feel better.

No matter how hard your work is, you can turn to the Lord for help to have a positive attitude about it. He wants us to cheerfully do all things. Our attitude toward the work we perform (be it fitness, manual labor, or a mental challenge) can make the difference between misery and happiness.

 

Overcoming Selfishness

By Cami Checketts –

My baby is almost ten months old. I’ve worked hard since he was born to lose the “baby weight.” It hasn’t been easy but I’m finally back to my pre-pregnancy weight. But for some reason that hasn’t been good enough. I keep thinking, “Just five more pounds,” which is silly because I’m usually the first one to preach that the number on the scale is just one indicator of good health and you should really focus on how you’re feeling, how hard you’re working, and if you’re confident with how you look.

My younger sister finally called me out. Here’s the gist of what she said (or at least what I heard). “You’re so focused on your body being perfect. You have four children. Grow up.” I think she might have said it a little nicer than that, but then again maybe not. Here’s where her advice gets good: “It’s one of the devil’s tools to make us think that we’re not good enough. If he can convince Christian women to first of all have no self-confidence because they’re not ‘perfect’ and second make them selfish enough to spend all their time trying to be ‘perfect,’ look at what he’s accomplished.”

She is right. Instead of focusing on my family, my spirituality, serving others, and bettering my corner of the world, I was caught up with myself—how I was looking, when I was going to fit in more exercise, what I was eating.

As always, it comes down to balance. Of course we should take care of our physical bodies. We all know we can accomplish the Lord’s work much more effectively if we are healthy and strong. But if any of you have gone past the point of healthy—to obsession, it can be a real concern.

Turn to the Lord for help. He cares about you in every aspect of your life. And don’t be afraid to ask family and friends to help keep you on track as well. My husband, boys, sister, and many others who love me keep me focused on the important things in life.

However, the most important thing for me to do is to ask each day what the Lord wants me to do, instead of what I want to do. If I listen to that answer, I’ll never go astray.

 

Make Today Count…No Matter What

By Cami Checketts-

At my local gym an older gentleman comes with his bottle of oxygen strapped to his back. When I watch him lift weights, I always think “That’s how I want to be when I’m in my 70s.”

I’m impressed by so many different people. A friend with breast cancer who not only keeps running, but is training for an ultra marathon. A 60-plus year-old lady who is in better shape than most 20 year olds. My husband who finds time to exercise even though his schedule is overflowing with work, church, and family responsibilities (not to mention that lengthy honey-do list). An expectant mom I see on the treadmill every day, walking through the pain (As the mom of an eight month old, I remember that pain all too well!).

In exercise and other areas of life it is extremely easy to make excuses: too busy, too tired, I’ll do it tomorrow. How often do we say these things? “Tomorrow I’ll visit my elderly neighbor.” “With my next paycheck I’ll donate more to charity.” “Tomorrow I’ll eat healthier.” “After things calm down I’ll be more fun with my children.” All great intentions, but today is the only day we have.

“Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh” (Matthew 24:44 KJV). Today is the day to be the person we want to become. If we wait for tomorrow we may miss opportunities to serve, love, and grow.

As I relate this back to exercise, I think it’s easy to put off doing something that we know we should do, something that will not only improve our health but make us feel fabulous. Don’t put off the important things. Make time today to exercise. Make time today to serve. Make time today to show your family and friends your love. In our modern age it’s easy to waste time. Don’t do it! Get out and do something to better yourself or help someone else. No excuses. Make each day count, no matter what. I promise you won’t regret it.

Knowing Who to Trust

By Cami Checketts –

We are all bombarded by blogs, magazine articles, books and infomercials about the most effective way to become fit and healthy. If you look hard enough you can find a research study or article by a respected expert to back up just about any theory or trend that comes along.

How do you know who to trust?

1. Start with the basics. Is this new exercise or diet revolution grounded in basic health principles? If you don’t know the basics of healthy eating or exercise check out American College of Sports Medicine (www.acsm.org), basic guidelines for health (www.health.gov), or USDA’s website (www.mypyramid.gov).

2. Look at the claims. Anything that’s fast and easy is usually not going to be healthy and effective for the long-term. Extra pounds lost quickly usually come back on just as quickly. Make sure you are making choices that are going to help you be healthy for life–not just be five pounds lighter for vacation.

3. Look at the research study. I read a fitness article claiming to have the “best way for women over 40 to lose fat.” They had done a research study with twelve women over a period of six weeks. Wow! I could conduct that study with my lunch pals and probably get different results. If you’re considering investing time or money in a product or program, make sure the studies are valid. They should be done for an extended period of time with a large group of participants. Also, I like to see several different studies coming to the same conclusion before I really trust the results or share the idea with others.

4. Listen to your gut. You know instinctively what is true and what isn’t. If something doesn’t sound right for you (even if it works for every friend, neighbor and family member), it probably isn’t.

5. Listen to the Lord. He cares for us in every aspect of our lives. Go to Him for inspiration and help. He will never lead you astray.

« Previous Page — Next Page »