Mark 6:7 And HE called to HIM the twelve, and began to send them out two by two, and gave them authority over the unclean spirits. [Revised Standard translation]
Luke 10:1 After this the LORD appointed seventy others, and sent them on ahead of him, two by two, into every town and place where HE HIMSELF was about to come. [Revised Standard translation]
BIBLICAL COMMENTS
When JESUS commissioned HIS disciples to go out HE sent them in pairs. He wanted them to partner with one another so they could support each other, encourage each other and be a demonstration of the unity of their faith. Their work together would be a testimony. When one was weak, the other could pray. Each would be there to help the other, should one stumble or fall. There is strength in unity.
The church was never meant to be individualistic. We were never meant to go it alone.
1 Corinthians 12 tells us that the church is “a body,” with many parts. We are “one body.” We are all put together to accomplish HIS will. We are all filled with “one SPIRIT.” We are to help one another as “one body” in CHRIST.
PARTNERING FOR HEALTH
Many fitness clubs have group exercise classes. People tend to exercise more frequently and regularly knowing that their “gym buddies” will be there. Just as kids like to play together, and teen agers like to “hang with their friends” and exercising with other people create an “exercise community,” that benefits everyone.
Group exercise classes allow people to try something new. Where exercising on a piece of machine may sometimes be lonely, exercising in a group, with music, may keep you more motivated and more likely to show up.
Most group exercises classes tend to be one hour long. There is generally a “warm up,” in the beginning and a “cool down” at the end. Beginners often drift to the back where they can observe the more experienced participants. The more confident class members tend to gravitate to the front. There is usually an instructor guiding the class through the moves.
There are a number of group exercise formats.
- Zumba- a dance fitness class featuring movement inspired by Latin American dance often done to Latin American music. Today many Zumba instructors are creative adding a variety of dance music, hip-hop, swing or other dance movements.
- Body pump – a group based bar bell type classes where there participants lift weights. Beginners usually “go light” regarding weights. Because you are dealing with weights and equipment you may want to observe a class first or work with a trainer first to make sure you have the correct format. Remember, it’s a group class, so instructors may not be able to give you individual instruction.
- Body Combat – a martial arts inspired high energy form of exercise that is totally non-combat, involving punches, kicks or combinations. Moves can be from boxing, Kung Fu, karate, Taekwondo, Capoeira or other forms.
- U-Jam – is a high energy dance class that has an urban, hip hop flavor. Some describe it as a move and groove fitness format.
- Silver Sneakers –specialized classes, sometimes geared to seniors or those who want a low-impact type format which might include a number of exercise formats
- Silver splash- water based classes often geared to seniors
- Yoga – a form of mental, physical, meditation, breathing exercises which originated in India. Usually requiring no equipment, except a mat. Widely practiced to health and relaxation. Group classes are often done to music
- BOSU- a group fitness class that usually involves a BOSU ball ( the blue half- ball) BOSU means “both sides up.” The device is often used for balance training.
- Boot Camp- just as its military name suggest, boot camp classes are designed to build strength, endurance and fitness. Classes may involve lunges, push-ups, crunches, with bursts of intense activity and intervals of light activity.
- Step- step classes are classes that involve using an elevated platform (i.e. a plastic step). The height may vary. The exercise a tend to tone legs and other below the waste parts of the body. It is a cardio activity that works on balance and coordination.
- Indoor cycling- classes involve a stationary bike, involving speeding up and slowing down often to music or visuals. It can be an intense form of aerobic exercise, so check the level of the class to make sure you are in a classes suited for your needs and abilities.
- Kickboxing- Kickboxing classes tend to involve a full body workout which includes kicks, punches, strikes and knee strikes. These classes are non-contact group exercise classes.
- Plyo –These are exercises using plyometric moves. These are often called “jumping training” classes. The muscles are to exert maximum force, which the overall goal of increasing speed. There are burst of speed, involving jumping high
These are just a few.
Group exercise classes are offered at a variety of times---some as early as 5:45 AM and some as late as 8:00 PM or later.
So, partner up. Try something new. Get out there and play!
PARTNER UP FOR PHYSICAL AND SPIRITUAL HEALTH
Raw Wednesdays are also a partnership ---a prayer, information and activities partnership. Every prayer counts. So, please keep praying! Every effort you make to improve your physical and spiritual health strengthens the “body of CHRIST.” So, continue to encourage others and be encouraged. We are all in this together!
Partner up for spiritual growth and physical fitness and BE BLESSED!
