| In many faiths, and religions you will find | | | | physically". Recently a faith-based health and |
| references that describe the connection between | | | | wellness conference and expo was held in Atlanta, |
| faith and fitness. In the bible, one can find "Let us | | | | GA. Speakers from all over the nation educated |
| cleanse ourselves from everything that can defile | | | | pastors and lay leaders on the importance of |
| our body or spirit... ( 2 Corinthians 7:21)" and " Run | | | | physical activity, nutrition, how to start faith-based |
| with endurance the race that God has set before | | | | wellness programming at their respective places |
| you... (Hebrews 12:1). In the Quran, one can read " | | | | of worship. The world is starting to catch on and |
| O Mankind: Eat of what is lawful and good on | | | | focus in on the connection between faith and |
| earth (Quran 2:168) and "Eat of the good things | | | | health. |
| we have provided for your substance, but | | | | Therefore people of all faiths should reassess |
| commit no excess therein... (Quran 2:168). These | | | | their eating habits and exercise routines, and bring |
| faiths as well as others share a common theme | | | | these behaviors in line with their respective faith's |
| that it will be hard to develop spiritually and "do | | | | teachings. Becoming healthier will increase |
| good work" without a healthy body. The more | | | | strength, endurance and mind clarity. Active |
| sedentary you are, the more likely you will be | | | | persons should encourage their fellow parishioners |
| lethargic, unhealthy, which in turn can lead to a | | | | and spiritual leader to become healthier. This can |
| weak prayer life caused by stress, or distractions. | | | | be done through activities and events that |
| A weak prayer life can result in the inability to | | | | promote physical activity or better nutrition. One |
| focus, live without fear and or worry. | | | | can organize a run/walk or a healthy cooking |
| Many health professionals around the nation | | | | demonstration. The activity does not have to be |
| understand the connection between faith and | | | | centered around weight loss as long as it |
| health. Dr. Kenneth Cooper, founder of the | | | | promotes healthy behaviors. Resources such as |
| Cooper institute and the "Father of Aerobics" was | | | | Private Studio Training, the American Heart |
| quoted in Faith and Fitness Magazine saying, "A | | | | Association, and the Center for Disease Control |
| strong belief, along with discipline, we can reach a | | | | have great tips and programs to use at all |
| level of ultimate fitness both spiritually and | | | | faith-based centers. |