July 1, 2010Read: Matthew 6 "Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." -- Matthew 6:34

Can you relate to Chicken Little? I know I can. I'll worry about anything sometimes. I can count on both hands how many times the sky fell this week. And if you're like me, you don't just worry, you actually predict the worst-case scenario to anyone who will listen. (My wife and Eric are nodding their heads right about now.)

But after warning his friends of the imminent disaster, Chicken Little did what we often don't. Each time he described why he knew the sky was falling, he said, "I must go and tell the king." And of course, despite what he saw with his own eyes and heard with his own ears, everything turned out fine; but I liked where he was going.

A silly story with a good message for big chickens like me...

Lord, help us to run to you with our problems. Those big, small and imaginary, you want us to bring our cares to you. We love you Lord. Even though you know our fears, you want us to bring them to you anyway. Amen.

--J.P.

FOUR TIMES PER WEEK The case of "more is better" in fitness

A study published in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research measured the effects of exercise frequency on fat loss. "The purpose of this study is to examine the changes in body fat mass of previously sedentary, deconditioned subjects who began following the U.S. Surgeon General's recommendation in frequency of exercise," according to the subject authors.

Subjects were prescribed exercise of four times a week, 30 minutes of continuous exercise, for eight weeks. Eighty subjects completed the eight-week study. The subjects were divided into four groups: control (no exercise); exercise less than two times per week; exercise 3-4 times per week; exercise four or more times per week.

While all groups lost bodyfat, the only significant changes occurred in the group that exercised four or more times per week.

So if you are looking to get back in shape -- or get in shape for the first time -- try starting with 30 minutes of exercise at least four times per week. As far as exercise type and intensity, beginners can start with walking and progress to tougher exercise when your body is ready. The frequency (read: consistency) is more important for fat loss, as well as for building healthier habits.