Since 2009
THE PRAYFIT DEVOTION
Love Stepped In
"It comes freely unto us, but Christ bought it and paid the price." --Romans 3:22 Read: Romans 3
Yesterday the boxing world received a staggering blow when it learned that the great boxing trainer Emanuel Steward passed away at the age of 68. Our prayers go out to his family and friends, including PrayFit endorser and boxing champion Robert Guerrero. You know, something Emanuel said while calling a fight last year was something I'll never forget. It came on the night of the much-anticipated fight between Manny Pacquiao and Shane Mosley.
In one of the night's earlier bouts, a fighter in the late rounds was taking too many blows, unable to defend himself. His corner didn't wait for the ref to stop it, but instead threw in the towel knowing their fighter had enough. Come to find out, the fighter's cornerman was also his dad. And then Emanuel Steward simply said, "Love stepped in. He just couldn't bear to see his son endure such a beating."
Friends, in the fight for our future, God could have stopped the fight. But since He knew that you and I could never defend ourselves, He let Jesus go the distance. I guess you could say, "love stepped in," until our fight was over.
--Jimmy Peña
NETWORK, SHOP, CHAT, SOW Take advantage of the many outlets and resources available to the PrayFit Nation
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"Being a big believer in Jesus Christ, PrayFit gets me on track to start my day off in the right direction. In boxing there is no room for error. You have to be not only be physically prepared but spiritually strong as well." — Robert "The Ghost" Guerrero, 6-Time Boxing World Champion
"I'm Still Here. I Can Fight."
"I have fought the good fight." --2 Timothy 4:7
Read: 2 Timothy 4
Weeks before his HBO Pay-Per-View fight against top contender Timothy Bradley, Manny Pacquiao made a profession. Not a prediction, a profession. Proclaiming Jesus Christ as his Savior and rededicating himself to his family, Manny said he is a brand new man. So much so that he said he "hates the old Manny." In a profession where so many adhere to a strict philosophy of force, Manny had made a profession of faith. And in the days leading up to the bout, the naysayers grew louder. He's soft now. His faith has blunted his edge. Manny's warrior instinct has been replaced with bible verses and gospel hymns.
But it didn't take Manny 12 rounds of completely dominating his opponent to quiet the doubters. It was how he handled himself when the decision came down from the judges. See, although Manny beat him, he didn't win. Then after giving Christ glory, a winded, humble Manny said, "The best attitude is respect and professionalism. I did my best. I'm still here. I can fight."
Folks, the world may disagree with your profession of faith, but being obedient has never proven to be popular or easy – just effective. Beset by the unyielding flurries that life has to throw at us – be they health, faith, work or family – we are often left with a simple choice: to surrender to the call of the canvas, or to fight boldly in a manner befitting a warrior. Because you are still here. And you can fight.
--Jimmy Peña & Eric Velazquez
Question: What are you facing this week? Are you or someone you love hurting physically, or emotionally? Are you struggling for motivation to be healthy? Perhaps you've neglected your prayer life. How can you use today to get back on track? Leave your comments in the field below.
WORKOUT OF THE WEEK: BOXING
You may not have any interest in the Sweet Science, but the fact remains that boxers are some of the best conditioned athletes on the planet. They have to be. The whole-body demand of jabbing, slipping, bobbing and weaving for any length of time, over time, makes them stronger, leaner and tougher than those who practice other sports. PrayFit partner and endorser Robert "The Ghost" Guerrero boasts a physique that is equal parts form and function from all of his years spent in the gym. But if you don't have the dough, or desire, to dive headlong into a franchise boxing gym membership, you can use this 12-minute, at-home solution to start building a pugilistic physique.
Why 12 minutes? Well, here, each minute will represent one "round" -- and high-profile, championship fights are always 12 rounds.
Straight punches - 1 min.
Crunches - 1 min. (VIDEO)
Straight punches - 1 min.
Bicycle crunch - 1 min.
Straight punches - 1 min.
Plank - 1 min.
>> For additional exercises and videos, click here.
Using a stopwatch or timer (www.gymboss.com), go through this workout circuit-style, taking little to no rest between moves. After the final move, stand up and get right into the entire circuit once more, for a total of 12 rounds. Perform this workout three times per week for max results.
Straight punches: A series of jabs and crosses (lefts and rights) delivered at eye level at an imaginary target at arms length. Throw as many punches as you can with good form in the scheduled minute of work. For more detail on boxing punches, click here.
ADVANCED OPTION: Finish off your workout with three sets of push-ups (any style) to failure, resting no longer than a minute between sets. Tally your number and try to beat it next time out.
DID YOU KNOW?: High-intensity boxing workouts can burn 750-1000 calories in one hour. Find a gym near you at www.boxinggyms.com.