Agreement Isn't Enough

"But Moses said to God, 'Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?'"  --Exodus 3:11

Read: Exodus 3

I wonder if Moses ever went back to the place of the burning bush. Oh, I know it's doubtful, but for one of the pillars of our faith, that spot was a pivotal point in his life (not to mention for yours and mine). But Moses didn't just agree there. He didn't concur with some sophisticated nod like he was looking at some priceless work of art. "Hmm, yes indeed." No, his body had to get him where his soul had to go. A simple agreement wasn't enough. And so with ashes still on his sandals, he marched through Pharaoh's front door to prove it.

What about you? Do you remember when you were called to your task? For me, my soul was called in the eighth grade, then again in 2007 to create Prayfit. For you, maybe it was 10 years ago, or maybe even 10 minutes. But regardless, agreement isn't enough, especially when it comes to our health. Agreement is just the opportunity to prove it. So go back with Moses. Get close to the flame. Hear it crackle. Rub your hands together and get warm. You have your own Pharaohs to face. Obesity? Heart disease? A better example for your kids? Pharaohs all. And when you decide to blast through Pharaoh's doors, imagine God as He nods at you like a priceless work of art...because you are.

--Jimmy Peña

EXERCISE IN FOCUS: Bodyweight Squat

Have you tried our workout of the week, affectionately dubbed The Gideon? Click here to refresh your memory. This routine centers around the squat. So today, a refresher on this fundamental move.

Focus: Quads, glutes, hamstrings Stand with your feet about shoulder-width apart, a light bend in your knees and your toes turned out slightly. Keeping your head neutral, abs tight and torso erect, bend at the knees and hips to slowly lower your body as if you were going to sit down in a chair. Pause when your legs reach a 90-degree angle, then forcefully drive through your heels, extending at your hips and knees until you arrive at the standing position.

>> VIDEO: Bodyweight Squat >> For more exercise descriptions and videos, click here.

My Redeemer Lives

"I know my redeemer lives." --Job 19:25

Read: Job 19

In a recent sermon, my good friend Dr. Aaron Tyler said, "The story in the book of Job is a story that tests the foundations of faith." As you know, God allowed Job to be tested beyond belief. His family, wealth and even his health were taken from him. But like Dr. Tyler said, "Job suffered faithfully." And in a remarkable surge of faith Job said, "Etch this in stone...I know my redeemer lives."

Friends, we might be going through all kinds of tests -- from finances, to relationships, to our health. But may we follow Job's example, that even as our lives unravel and our bodies break, our foundation of faith remains. Oh, we may not have books written about us, but our little stories are no less important to God or those around us. And if you happen to be asked why you care for a body that will surely fade and die, just remember Job as you reply, "Because my redeemer lives."

--Jimmy Peña

WORKOUT OF THE WEEK: The Gideon

This week, you'll target legs with this test. As you may already know, at PrayFit, we're fans of the squat. That's because it hits your entire lower body musculature, making you stronger, leaner and more athletic. In fact, a hard leg day, particularly one that includes the squat, offers you the best chance of the week to make a positive and drastic effect on your overall body composition. Because of the amount of muscle mass worked in a single, well-scripted leg routine — like the one offered here — you enjoy a greater caloric burn and hormonal response in the days that follow that workout. So do yourself a favor — don’t skip leg day. Ever. The long term benefits are too great to sacrifice for the sake of a few days of discomfort.

For today's squat-based routine, we're challenging you to record your results online in your very own PrayFit Workout Journal. (Not yet a member? Register here.) This will not only keep you more accountable but it may also pique your inner competitor to grind out a few extra reps or a few extra seconds of work. The routine is as follows.

Warm Up: Jog in place or use a treadmill for 5 minutes. This often overlooked part of your routine elevates body temperature, increases blood flow to working muscles and lubricates your joints for the work ahead.

Jump squats for 30 seconds | Record total jumps Bodyweight squats for 30 seconds | Record total squats Wall Squats for as long as possible | Record total time

>> After reaching failure -- the point at which you can no longer hold this position -- on wall squats, stand and rest for 1-2 minutes.

>> Complete the entire lineup 3-5 times total in one session. Perform 2-3 sessions per week, allowing 1-2 days recovery between workouts.

>> For more exercise descriptions and videos, click here.