MISFITS SELDOM DO

October 3, 2011Read 1 Corinthians 1

"But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong." --1 Corinthians 1:27

If he were your neighbor, you'd move. If choosing teams, he'd be the one last picked. Without a doubt, on the island of misfits he'd be king. But he didn't care. More bold than beautiful, John knew the act to follow was really the act to follow. So he used whatever God gave him to get his message across to a world in need.

Friends, our bodies are merely tools. In the end, they simply get us from life's A to B. But our short trip was so important that Jesus made His. So this week, let's add how we eat and exercise to the list of strange ways God makes Himself known to those around us. Will you be popular? Maybe not. Regarded or rewarded? It's doubtful. But then again, the only attention that's really important is the attention you're paying to the body God designed you. So go ahead. Be the last one standing. In a world that disregards the body as a means of praise, you'll be in good company when you don't fit in. Misfits seldom do.

--J.P.

WORKOUT OF THE WEEK: 4 MOVES 4 GREAT ABS

If necessity is the mother of invention then simplicity is it's wise, older uncle. When it comes to designing good, productive workout routines, the best strategy is often the most basic. So this abs program -- devoid of any cheap gimmicks -- is an invention born out of simply knowing what works. Using proven, effective exercises for the upper abs, lower abs and obliques, you'll provide your midsection all the stimulus it needs to change in just minutes.

>> Do This. Perform these four exercises in the order listed without rest. Do each move to failure then move to the next one. Rest 30 seconds at the end of the last exercise then repeat 2-3 more times. Use this routine at the end of any workout or do it as a stand-alone routine. Allow 48-72 hours between sessions to allow for better recovery.

Double Crunch

Standard Crunch

Crossover Crunch

Reverse Crunch

>> For exercise descriptions, click here.

>> For exercise demonstrations, click here. (VIDEO)

THE ACT TO FOLLOW

March 18, 2011Read: Luke 3

"...one is coming who is more powerful than I, and I'm not worthy to untie his sandal straps." --Luke 3:16

Sitting in a music studio yesterday, I had a the unique privilege of hearing a young, talented band who opens the show for another very popular group of musicians. Their task is simple: set the stage and prepare the audience for the main attraction. You know, something tells me John the Baptist would understand their job. It's a role he played until the day he died.

Sitting there listening to them, I got to thinking about John; what he said, how he acted. But I think of all his many traits, his best quality was knowing it wasn't his show; that the act to follow was really the act to follow.

Yes indeed, John showed us that our only job is to invite a crowd, pull back the curtain and get out of the way.

--J.P.

POST-WORKOUT QUIZ

Here's yesterday's question: Of these choices, what's the best post-workout combo?

a. Egg whites and Cream of Wheat b. Whey protein and white rice c. Egg whites and oatmeal d. Whey protein and brown rice

ANSWER: B (Whey protein and white rice)

After a training session, you want a fast-digesting protein to start repairing muscle tissue and a fast-digesting carbohydrate to replenish glycogen stores. When it comes to protein, whey would be the fastest on our list. It is easily digested and has a very high level of bioavailability, meaning that your muscles will get the building blocks (amino acids) that they need for complete repair. And when it comes to carbohydrate, the white rice is fast at refilling those depleted energy tanks (note: the cream of wheat is also a very fast-digesting carb). So knowing that, the best answer is B.

For all of those who chose oatmeal, you should know that it is one of our favorite foods. It's great tasting and extremely nutritious but it is very slow to digest, which means that it's a great choice pre-workout, for breakfast or even between big meals.

>> AND THE WINNER IS...: Thanks for your answers everyone! The first person to get it right was Justin Ziegler. E-mail your mailing info directly to [email protected] to claim your prize!