Word of Wisdom

WHAT the Word of Wisdom is About:
• For the benefit of the saints
• Not by commandment or constraint
• Adapted to the capacity of the weak
• In consequence of evils of conspiring men

Not for the Body:
• Wine
• Strong drinks (alcohol)
• Tobacco
• Hot drinks (coffee/tea)

For the Body:
• Wholesome herbs in their season
• Fruit in their season
• Flesh of beasts and fowls (sparingly)
• All grain

Blessings:
• Health
• Wisdom
• Strength
• Destroying angel shall pass by

WHY to exercise

Spiritual: “There is a close relationship between physical health and spiritual development. When one’s physical health is impaired by disobedience to God’s eternal laws, spiritual development will also suffer.” (Elder Delbert L. Stapley, Oct. 1967)

Emotional: “Emotional and physical endurance are inseparable. So-called physical fatigue can destroy personality, shorten the concentration span, and make us impatient, unable to focus on the problems at hand and incapable of expressing love, kindness, and inspiration to those we serve.” (Clarence F. Robinson)

Psychological: Dr. Leonard Himler, a noted psychiatrist stated, “I have never in thirty-five years of practice treated a man or woman who has had a recreational hobby that involved regular large muscle exercise. And what’s more, I never will, because physical exercise provides the escape for pent-up emotional pressures.”

Relationships: I have found that participating in physical activities with people can bond you in a way that other things can’t. Going on walks with your kids and spouse can create opportunities for conversations that you wouldn’t have otherwise.

Confidence: Ann Madsen, grandmother of four, who was using swimming as therapy to overcome a crippling back problem said, “Any woman who can swim a mile nonstop can pass exams or write a thesis,” and she did – first the mile, then the master’s graduate exams, then the thesis. “In an interesting way, swimming has given me greater confidence and discipline in all aspects of my life.”

Parenthood and leadership: “To lead youth, you must keep ahead of them. You cannot drive them or push them from behind and really be a leader. Youth are drawn naturally to the teacher, the adviser, the bishop who can keep pace with them”.

Opportunities:
Stake athletics are every Saturday morning at the stake center at 9:00 a.m. Currently we are playing basketball. That will continue until the end of February. I am hoping to start a mix of pilates, yoga, zumba, aerobics, etc. in March some time. More details to come – make sure and give me (Janis 801-645-6837) your input, and your expertise so you can come help us out. We are also looking into playing futsal (indoor soccer).

Every morning from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. on BYUtv is an excellent program called Total Body Workout, a mix of yoga and aerobic workouts. These are free, cover a broad range of ability, and no one is wearing a teeny leotard.

Other ideas to help overcome the obstacles of lack of time, money, desire, etc.:

Have kids?: Find someone else that has kids and trade off watching the kids while one swims laps in the pool, runs around the track, or goes to a zumba class.

Feel too old?: Remember that physical activity actually slows the effects of aging and will help keep your strong and flexible to prevent injury. Of course adapt to your current physical abilities. You may not be able to do everything you used to, but I bet you can still do a lot more than you realize, if you build up to it.

No time?: It just may be worth getting up an hour earlier once or twice a week, because exercise really does overcome fatigue and give you more energy. You may just find yourself less tired than before (after exercising regularly for a few weeks). There may be something you can get rid of in your life that would benefit you more if it was replaced with exercise. Also, consider multi-tasking, such as a stationary bicycle while doing homework, or walking or biking to work.

No money?: It doesn’t take money to exercise. Be creative. And the classes offered at the city rec. center are surprisingly cheap, around $2 a class. But there are plenty of opportunities surrounding us with our mountain out the back door for hiking, and the bike path within minutes.

General tips:
Warm up, stretch, do some aerobic (at least 15 minutes, three times a week is suggested), and then some strength training, and remember to cool down. Drink water. Have fun. Don’t overdo it. Work around your own personal interests and limitations.

(Thank you Janis for putting together some wonderful information we all can use!)