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Faith & Self Care Fitness

My Favorite Workout Apps and Online Programs

Here are some Online Fitness Programs and Workout Apps that I recommend to help you spiritually, mentally, and physically on your journey while you are quarantined.

Check out my blog post on Home Strength Training with Pantry Items

Within a day, your gym experience became a home gym experience, and many apps are being offered at the moment.  The fitness industry is probably aware more so than the consumer of the positive benefits of movement while being quarantined. Having a way to move your body with limited space and equipment is a great resource to get through the days.  There are so many apps out there, but I wanted to recommend some that I think will help you begin your journey or maintain your journey to a healthy lifestyle.  It’s not about the pounds that you put on while being stuck in the house. It’s about leaving spiritually, mentally, and physically better than when you began.

You have no excuses with Online Programs and Workout Apps

You can no longer use the reason that you don’t have enough time.  There is an infinite amount of time to these endless days and short weeks.  I find myself being very productive, especially when I move midday.  It’s that energy I need and time I need to kill to get me through the rest of these long days in self-quarantine. So, I’ve narrowed it down to apps that I use and love anytime but are especially useful now.

Free Access to FaithFit Project Workout App

FaithFit Project is an audio devotion fitness app.  This is my cardio go-to! When I am running on the treadmill, outside, stair climbing, this app gives me motivation and inspiration. What makes this app different than other apps is it is audio devotions.  You can choose mode where the instruct you through the workout. Using Scripture references, and devotion or you go it alone and just have the Word in your ear.  Its a really powerful app that you should try.  You can find it in the Google Play Store and Apple Store.  Download it today and give it a try!  Share the app with your friends on social media!

Oxygen Magazine Online Fitness Program

I have joined the #OxygenCares Movement as an Oxygen Elite Ambassador, and Oxygen Magazine is offering FREE access to its Fast-Track Fitness online program. This 28-day program created by Chady Dunmore implements a quick, effective workout using minimal equipment — perfect for doing at home. So, even if your gym doors are temporarily closed, you can still get in a solid workout and maintain your gains! Use the code BEWELL at checkout to get free access for 60 days. This offer ends 5/15/2020.

 

FaithFueled Life App 7- Day Access to Monthly Membership Program

My fitness app is great for all fitness levels and a way to keep moving. FaithFueled Life apps have multiple ways for you to move.  Bible and Bootcamps 6 week program, Sugar and Detox 21 Day Program, Monthly Workout Programs, and Virtual training directly through me.  Workouts vary from or seven-minute total core burnouts to full-body exercises you can do in your home or gym.  Now I am offering a free one week trial with code STAYWELL. (Students, teachers, and health care professionals can receive a free trial through July 1.) Choose your workout from five-minute HIIT routines to 45 minutes of strength or bodyweight training. After the trial, the FaithFueled Life app costs $19.99 per month or $16.67 per month for the year.  Learn more about Virtual Training and Classes you can take with me here. 

My Fitness Pal is an excellent Workout App for Accountability

This is a great way to stay accountable for mindless eating. Set your food budget the night before by putting the things you plan to eat. Then if you plan on adding to the budget, ask yourself, why? Before you make that poor food choice.  While we are shut-in, we need to nourish our body to keep it healthy.  I plan on taking the time to make improvements in my lifestyle.  I hope you would join me and lets’  be friends.  Lack of accountability is where people fail.  It’s also nice to connect during times like these, and I encourage that you reach out to people and see how they are doing.

 

Spotify is a great Workout App for Inspiration and Motivation

We have been playing a lot of music which equals dancing, which is movement.  It also helps lifts your spirits.  Dance parties are something I used to do when the girls were little. Since being quarantined, we have been playing Just Dance or just turning on some music and dancing. Its been fun and a great stress reliever.  I also like to listen to music when I workout. It’s actually the only requirement.  Here’s the playlist I have been Running and LIfting on Spotify. You can also follow me on Spotify and grab all my playlist.  I also co-host a Fit Black Queens Podcast, which is excellent for cardio sessions or just to listen. We share the brown girl perspective of fitness, health, and wellness.  I think we’re pretty funny, but you should listen for yourself.

 

HIIT Interval Timer is an excellent Workout App for Efficiency

I use this timer for my group classes and my own personal workouts. I like it personally because it works with your existing music.  Timers make it easier to do the exercises than counting reps.  You can also focus on the move more if you don’t have to remember what number you’re on, and it keeps you on task moving from exercise to exercise. Download this really easy to use HIIT Timer!

Whatever you use or how you choose to move. Just don’t make movement an option. Taking care of your health, praying for others, and supporting how and when we can is the only way we’re going to get through this together.  I would love to help you on your journey or just connect.

 

What new ways have you found to move since being quarantined?

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30 Days Plank Challenge of Praise

Declaring Gratitude

Call me crazy, but I think we need a 30-day plank challenge? I have so much to be grateful for at the moment!  It depends on how I look at things. Counting my blessings can add up quickly.  This month I want to focus on the good and not the bad.  What I have instead of what I want and see how that changes the perspective of being at home for the next 30 days.  So, would you join me in Praise and gratitude for a 30-day plank challenge? This isn’t your ordinary 30-day plank challenge. It’s a Biblical one; I want to meditate on a different verse in the Bible that expresses gratitude for 60 seconds a day.  I will be sharing my 60 seconds somehow some way, so follow me on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.  I would love to share your gratitude, so TAG ME @Faithfueledmom on all three platforms and hashtag #plankful. I’ll be following and cheering for you.  The year 2020 has been challenging, and some days are harder to express gratitude than others. Let’s be intentional and shout His Praise.  Are you in?

The last month has been emotionally draining and hard. I’m not going to lie. This girl’s mental strength has wavered a few days.  Anxiety has crept in on occasion because I’ve been allowing myself to rely on myself. Old habits die hard.  Many people are struggling with their faith and mental health, but I have learned many things throughout the seasons.

Now more than ever, we must praise and be grateful.

Rejoice Always 1 Thessalonians 5:16

This is one of the shortest commands in the Bible because it is a command by God, which means it is achievable.  So, it’s a win-win situation in my eyes. We can always rejoice no matter what the circumstances. Let’s do it?!

Bad Habits Die Hard

When I run on my own, I grow weary. I KNOW better and know that relying on my strength, know-how, and provision will last for a moment. God has shown me some amazing things in my life when I give them to Him! Notably, through this pandemic.  God has shown up in my family’s lives more significant than ever before, so I know that God is still good.  

I also have too much going on; Way too much and when your “still” (whether intended or forced by global pandemic)  time to catch up with God makes brings a new perspective.

 

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To say God hadn’t warned me would also be a lie. I knew what I was doing it as I am very capable of saying, “No.” When God would say, “slow down.” I’d say, “okay, just after this one thing.”

When God said, “Ask me?” I’d say, “Sure, but let me see if this works first,” and here I am ending the first quarter of 2020 forced to be still and to come to Him. Spent, warn, lost, and like the knucklehead I can be, finally listening.

Different Reaction

This time it’s different. I am no longer like, “Why, Lord?” I have yet to say that, but before that would have been my first go-to. Although, I fell back into old habits. One thing that has changed is my strength in the Lord. I am lost, but I am lost in the right direction. I know the burden is too high, so I know I must give it to God. Even though I was disobedient, God did not turn His back on me but persistently reminded me to lean on Him.  I also am now fully aware and have experienced an unconditionally loving Father who will never leave nor forsake me. I can turn to Him anytime and seek His grace, mercy, love, and guidance. I will continue to grow. God will continue to prune me.

Sinner saved by grace

I felt led to share because I am not a perfect Christian. I am one of those who knows that my sinful nature will always take over my second nature to be obedient to God. I struggle with physical, spiritual, and mental disciplines and aspire to be a Light for Him. So, if my transparency leads someone to His kingdom, it’s the least I can do. Plus, I am not a fan of the idea of perfection. It’s way too hard to live up also.  There was only one perfect person to walk in this world. So here I am. 

“But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” 2 Corinthians 12:9 NIV

I feel sharing that I too struggle with my faith walk. I think it’s great to see the highlight reel of life. To see how good it could be, but let’s not forget and live in reality. We all struggle; that’s why we need God, and we are also supposed to hold each other accountable.

“Brethren, even if anyone is caught in any trespass, you who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; each one looking to yourself, so that you too will not be tempted. Bear one another’s burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ.” Galatians 6:1-2 NASB

You can’t hold someone accountable if they don’t tell you. It’s also an opportunity to help someone else grow or relate. The facade of perfection has to stop. Because what are we genuinely seeking? Unless it’s to be more like Jesus, it is all in vain.

30-Day Plank Challenge

So, I am giving all the things to Jesus this second quarter and seeing where that takes me. At least hoping it gets me through the next month of self-quarantine, social distancing, or whatever you want to call it.  I am going to give it my best try. I’ve done it in the past, and He has always surpassed my expectations or anything that I could have done on my own.

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Matt 11:28

 

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30-Days Thanks Challenge

I am also doing a Challenge in April! I am beginning Easter Sunday and through the entire month of April!

Each day I will be planking for 60 seconds and saying, “Thank you, God!” For the little and the big things.  Each day while planking, I will be reciting or meditating Scripture!  

I want to invite you to join me? There is nothing to gain but a grateful perspective.  Connecting with each other online in a time when we can’t connect in person.  Encouraging each other through Praise and planks.  We did a plank “talk” challenge in Bibles and Bootcamps. Most of the women chose to meditate and recite their favorite ScriptureScripture.  All were shocked at how much longer they held the plank with ScriptureScripture. We call them “Power Verse” in #BibleAndBootcamps

One day I was thinking about how amazing it would be to see women expressing gratitude to God; then, planking came to mind-not because it rhymes with Thanks.  I just thought of my Beauties and how powerful it would be to see people praising God and thanking Him while planking.

Will you join me in the 30-Day Plank Challenge?

Join my Facebook Group. I will be going LIVE daily with my plank challenge, and hopefully, you will join me.  Even if you do it privately on your own, I have some verses for you to use in your meditation.  If you do want to join me merely post on whatever Social Media platform you like (I will be on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter) and use and follow the hashtag #PraisePlank,  I will be watching and praising with you!! Also, TAG me in your stories, and I will share your Praise.  I can’t wait to spend the month Praising God for His goodness!!

Can you be grateful even with a little bit?

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Learning to Wait on God

Learning to Wait

When Mimi was a baby she signed, which is an excellent way to communicate her needs. Two of my daughters signed (my middle one refused). Our signing girls during infancy/toddlerhood whined less than my middle who refused.

When we woke up in the morning after our good morning kisses, my baby would sign “milk.” I usually reply “Wait” (in sign) at which she began to get anxious. Continually signing milk, waving her arms, kicking her feet. She knows it is coming, but she wants it NOW! Once she gets it, she is satisfied and content.

No Patience

Now, my baby is also a “healthy eater,” horrible sleeper, but more than makes up for it in food consumption. When she was younger she would sign “eat,” and I respond “wait” her reaction is entirely different than when she wants milk.

Mimi would proceed to fall out on the ground and have a tantrum. Crying, yelling, signing till I put her in the high chair and fed her.

waitingon-god

Waiting without God

Waiting without God and waiting with God. I have found similarities with my one-year old’s patience. When I first found Christ, I would wait without God. Praying for things and anxiously waiting for God to answer; similarly to my toddler when I tell her to wait. Sometimes, I would have a full out tantrum because things weren’t happening in my time or how I wanted them.

I can Help God Mentality

Then I progressed in my faith and became like my middle daughter, Lailah. When I tell her to wait for something, she’ll take it upon herself to do it on her own. Calling herself “helping” me out usually ending up in a spill, break or simply a mess. I have “helped’ out God quite a few times resulting in nothing that I wanted or a long messy drawn out way to it.

Waiting with God

As a believer and an adult. I wait differently than I did when I first came into my faith. I have found Scripture to guide me; yet, still, work in progress. I still need to work on my execution.

Similarly to my oldest daughter; when she asks me for something, and I say “wait.” She will wait for a while to come back to me and “remind” or ask me again.  Then, if I still haven’t done it, she will ask if she can help me and wait a little longer.  Thanking me once I execute my task because of our fourteen years together she has gained trust in me and knew that I would get to it when I can.

4 Ways Scriptures Shows us to Wait

Like my relationship with all my daughters; I have learned to wait with God as I have matured in my faith. As I have grown, I have found that I need several things for me to have patience, hope, and trust that the Lord will answer my prayers. I may not like the answer, but I will receive a reply nonetheless in due time.

1. Wait

When waiting with the Lord, you have to have trust and confidence that He will answer you as well as stay close by His side so that you are ready when it is time. (Kind of like my twelve years old)

Psalm 33:20-22 (NIV) 20 We wait in hope for the Lord; he is our help and our shield.21 In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name. 22 May your unfailing love be with us, Lord, even as we put our hope in you.

This verse to me is a proven process of what is needed to wait for the Lord.

2. Help

I look to God for his help in trouble instead of offering my “help.”

Psalm 46:1(NIV) God is our refuge and strength,
    an ever-present help in trouble.

3.  Rejoice

Instead of fretting; I rejoice no matter what. I am grateful to turn to and to help me in need. I just need to come to Him, be grateful to Him and wait for Him to take action.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 16 Rejoice always, 17 pray continually, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

4.  Trust

Something that I learned and continued to grow in is trusting in the Lord.  How He does things because it’s usually different from my own but always so much better than anything that I could do for myself.

Proverbs 3:5 (NIV) 5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;

waiting

What helps you get through the waiting phase?

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God is still good.

God is still good.

This has been a whirlwind experience for the last few weeks. Something we could relate to things we read in history classes or experiences our older family members have told us.  Now its something that one day we will recount for ourselves.  This is week 3 for me of being self-quarantined and yesterday I think my anxiety began to get the best of me. Then I was reminded as soon as woke up this morning that God is still good.  No matter what the circumstances look like He is faithful and answers prayers.  “From the big to the small He listens to them all” and He answers them in His own way.

The Power of Prayer

A little over a week ago, I received a message that a dear friend of mine was in a medically induced coma from complications from the COVID 19.  I immediately began praying for this woman of worship to be spared and to use this for HIs glory.  She sings praise and worship at our Church.  My friend is the bubbliest, kind-hearted, transparent and cheerful woman.  I look forward to her pinch and greeting every Sunday as she exits the stage from singing worship and praise.  God is still good. Despite the intubation, COVID 19. My friend is well.  My prayers were answered. I spoke to her today and she shared with me her call to share her testimony.  God is still good.

Let them shout for joy and rejoice, who favor my vindication; And let them say continually, “The LORD be magnified, Who delights in the prosperity of His servant. Psalm 35:27

I was an Unbeliever

For some, it may be hard to believe in God, or believe that He is still good when you are looking at your current circumstances.  When you’re counting your blessings it’s a different vision. When you’re seeing that someone is working for your good on the things that you can’t control.  That someone our God wants more for you than you can even imagine. For many years I intentionally did not know the Lord.  I had no interest in hearing about Him and I lived life on my terms. Until I couldn’t run it on my own any longer.  Through my circumstances, I turned to Jesus and I haven’t turned back.  I’ve misstepped, fallen from grace way too many times but I know there is an unconditional Iove I get with Jesus.

 

 

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My Faith has changed me

Beats the conditions that people place on you daily.  There is no grace for missteps, there is no forgiveness for falls from grace.  The judgment that I thought God was placing on me was the torment that the world has shown me.  I still have a hard time trusting people but I place all my trust in Jesus. Even if life doesn’t reflect what I want to see at the moment.  Just like my weight loss journey I have been on both sides fat and fit.  In my faith journey, I have traveled both rides unfaithful and faithful.  And I can tell you that life without the hope in Jesus is a struggle and dark place. Every day our world is changing but I know it is my faith that believes this is all for my good.  That we will come out better than we started and yep, God is still good.

Coping with Mental Health

I can’t imagine mentally where I would be if I didn’t have the peace and comfort I have in my faith. That I  know despite what I see today that God is still good, He is always acting on my behalf and when this is all said and done His glory will be shown.  My only hope that during this time of darkness, disparity, anxiety, and angst that I can be a Light leading to Him.  So, I hope that this message comes to you to encourage you. Since my renewed faith I still have moments of worry but the more I pray the less I worry.  Anxiety is worrying about things you can’t control and COVID-19 is uncontrollable.  That is why it has led to daily changes in procedure, protocol, and our lifestyles.  If everything keeps changing anxiety ensues.  That’s why I think I find so much peace in my faith it remains, unwavering, and unchanging.  Something foundational or solid to hold on during times of uncertainty.

Be Still and Catch Up

We have no idea what tomorrow brings but remember God is still good.  If you do not know God. He doesn’t care who you are? What you’ve done? He already knows everything about you. Despite all that you see is wrong, regardless of our brokenness, wrongful deeds, awful thoughts. Jesus died for you even knowing that there will be some who will never accept Him. Now more than ever if you have no hope, maybe get to know Jesus a little more.  If it’s been a while, like I was, He’s been waiting to catch up.  If you always believed and followed now more than ever we need you, Sis, to pray for our world, pray for our leaders and pray for our lost.

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” Deuturonomy 31:6

How I am helping during COVID-19

We are called to be a Light when it’s dark. It’s time to rise up soldiers!  I pray during this time that you be well and be still.  During these times if you feel that you cannot help because you have to stay inside know that there is power in prayer.  This is also a great time to work on our first ministries, our families.  I’m going to be hanging with my peeps which I am blessed to enjoy their company. Let’s strengthen our bonds, hide the word in our children’s heart and restore the balance of work and play.  Let’s love on one another, and cling to God for provision.  We can come out of this stronger with God who gives us our strength.

 

Every day I am praying for this world I hope you will join me. Be well, be blessed and be safe.  God is still good.

How are you doing? How can I pray for you?

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Three Lifestyle Changes I’ve Made this week

Changing my routine in 2020

Within the last few weeks, I have had to embrace lifestyle changes very quickly and almost daily. This year has been every event full.  I’m not sure if it’s been because of all the events in the last three months of life is just busy. Up until a few weeks ago, I was in my routine. Training my clients and prepping for my fitness competition. I had no time for embracing anything new or different.  Rewind to present days and we are in this surreal time of life.  One minute we feel we have things in control to the next changing everything we’ve previously done.  All within minutes changing day today.  We are living in unpredictable times meaning that the routines that we have become accustomed to day in and day out are being disrupted. 

To embrace change, you have to like what you are doing differently more than you did before. Within the last few weeks, our world has been inflicted with a pandemic. Every day feel we are adjusting to a new normal. Many people are reflecting and making lifestyle changes. I included and the Fit Black Queens Podcast.

Fit Black Queens Podcast

In February, a group of Fit Friends and I started a Podcast.  It was a little rough at first but we are starting to get this podcast thing.  It’s nice to have a place to talk through the events that are going on in this world.  We have five women of various ages and fitness backgrounds.  We all have a unique story and perspective and we share our views on the Fit Black Queens podcast. Saturday Mornings on Spotify, Apple Podcast, Anchor and Stitcher.  Sharing the brown girl’s perspective of Fitness, Wellness, and Health.  We also host Virtual LIVE Power Hours and Cocktail Hours to get together and connect with Fit Black Queens.  I’m also looking forward to our Virtual Retreat coming soon.  So, many plans for Fit Black Queens this year.

Fit Black Queens Podcast Challenge 

Last week on the podcast that I co-host, Fit Black Queens. We had a Power Hour. Sharing 10-minute Fitness, Nutrition and Wellness tips to help inspire FIt Black Queens while quarantined. If you have been listening to our podcast the last few episodes have been our experience with the quarantine as a fitness professional. Sharing our experience with Social Distancing and our desire to experience new things while indoors. There have been many lifestyle changes with the quarantine that have evolved weekly since our Surviving COVID-19 Quarantine.  In the last episode on Social Distancing, we were challenged to do something different while quarantined. I am always up for a challenge so I tried three things differently this week that may lead to lifestyle changes.

 

3 Things I’m doing differently now

The Fit Black Queens Try something new challenge is a great reminder and inspiration to intentionally get uncomfortable especially now when we are facing daily uncertainty. Sometimes lifestyle changes are necessary to adapt to the world. Our Power Hour was motivated me to try these three things:

  1. Meditation is something I never took the time to do because I never thought I had the time to do it.  Deani the Yogini shared a 10-minute Meditation that I have been doing daily. It has been a great way to clear my mind after my morning devotions and Bible Study. It’s something that I think I will continue to practice. Finding more mental clarity and presence led me to have a very productive week.
  2. I appreciate the outdoors.  Alexis of Flecks of Lex shared with us a fun way to add movement and to get outside every day even if you are quarantined.  My family adopted these outdoor moments. We have made it a point to get outside and get some fresh air for at least 10 minutes a day. It’s amazing the difference it makes for our mood.  When we take it outdoors for short breaks I feel so much more energized. My appreciation for fresh air is greater now that I have been forced indoors.  The sunshine does a body and mind good.
  3. Simple meals can keep you sane. After making meals all day every day for a week. I quickly took Jquenow’s advice and kept things simple. All my meals this week took about 10 minutes and the family loved them all.

Here are some Quick & Easy Meal Ideas to make for dinner

We are Alone Together during this COVID 19 Pandemic

My word for 2020 is Connection.  Every week I am reminded of it someway, somehow. I have been intentionally trying to make connections and reach out.  That is not something that I typically do I tend to stay to myself, reaching out and letting people know that I care is something that I am trying to do differently. I am connecting with friends now more than I did before either virtually or on the phone. Sending out, “How you doing?” text and letting people know they are loved. Safely social distancing from my computer at home like the majority of us.  It doesn’t replace real-life connection but this can feel isolating to some people.  Although, I hate being forced to stay indoors. I am amazed daily at how well my family is adapting and how quickly I can adjust to a new normal. I am sure I will be doing things differently more and more as the weeks’ progress.  Hopefully, they will be positive changes in my life.

What lifestyle changes have you made since the COVID 19 Quarantine?

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