Black woman stretching — Stretching helps to increase flexibility. Photo courtesy of Sunday II Sunday.

Seeking and finding wellness cannot be attained by merely focusing on the body. The Mind, Body, and Spirit have to be connected.

If you’ve ever tried yoga, you know the positive benefits such as improving physical strength, flexibility, and concentration. But what if you don't like yoga because of the controversy and uproar it has caused in the Christian community? What if there was something different out there?

After learning the benefits of proper stretching early on in my athletic career, I began years of research to develop and perfect my own faith-based exercise method. In 1986, FLEXERCISE® became an official fitness regimen. I’ve always had a long-term goal to help people – specifically the African American, Latino, and Samoan communities ages 35 and up – achieve a life of wellness.

The Flexercise training method is a Mind, Body, and Spirit fitness program that believes in the Judeo-Christian philosophy. At Flexercise, we combine stretching, strengthening, martial arts type movements, and core and stability exercises to increase flexibility, body strength, and provide an overall feeling of well-being.

I like to describe Flexercise as “Meditation in Motion.” It is an innovative, slow, rhythmic moving exercise for the Mind, Body, and Spirit that can help you achieve oneness and balance in your life. Additionally, you’ll heighten your spiritual awareness.

Meaning of Mind, Body, Spirit Workout

Over the years, many have asked me, "What do you mean by Mind, Body, Spirit workout?"

In I Corinthians 6:19 we learn that our body is a temple. Our body is connected to the Mind (soul) and Spirit (God), and we should care for it. Caring for the body also means moving it. When you move, your body and soul become more aware of the Spirit. The body and soul become in tune with the Spirit of God, creating a more complete association (oneness). This is manifested even further when we breathe and meditate. At this point, the body, soul (mind), and spirit move to a place of balance and harmony in life.

God made the body in such a unique way that when deep breathing and exercises are performed, the body releases natural endorphins that creates a feeling of peace. We do this in Yahweh, Jesus’ name.

Benefits of Exercise Programs like Flexercise

There are many health-maintenance advantages to implementing an exercise program in your life. Many programs, including Flexercise, have been proven effective in reducing hypertension, stress levels, and weight gain, all of which are the leading causes of heart attacks. Due to its combination of stretching, strengthening, and cardiovascular exercises, Flexercise reduces stress and chronic pain while also increasing the range of motion.

We can use these programs to prevent musculoskeletal injuries and improve our functional movement. It even makes the perfect warmup for professional athletes, adjunct preventative exercise therapy, senior fitness quality of life, and for people experiencing chronic back pain.

How to experience a state of oneness?

To experience and achieve oneness takes dedication, patience, and time. We may experience it in life when everything seems to fit and work out well, but a sustained experience takes intense inner work. The transformation lies in the process. Here’s a key tool to get you started on your journey of oneness:

Woman meditating. Photo courtesy of Nappy.

Meditation and Mindfulness

Thought awareness and breathing awareness are types of meditation that can help us gain insight into the nature of our minds. Mindfulness is a type of meditation in which you focus on being aware of your senses, your feelings, and your environment without interpretation or judgment. This is a simple, yet effective means of experiencing oneness.

If you are interested in mindfulness coaching, sign-up for the mailing list at flexercise.net and receive a complimentary download of the Flexercise meditation video "Breathing and Meditation."

Bottom line: “The body is created to move.” I believe that when we stop moving the body, it begins to move in the wrong direction – the direction of disease. The diseases that run rampant in our communities include diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol, just to name a few. But the good news is that all three diseases are reversible and I’m here to help.

When you're looking to work out your mind as well as your body, try FLEXERCISE®. This exercise program is built on three very basic principles: a strong mind, body, and spirit. Flexercise is the Christian Alternative to Yoga.

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Connie Perry

Connie Perry, originally from the Pennsylvania/Delaware area, has called Atlanta home for 34 years. With a background in healthcare, she dedicated herself to the field before transitioning to her passion for writing in the early '80s. Her creative pursuits have included crafting short stories, conducting interviews, and exploring various forms of artistic expression.

In addition to her love for writing, Connie has a deep appreciation for sign language and the power of spoken word. When she's not immersed in the world of words, she cherishes the moments spent with her two daughters and enjoys the company of her five grandsons.