Fitness ~ { Print Version }
By Arlene Edmonds

It's time to shape up before the holiday season is upon us. Perhaps no one is more excited about this prospect than Mary Jones, a parishioner at the St. Therese of the Child Jesus Church in Philadelphia. Jones first got the exercise and fitness bug when she heard about a special initiative that went to houses of worship and other venues in the Southeastern Pennsylvania area.

This program goes from church to church presenting various programs that encourage fellowship as well as education and fitness. When the program came to Mount Tabor Baptist Church earlier this year Jones was among those who enrolled. She said that she benefited greatly. Yet, she wished that one of the predominantly African American Catholic churches had the program.

Now Jones is excited that the program is being held closer to home. Every Saturday morning those from various parishes meet at her home church, St. Therese. The program runs from October to December. Each registrant is first weighed and asked to give a brief health history. They then are able to enjoy not only the exercise, but be privy to healthy snacks and a nutrition lesson.

"We want as many people as possible to take advantage of this program," said Jones, a longtime member of St. Therese. "We have already reached out to member of my church and all the other Catholic churches in the area. Participation is not limited to just those who attend these parishes. We want the entire community to come by and get enlightened, get in shape and enjoy the program."

Jones explained that the health lessons are particularly invaluable. They focus on many of the ailments that particularly hit the African American community like high blood pressure and diabetes. She said they will also get information on osteoporosis, the benefits of vitamins, how to manage premenstrual and menopausal symptoms, and much more.

When Jones attended other programs she learned the value of taking Vitamin D and Vitamin E supplements. She said that engaging in a daily vitamin regime has greatly improved the quality of her life. "People don't know that by taking vitamins and eating right along with exercise you can manage a lot of diseases and prevent them from impacting you," Jones said.

"I think it is particularly important the black women take advantage of this program," Jones continued. "So many times we are busy taking care of everyone else. It is time to take care of ourselves. We know that we have to take care of our husbands and our children, but we also need to take time for us. This is one way to do this."

Jones added that one of the interesting twists about the exercise program is that they engage in gospel line dancing. She said that dancing is not only an enjoyable way to keep fit, but it has social benefits as well. By using gospel music it will not offend the sensibilities of some of the more matured adults who prefer not to listen to more contemporary music.

For Jones, line dancing has become her new hobby since enrolling in the program earlier this year. She said that it has helped her to keep fit and slim down. She highly recommends dancing as a great form of exercise.

"It makes you feel wonderful," said Jones. "It gives you the aerobic exercise that you need to speed up your metabolism and you don't leave feeling as sore as some other forms of exercise. Plus with the gospel line dancing, there is a lot of camaraderie as everybody is learning the steps together. It doesn't matter if you have line danced before or not. There is a spirit of encouragement and everyone feels that they can do it. It's such a great way to health and fitness. You can't beat it as a way to keep in shape. I think it's really the ideal way to do it."

Jones is pleased that about two dozen women regularly participate in the program. While the program focuses on female participation this does not rule out male participation. Jones readily admitted that it seems that more women then men are interested in this type of exercise program. Yet even she said that there are men who enjoy line dancing and keeping fit.

"The other sessions were just for women, because we really need it," said Jones. "After we exercise and dance we have nutritious snacks like fresh fruit and water. We may have bran muffins or something like that. We get to have our cholesterol taken and this is repeated throughout the program. We also get our weight checked to see how we are doing. It's just a nice way to work out. I hope more men join us.