thank god for obstacles
With the proper mindset, we can thank God today for obstacles because just like increasing the resistance to promote greater physical strength, obstacles enable us to strengthen the impact our lives have in our world. According to Lisa Bevere in her book, Without Rival, “Obstacles do not prevent you from your calling, they prepare you for it.” So much truth in that statement and it’s very applicable to Body & Soul® Fitness Instructors who are called to share our faith in Jesus through group fitness classes all around the globe. It can be powerful to remember obstacles that are now in our rearview mirrors and take note of the ways we have been strengthened as a result of overcoming them. Accept this challenge: 1) identify obstacles in your path right now, and 2) identify practical ways to overcome each one. Place these written notes in a place where you will be reminded and encouraged. Obstacles will trip us up if we can’t see them! If you are searching for a community where members encourage one another in faith and fitness, join Body & Soul® Fitness. Find information about becoming an Instructor or joining a class as a student at www.bodyandsoul.org today. We are counting obstacles as blessings and allowing God’s power to shine through us and strengthen us. Cheers to obstacles – those behind us and those before us!
by Amy Stafford
Panama City Beach, FL

Body and Soul® Fitness is an international Christian fitness organization that trains and equips instructors to lead a variety of group fitness programs including choreographed aerobics-style Cardio Strength & Flexibility™, cardio dance style Dance Blast™, free-weights-focused Power Strength™, boot camp style FIT360™ and Longevity FIT360™, and GOLD™ - lower impact programming for participants that are pregnant, have weight challenges, injuries, or other medical conditions. These exercise classes meet in church gyms, community centers, gymnasiums, parking lots, schools, etc. across the United States, Europe, and Africa. In-person and virtual fitness classes are available.
Key words: Christian fitness, women's exercise classes, group fitness, dance aerobics classes, Christian group fitness, Christian fitness app, FitTV, Body & Soul, Body and Soul, fitness instuctor training, low impact exercise