Bible guides some in fitness routines

By Teri Greene, Montgomery Advertiser

MONTGOMERY, Ala. — More and more health pros and enthusiasts are taking the biblical principle, "your body is a temple" and running with it, offering believers church-hosted group exercise classes and diet support groups as well as community gyms that offer faith-based wellness and training programs.

"We need to take care of God's temple, which is us," said Kim Melchor, the facilitator of the First Place program at Taylor Road Baptist Church in Montgomery. "God is the potter. He made our bodies, we don't own them, and we need to serve God as long as possible on this earth. Making positive, healthy choices will be a glorification to Him."

The First Place program, which has about 35 participants, emphasizes weight control through a series of weekly sessions of Bible studies, daily scripture reading and commitment to prayer, exercise and proper nutrition.

This is a far cry from old-time church traditions, especially in the South — the lavish after-the-service dinners on Sunday, laden with fried chicken, biscuits and heavy desserts, or potluck Wednesday night dinners in the fellowship hall. the rest image