I was overweight, out of shape, unfit and no matter which camera angle you tried, it always looked like a lazy porpoise snuck in the frame. Hiding under some ugly sweater didn’t work in the Hawaiian heat either …

The doctor was blunt. “Lose weight. Run.” (Actual words on medical report).

I got a kick start the next year when I became ill after an operation (no, not lypo) through a resulting infection (not a recommended weight-loss strategy). After a 3-month recovery period I decided to do something about my fitness.

Being the man that I am I pondered this fitness thing for a while, flirting with 3-mile jogs every so often. It wasn’t until 2010 when I joined a gym, changed my diet and became serious about things.

Today I’m 20lb lighter, dropped 7 points on body-fat and packed on quite a bit of lean muscle and my personal end goal is in sight.

What’s the Point?

Apart from living longer, sleeping better, coping with stress easier and not using boardshorts as a man-girdle?

The benefits of good health are well documented. The discipline it requires is good for the soul (see Proverbs).

Also, as a Christian I believe we should be honouring God with our bodies. If I believe that I have important things to do in life that make a real difference, and then neglect my body, slowing me down and dulling my effectiveness, what does that say about my commitment to the cause? We are to bring our bodies under control (1 Cor. 9:27) – it’s quite clear.

And here is an example of the fruit physical neglect can produce:

I was watching a YouTube video of influential Christian men sharing thoughts on an important topic, in a panel on the stage. Great video, great thoughts, really useful.

One comment immediately underneath the video said something along the lines of, “These guys can’t even practice self control – why would I listen?” All of the men on the stage were overweight, two of them seriously so.

This isn’t an issue of “TV’s ruined culture; to succeed you need to look good”. The commenter had a point …

Physical disabilities aside, it’s not going to kill us to get in shape and keep healthy. If we’re on a mission let’s take it seriously and stop making feeble excuses. What we have to do is too important to mess around.

Some Resources

There’s loads of good stuff online these days. Here are some great resources (two geared specifically for men – ladies, feel free to add recommended resources too!).

codelife: CVM launched codelife last year as a new way of living for men. Actually, it’s not really that new … It’s basically a new form of discipline, a code of living which is deeply rooted in Biblical principles.

There are 12 codes that you agree to stand by. Don’t worry, it’s not overly religious (see code XII) The whole set is geared towards personal discipleship and accountability. Code VI is specific to fitness – “I’ll keep my body fit and free from addictions.”

Great to sign up to with mates or on your own. There are new resources being released (downloads, podcasts, videos, books) every month and conferences all over the UK.

Keeping fit comes easier when you change your mindset about how to live life. Codelife can help here.

The Optimise Clinic: Dr. Ben Sinclair realised the men don’t get into doctor’s clinics very often. So he created this service where the doctor comes to you.

Specific to men and with loads of helpful advice online, the goal is to get men fit and healthy to get the most out of life. www.optimiseclinic.co.uk

The Resurgence: A really useful repository of Biblical resources – articles, videos, podcasts etc. with a well-stocked Health section.

Tips on how to keep healthy alongside resources on why we should be healthy.

Such topics as: how to combat stress, lead productive and fruitful lives, what to do when you’re sick etc.

A short interview recently published about my work with Christian Vision for Men.

Stuff from the web of note recently:

• Reminders Are More Effective Than Rebukes
  Tullian Tchividjian shares some thoughts on how accountability can get a little out of hand. Reminds us to keep the focus on God’s grace rather than being hell-bent (my phrase – too strong?) on self-perfection.
• Longreply Now Live
  From the Mailchimp labs (the brilliant email guys) here’s a nifty little tool that caters to the more verbose of us that find the standard Twitter reply length just too small. You need to sign up for an invite but mine didn’t take too long arriving.
• Monday Sport’s Roundup
  Rob Barnett recently started a regular Monday column on the CVM Blog. All the sports from the weekend with a preview of what’s to come in the week.
• The Good Book Company (UK/US)
  And finally, if you haven’t come across The Good Book Company check them out. A great collection of fantastic books and resources (look out for some reviews very soon) and at great prices.

And finally, here’s another look at Wayne Rooney’s wonder goal from the weekend … ‘cos it really is just that good. Still good, just not available on YouTube!

Watch this on Youtube.

Because at CVM we get to make fun videos

Thoughts on fighting on the same team.