Kevin Presseault

As we begin a New Year, maybe my story can be an encouragement to those of you thinking about improving your health this year. This past year I started a fitness program called DDPYoga. Now, I know what you're thinking: I wouldn't be caught dead doing yoga. Me too! But this definitely isn't your mama's yoga! You can check out the program at www.ddpyoga.com . I didn't get involved with DDPYoga to deal with my weight. Sure, at 49 years old, I definitely could lose a few pounds... but my issue was PAIN! For as long as I can remember I have had constant back pain. Not crippling, keep me in bed pain, just a level of pain that never let up. Every single night I would wake up multiple times. Every single morning I would wake up exhausted and in pain. Most people didn't even know I struggled with this. It was easy to keep it secret. But those closest to me knew. My wife. My kids. They were the ones that had to deal with this the most. My pain kept me from enjoying life ...

Yesterday I preached that in order to keep our resolutions to grow spiritually we not only need our convictions and our beliefs but we also require a plan and a partner.  During the sermon I gave the example that one of my resolutions was to drop 20 pounds this year and get back into better shape (yes, I know ROUND is a shape... but that's not the one I want!). So, seeing as how I don't want to be the pastor that doesn't practice what he preaches I just signed up at Pinacle Health & Fitness to be my plan and my partner in this resolution.  I'll be meeting with a personal exercise coach in the next couple of days to get this program under way. I'm quite excited about this... and really look forward to a year of much better health.  I should probably take a "Before" picture of me... but there's no way I'm posting that here.  NO ONE wants to see that!!!  :-)

This afternoon I went and played squash. I used to play quite a lot in College but I haven't been on a court in at least 12 years. Needless to say, I was pretty rusty. During my sermon last week I made reference to the importance of walking along side someone to help you grow spiritually and used an example of going to the gym. Working out and exercising is so much easier when you have someone to go with. I then mentioned that the reason I don't have a six-pack of abs is because I'm lazy and don't have someone dragging me to the gym :) Well... one of the congregation members called me on this one and invited me to play squash. He's a pilot with Air Canada. His schedule is not a regular 9-to-5-weekends-off life so he's always looking for other to play with. Guest what? A pastor isn't a 9-to-5-weekend-off profession either I said I'd love to go. I had a real blast! I had forgotten how much fun playing squash is. Sure, he probably was going easy o...