What is one of the best exercises for ultimate health? Walking is one of the best exercises because it is easy on the joints, and it is not strenuous. Walking is an exercise virtually anyone can do and is less taxing on the body. As a soldier, recuperation and rejuvenation is also an important part of training no matter which exercise you are doing.
Sometimes I enjoy doing stretches or yoga after prayer and reading the Holy Qur’an. Getting enough sleep and drinking a glass of water in the morning is a wonderful way to start off your day. Some may choose to have a coffee in the morning, but please note, since coffee is a diuretic (a substance that causes more “fluids” to be excreted), you may need to increase your water intake. Also, try to go to bed earlier and get better quality sleep so you don’t feel dependent on coffee to “get you going in the morning.”
Keep in mind, eating more foods full of water such as fruits and vegetables will help you stay hydrated. Remember, “How to Eat to Live,” Book II by the Honorable Elijah Muhammad states that fruits and vegetables are the best foods (p.14).
As a soldier in training, we should set goals for ourselves and be productive. A god creates and solves problems. Since we were made in God’s image, the more we learn about God, the more we will learn about ourselves. We should always plan time to feed our mind with the words or “thoughts” of Allah (God). As we read and study scripture, we can learn to “think like a God,” study, and reflect on Him instead of sport and play. I always view Ramadan and our monthly three day “Unity Fast” as a time to help us, as followers of the Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad, to get back on track (if we have strayed) on our one meal a day and practicing “how to eat to live.” Lastly, it can help us “break bad habits,” as the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan mentioned, and “make good new ones.” A good soldier has good habits so let’s hold on to those good habits we developed during that time.
Let us wisely use our time to exercise and strengthen our will to become closer to God and better soldiers who “hear and obey.” Remember, the Minister said, “There is nothing more powerful than a made up mind.” Let us make up our minds to be better and more disciplined soldiers. May Allah bless us all with peace, love, health, wealth, and happiness.
(Audrey Muhammad is an aerobics instructor and the author of the book, “How to Get Fit to Live.” To order the book or for more information, email [email protected]. Please consult a physician before beginning any new exercise or dietary program.)
