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Episode 5: Getting Fit for Christ with Larry Lee
Larry and I first met at our church St. Mark’s in Hyattsville, MD, after he and his wife moved here from California in 2014. He came with a fascinating life story, starting with his radio and TV work in southern California, his stint in the Ringling Brothers Barnum and Bailey Circus, his years as a stunt artist in film, and then his work in a hugely successful outdoor bootcamp while still in California. When he mentioned starting up a faith-based bootcamp at our church that would begin at 5:30 in the morning, 5 days a week, I wondered, “Who would come?” But, lo and behold, a lot of people came and his program has remained extremely popular since.
Christ-Centered Workouts
His program is Christ-centered and incorporates prayer, push-ups, running, scripture, sweat and food journals. Participants sign up for 6- week long “tours” and meet one hour a day 5 days a week, 5:30-6:30AM—later an evening session was added.
Added features include prayer Core, Family Boot Camp, Family Field Day, and now Fit for Christ Zoom.
Watch the Interview
““Other workouts definitely touched on body, definitely touched on the mind. No soul. Soul was being left out. The order should be soul, mind, and body.””
Whole-Person Health—Mind, Body, and Spirit
In addition to focusing on the spiritual side, Larry’s program incorporates a companion journal, “Fit for 40 Days.” Participants are asked to write down what their physical goals and spiritual goals are for this bootcamp. People have goals such as:
“I want to get my husband to Mass, once/on a regular basis“
“I want my children to pray the rosary with me.”
“I want to do *a* pushup.”
“I want to be able to run for a mile and I don’t care about the time, I just don’t want to walk.”
All of this goes into the journal. Participants also record everything that they eat. Larry tells them, “If it goes in your mouth, it goes in the journal,” and continues, “I’m not there to beat them up about things but to talk with them about things. If this is what you need to do then you need to do less of that is more of this. You need to eat real food. Doritos aren’t real food.”
Larry meets people where they are. The goal is to become strong in mind, body, and spirit. He teaches everyone as a group, but gives individual instruction based on ability—beginning, intermediate, and experienced.
Takeaways
Don’t lose sight of your priorities. Although the body is important, we must care for our souls and the souls of those around us. “This is just a workout,” says Larry. “That’s all it is. There’s a lot of things that are more important than just the workout: Life, Family, The Church, Our soul and the souls of those that we love.”
Focus on your mind and what you’re feeding it. Drugs, heavy prescription drugs and alcohol all impact your mind. Foods can also have an affect on how our brains function.
Keep coming back! In the video, Larry shares the success stories of a couple Fit for Christ attendees who stuck with the program and saw changes in their lives as a result—mind, body and spirit. One participant is much strong than when she started. She can now do 105 sit-ups (original 14) and 90 pushups. Another participant started at 350 pounds, wanting desperately to improve his health. He showed up and through his hard work and dedication, he got down to 260 pounds and started moving and feeling better. You may not get these exact results, but when you take care of your body, your mind will feel clearer, when your mind is clearer, you may prayer more, and so on.
Try Fit for Christ Online Free for 5 Days!
In the wake of the pandemic and the related shutdowns, Larry knew that he had to do something—accept that it was the end of Fit for Christ or start offering instruction online. He chose the latter and the program is going strong.
If you would like to try Fit for Christ online for 5 Days, visit the Fit for Christ Today facebook page. You may also email Larry at larry@fitforchrist.today.
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About Larry Lee
Larry Lee
Larry is a parishioner at St. Marks Catholic Church in Hyattsville, Maryland. His life story is fascinating starting with his radio and TV work in southern California, his stint in the Ringling Brothers Barnum and Bailey Circus, his years as a stunt artist in film, and then his work in a hugely successful boot camp while still in California.
He converted to Catholicism in 2010 and then moved with his wife of 37 years to Maryland in 2014. It was after this move that he started Fit for Christ, a faith-based, Christ-centered, indoor and outdoor exercise boot-camp program in Hyattsville, MD.
About Donna
Dr. Donna Chacko promotes health of body, mind, and spirit through her website (serenityandhealth.com), her blog, and programs at her church. She is the author of Pilgrimage: A Doctor’s Healing Journey (Luminare Press, 2021).
Donna previously practiced medicine for forty years, first as a radiation oncologist and later, after re-training, as a family medicine doctor. What she learned taking care of immigrants and the homeless in Washington, D.C., continues to influence her programs. A central theme is that health of body, mind, and spirit is interrelated and connected to God, all as a package deal. Donna is a wife, mother, and grandmother and lives in University Park, Maryland.
Questions? Reach out to Donna Chacko.
Do you use these excuses to avoid having to take action?