Texas Monthly- My Response Regarding Religion and Health

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Thank you, Hannah Smothers and Texas Monthly, for supporting Health Fitness Revolution with the article you posted on Jan. 25 about The Fittest Churches in Texas, Ranked! I like the article very much, and it was quite funny. I am a frequent reader of your publication because it piques my cultural, educational and social interests.

Here is the article and my responses:

Well, if what you’ve always wanted out of your church was a free gym, Houston-based fitness guru, Samir Becic has got you covered. Thank you, I appreciate the compliment, I’m truly flattered! 

Spiritual awareness is one of the key components of healthy lifestyle that impacts the whole body and rejuvenates the spirit. Physical fitness and healthy nutrition allows that spirit to flourish to new dimensions and many people experience a closer relationship to God.

Becic, who’s faith is primarily placed in the idea that “smart fitness, good nutrition, social well-being, and some form of spirituality can change your body, maybe even change your life,” recently published a list of the top 20 fittest churches in Texas. Because what good is developing your faith if you can’t also develop your biceps? Well, the bigger the biceps, the lighter the bible. 😉

Champion Baptist Forest Church in Houston takes the top spot, (YAY!) and for good reason. According to the breakdown of its high ranking, Champion Baptist’s facilities include a weight room, two full-size gyms, racquetball courts, a jogging track, as well as a smattering of fitness class options for kids and adults. This gives the phrase “megachurch” a whole new meaning.  The Mega-Churches of today hold a strong influence on the general opinion of mainstream America.  Followers look for daily guidance from pastors and heads of ministries on the best way to live their lives and raise their families.  It is enormously important to provide the churches with the correct knowledge on fitness and proper nutrition so they can influence and better their members lives.

Here are some other key takeaways from the list: 

  1. Many Baptist churches in Texas are really just fitness clubs with chapels attached. Clearly not enough 🙁 – a 2006 Purdue University study concluded that evangelicals are considered the heaviest of all religious groups. The study found that Baptists lead the group, with a 30 percent obesity rate, compared to Jews at one percent and Buddhists and Hindus at less than 0.7 percent.

  2. Houston probably has the fittest church-going population in the country. Unfortunately, Houston its population, including church-goers, often top the “Fattest Cities in America” list which is precisely why our organization is based here and continuously strives to implement healthy lifestyle into mainstream society.

  3. Regular church attendance could help you save on a gym membership. Yes, I hope more people take advantage of this great amenity available to them! Building your health while obtaining spiritual enlightenment  is a win-win! The Body is the Temple of the Holy Spirit- Corinthians 6:19.

  4. At least seven churches in Texas have indoor running tracks, and at least six offer yoga classes. I wish more churches would offer a wide variety of fitness activities to their congregations.

  5. There is such a thing as a church with an attached bowling alleyIsn’t that cool? Spiritual and social health hand in hand! 🙂

Here at HFR, we try to promote healthy lifestyle in every segment of society, including but not limited to schools, spiritual institutions, organizations, corporations, non-profits, homeless shelters, and any event where we can have a positive impact on healthy lifestyle. Currently, we are promoting healthy lifestyle in more than 500 churches. Considering that millions of people in Texas are affiliated with organized religion, we thought that improving healthy lifestyle in those churches can tremendously impact the population of Texas and the United States in a very positive way.

In addition, a 2011 Northwestern University study that tracked more than 3,000 people for 18 years revealed that those who attend church or a bible study on a weekly basis are 50 percent more likely to be obese.

Health Fitness Revolution’s main goal is to decrease obesity among children and teens, a group that in Texas alone is more than one-third obese or overweight. Obesity is one of the main reasons that children develop type 2 diabetes, bone and joint problems, cardiovascular disease, sleep apnea, and social and psychological problems as adults.

Because the young population of Texas attends churches, it is a great avenue for them to develop their healthy habits both spiritually and physically. We teach them the techniques of how to be active anywhere, whether it’s at home, outdoors, in school, or even at the church, and not necessarily have to go to a gym. We educate them on healthy lifestyle in a very profound way.

We also promote top fittest institutions, politicians, leaders, celebrities and media because of their strong influence on the general population. Through their positive engagement, Americans can become one of the healthiest countries in the world, and not one of the unhealthiest, as it is right now. Our last list of the fittest heads of state 2015 made world news and more than 2,000 publications worldwide had a very positive response. Please also check out our new Top 20 Fittest Churches in America list.

With this being said- my question to Texas Monthly is: Do you believe that spiritual institutions should not play a role in improving the quality of life of their congregation?

 

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Samir Becic
Samir Becic is a world-renowned health and fitness expert. Named the “Fitness Czar” by the City of Houston in 2018, he is also the author of the HarperCollins book ReSYNC Your Life, founder of Health Fitness Revolution Magazine, 4 x #1 Fitness Trainer in America by Bally Total Fitness, and creator of the ReSync Fitness Method. The Mayor of Houston and the 16 City Council Members proclaimed January 10th, 2023 as the official “Samir Becic Day” in the City of Houston. In May 2023, he was awarded the President’s Lifetime Achievement Award by President Joe Biden, recognizing his invaluable contributions to society. In December 2023, Samir received a United States Congressional proclamation from the Historic 18th District for his prolific advocacy of physical fitness as an instrument for improving America’s health and his decade-long commitment to motivating the United States Congress. Samir’s impact extends beyond accolades; his work has graced the pages of numerous top-tier media outlets. His vibrant presence and powerful motivational skills have solidified his status as a luminary in the health and fitness domain. -Received a United States Congressional proclamation from the Historic 18th District in December 2023 for his influential role in the community and dedication to fitness advocacy -Bestowed a President’s Lifetime Achievement Award in May 2023 from President Joe Biden for his commitment to philanthropy and volunteering -January 10th, 2023 proclaimed as the official "Samir Becic Day" by Mayor Sylvester Turner and the 16 City of Houston Council Members for Samir's advocacy of health and fitness in America  -November 1st, 2022 proclaimed as the official "Samir Becic Day" by Mayor Sylvester Turner for Samir's service during his 4 years as the official "Fitness Czar" for the City of Houston and 20 years as a health advisor to previous Mayors -Official Fitness Czar for the city of Houston proclaimed by Mayor Sylvester Turner  -Named the “Best Fitness Trainer in the World” by two-time NBA Championship coach and Olympic gold medalist Rudy Tomjanovich -Named Top 40 "American Dream" immigrant -Chosen among the Top 6 "American Dream" immigrants for a collaborative panel between Interfaith Ministries and Houstonia Magazine -“#1 Fitness Trainer in the World,”- 4 times by Bally Total Fitness -#1 Fitness Trainer in Texas,”- 22 times by Bally Total Fitness -#1 Fitness Trainer in Houston”- 29 times by Bally Total Fitness -“Best of the Best Fitness Trainer”- 2 times by Bally Total Fitness -“Best Fitness Director”- 2 times by Bally Total Fitness -“Men’s Journal Top Fitness Trainer in America” -“Houston Health Warrior” by Health & Fitness Sports Magazine  -“The Motivator” by the Houston Chronicle

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