Program Selection

Hello Michael,

I just wanted to add a little more to what Brad shared about nutrition. I would like

to suggest having a nutrition information display table. In this way, you could offer

handouts on general nutrition which could reiterate the nutritional value of the

healthy reception items :.). Local extension offices in every state usually offer free

publications that require just an e-mailed request for permission to use. You can find

these at any extension office website. I would like to share this website that has

some excellent publications:

http://lancaster.unl.edu/food/resources.shtml - See Right Margin (Hot Topics)

USDA's : www.MyPyramid.gov is another one that offers excellent materials for adults and children.

If you would like more, just let me know.

There is also a great book that I sometimes use as a door prize at some of my

workshops called "Eat Well Live Well" by Pamela M. Smith, R.D. I like it because she

gives the reader "The Ten Commandments of Great Nutrition" in it. I found it at a

Christian bookstore, but I'm sure you can get it online.

I also wholeheartedly support Brad's suggestion of inviting local professionals to

your opening day. Many hospital dietitians have community hours they have to do and

maybe looking for such an opportunity. Also, local family and consumer science

extension agents offer nutrition education services for faith-based organization

programs. Nutritionists at the local health departments provide programs for the

commmunity too.

Crystal - Christian Nutrition Education Consultant

Gospel Aerobics Instructor- YMCA

Michael~
As Brad stated there are various routes you can take, especially with the fact that your church will be opening an aerobics, weightroom, and a basketball court. I am currently a Wellness Director at our community YMCA and we always have to come up with new ideas. I would suggest family fitness (3 on 3 bball, family aerobics class, family push-up challenge, etc.) Provide health information to the families (health fair), by asking local health providers to provide information and even their services (free health screenings) to help with the grand opening of your facility. Start looking for personal trainers and group fitness instructors to help with the instruction of fitness classes. The options are endless! Best of luck to you and your church and it's grand opening! God bless

TQ Billups
Certified Personal Trainer
The Temple Ministries
www.tqbillups.com

Michael,

There are so many things you could do to start with a bang. Given that it is summer time and there is an abundance of fresh veggies, I'd recommend a collection of tasty treats for a nutrition-minded reception. Lots of raw veggies make great finger foods. Freshly made salsas, fruit smoothies, you name it. Get creative. Just keep it really healthy. For recipes you can get the book RawSome Recipes by Christian author Robyn Boyd (Essential Science Publisher 800-336-6308).

A very upbeat concert would be a wonderful way to kick off your facility's opening too. Plan for the artist to not only sing but to schedule to exercise with members during an open house. Matt Brower would be a great choice. http://www.faithandfitness.net/node/35 Britt Nicole will be featured in this magazine soon. She has some very energetic music.

Let people see how faith-focused your programming can be. Offer a book study. There are tons of Christian lifestyle books that connect will with a fit lifestyle. Pick one and offer a study with some group exercise after the study. Stretch it out over a 6 or 7-week period (once per week).

Start with some martial arts or other family fitness activities. Get whole families involved. You can likely find a Christian martial arts professional in your community.

Get a personal trainer from your community to be available to consult with people on opening day. You need lots of skilled professionals to be involved with your facility. Get them now and have them present on opening day. A doctor, a nutritionist, a sports trainer, a chiropractor, a health food store representative, a counselor, a group exercise instructor, ..... You get the idea.

Be sure the pastors are working out --- everyone has to see the leadership buying into this 100%.

A t-shirt give-away is a nice way to get things started off well too. Great publicity, something to wear when they return and everyone likes to get something free. If you want we can provide you with the Faith & Fitness Magazine logo that can be printed on the shirt along with your logo and message.

Get creative, have fun with it, promote it very well, get lots of people (from the church AND the community to attend - including local reporters and high profile people) and then get ready.

Send us some pictures!

-Brad Bloom