I’m not young, skinny, or athletic, but I have exercised most of my adult life. I believe in exercise! I’m not all that healthy but I keep trying because our bodies are the temple of God. So we should do what we can to be as healthy as we can be.

In 2012, I was diagnosed with bilateral brain tumors and subsequently a genetic disease called Neurofibromatosis Type 2. If you want to hear more about that, you can read my book, GOD, LIFE & HULA HOOPS. Anyway, without going into all the gory details, I’m completely deaf in one ear and partially deaf in the others. Along with that I also have multiple other health issues, including  serious balance problems and fatigue among other things.

At one point, I didn’t have the energy to do much of anything and could barely walk.

I decided it was time to take control of my health.

I decided it was time to start exercising again.

I was told I should go to physical therapy for my balance issues. Instead, I started researching it and ending up developing this exercise routine to help with my balance and flexibility. I call it Stretching with God because I incorporated the seven days of creation into the workout.

So how’s my health now? I’ve lost 50 pounds, I usually do 2-3 miles on the treadmill at least 3-4 times every week, and can bend over to pick stuff off the floor without falling! I still have my struggles, but I’m healthier than I’ve been in a long time. And I believe Stretching with God has helped!

If you scroll to the bottom of the page, you’ll find the instructions for the stretches.

Remember never start any exercise program without discussing it with your doctor first.

And never, never, never stretch to the point of pain! 

PS. If this helps you, I’d love to hear about it.

 

In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.

Earth rotating (3-5 times)

We’ll  also do this stretch after each day’s when it says “And God said it was good.”

Sky (3-5)

Ocean Waves (3-5)

On the first day God said, let there be light. And he separated the light from the darkness.

Let there be light (3-5)

Sunrise and Sunset (3-5)

And God said it was good. (Earth Rotating-3 times)

 

And on the second day, God separated the land from the water.

Separating the Waters from the Land (3-5)

Touch the Earth (10-15)

Mountains (3 times on each side for a count of 5)

Ocean waves (5-10)

Wind (5-10)

And God said it was good. (Earth Rotating)

 

And on the third day, God created plants and the trees.

Scattering Seeds (3-5)

Blooming Flower (3-5)

Bending Tree (3-5)

 

And God said it was good. (Earth Rotating)

 

And on the fourth day, God created the sun, and the moon, and the stars. And he placed the planets

Placing the planets (5-7)

Sunshine on my Shoulders (3-5)

Twinkling Stars (3-5 on each side)

 

And God said it was good. (Earth Rotating)

 

On the fifth day, God created the creatures of the sky and the oceans.

Flying Bird (3-5)

Butterfly (3 times on each side)

Swimming Fish (5 times forward and 5 times backwards)

 

And God said it was good. (Earth Rotating)

 

On the sixth day, God created the creatures of the earth.

Lion Prowling (3-5 times forward and 3-5 times backwards)

Then God created man in his own image. And God gave dominion over all to man.

Touch the earth (10-15)

Then God told them to go around the world.

Around the world. emember small rotations. Never cause yourself pain.

North-East-South-West (1 time forward then 1 time opposite direction.)

And God said it was good. (Earth Rotating)

 

And on the seventh day, God rested. God looked at the earth.

He looked at the SKY.

He looked at the OCEAN WAVES.

He looked at the EARTH (touch the earth)

And God said, it was good. (Earth Rotating)

 

GREAT JOB!

 

 

STRETCHES INSTRUCTION:

In The Beginning:

Earth Rotating: Hands form circle: twist from side to side.

Sky: Lift hands. As you move them across the sky, move hips in opposite direction.

Ocean Waves: Be sure to shift weight from one leg to other while hands form a figure eight. It helps with balance.

Day 1:

Earth Rotating: Hands form circle: twist from side to side.

Let there be Light: Bend knees. As you stand up, rotate hands in an outward stretch.

Sunrise and Sunset: Crouching position; move upwards; when standing straight, balance on tiptoes for count of 5 while tightening stomach. Repeat.

Day 2:

Separating the Water and Land: As if wiping a table but bend over and stretch. Do both directions.

Touch the earth: Bend over and touch the floor or as far as you can; let body relax and stretch arms toward floor.

Mountains: Put left foot forward; shift balance forward and backward; hold for count of 5. Repeat on Right side. If able, lift backward leg and balance on other leg.

Ocean Waves: Be sure to shift weight from one leg to other while hands form a figure eight. It helps with balance.

Wind: Move hands in a flowing motion forward then backwards: at same time allow body trunk to move in opposite direction. (may wiggle fingers for additional muscle movement.)

Day 3:

Scattering the seeds: Similar to Touch the earth, but after bending, twist to both sides and wiggle fingers as if you’re scattering seeds.

Flowers: Start bended with arms in: slowly grow toward the sky; lift face upwards; big stretch. Then stand on tip-toes for count of 5-10. While on tip-toes, tighten stomach.

Bending Tree: lift hands, then stretch from side to side.

Day 4:

Placing the Planets: Slowly stretch arm up and outwards toward the sky; at the same time other hand moves upwards and backwards. Repeat several times and then reverse hands. (may wiggle fingers for additional muscle movement.)

Sunshine on my Shoulders: Touch Shoulders; stretch hands upwards at the same time balance on toes; On third time, balance on tip-toes for count of 5 and tighten stomach.

Twinkling Stars: With one hand; reach for the sky, then with a rocking motion bring hand down as other hand reaches for the sky. At the same time, wiggle hands and fingers. Using slight rocking motion of feet. If able, lift one leg and balance on the other.

Day 5:

Sky: Lift hands. As you move them across the sky, move hips in opposite direction.

Flying Birds: Stretch arms up and down in a flying motion. (may wiggle fingers) (may balance on tippy-toes)

Butterfly: Lock thumbs (ASL for butterfly), then stretch upwards and to the left; repeat on other side.

Ocean waves: Be sure to shift weight from one leg to other while hands form a figure eight. It helps with balance.

Swimming Fish: Circle arms in a swimming motion; then reverse.

Day 6:

Lion Prowling: Put one arm in front of the other as if your hands are walking. Be sure to move shoulders for more of a stretch.

Touch the earth: Bend over and touch the floor or as far as you can; let body relax and stretch arms toward floor.

Around the world: slowly rotate body trunk in one direction 5 times; then reverse. Small rotation only!

North-East-South-West: put left foot in front; shift balance from front to back with hands moving in same direction. Shift weight 3 times then hold for count of 2. Repeat to the left (east); repeat putting left foot behind (south) Put right foot behind (south); repeat to the right (west) repeat to the front (north)