Please note, there will be NO Re/Defined fitness classes November 19 through 23, 2012 due to Thanksgiving break.

Regular classes will resume on Monday, November 26th.

The season for snow and ice is quickly approaching.  In an effort to keep everyone safe and to accommodate children out of school due to inclement weather, the Move U Fitness Class Inclement Weather Policy will be:

• If Ankeny Public Schools cancels school (in the morning or the night before), no classes will be held.
• If the Ankeny Public Schools calls for an early dismissal, generally fitness classes will still be held, unless other notification is given.
• For updates on Move U class schedules, please be sure to follow First Family Church on Facebook or subscribe to this page.

Walking is FANTASTIC exercise!  Just thirty minutes of walking every day can help you lose weight, feel better and can improve heart health, symptoms of depression and lower your blood sugar and blood pressure!  Walking is so great – even Jesus did it!

We are now adding additional walking times to our current Move U schedule.  If fitness classes just aren’t your thing but you’d like to get some healthy exercise while having fun with a great group of ladies, JOIN US!

Each walking session allows you to walk at your own pace.  We also incorporate optional toning exercises and stretches to leave you feeling stronger and leaner.  And best of all, we use a portion of our time to PRAY for our church family and staff, prayer needs in our congregation and for our community, nation and world.

Everyone (FFC members, attenders and newbies, friends and family, people from the community) is welcome to join us.  You don’t even need to wear workout clothes – just grab your tennies and come on!

$1 per person donation is appreciated (except Move U members).  Childcare available for $1 per family (except on Wednesdays).

Move U Fitness Class and Open Gym Walking Schedule

Starting Sunday, October 14, MoveU Warriors classes will go on temporary hiatus.

We have seen fantastic success with our Warriors program and have heard many wonderful things from those who have gone through it but unfortunately at this time, we are short of certified instructors to run the program.

It is our sincere hope and prayer to bring more certified instructors on board – either through certifying those who would like to teach or by hiring already-certified instructors in our church or community.  It is our desire to grow and increase the programs and classes we offer – even more so as the space requirements of our building change in the future.

Thank you to everyone who has pushed themselves and seen amazing transformation through the Warriors program.  We look forward to bringing it back bigger and better than ever in 2013.

If you are interested in knowing more about how to become a certified fitness trainer or if you have questions about the Warriors program, feel free to respond below or contact Amber Gustafson.

If your schedule allows, we encourage you to consider our Re/Defined classes offered Monday through Thursday from 9:30 to 10:30 am.  Childcare is available on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays.

The leadership of First Family Church has invited our church to 40 Days of Prayer and Fasting, focusing on greater love and unity specifically within First Family Church.

Fasting is a challenging but incredibly effective way to draw closer to the heart of God, to allow him to reveal sin and idolatry in our lives, and to renew our commitment to following him with our whole hearts.

There is no one “right” way to fast.  Fasting can be anything from a few hours to days or weeks, depending on your own conscious and the guidance of the Holy Spirit.  A good place to start can be with fasting for one meal, one time a week.

For those who have health concerns which prevent them from fasting entirely for extended periods of time, another option would be a fast from all “choice” foods as Daniel did (Daniel 1).  This could include red meats, sweets, and rich or high-calorie items.

Regardless of how, when or from what you fast, it is important to examine your motivation for fasting.  For those who are attempting to lose weight, a time of fasting can turn into a time of preoccupation with “dieting.”  If your desire is to draw close to God, you are on the right track.  If your desire is to use the “excuse” of fasting as a way to make your clothes fit better, you’re off base.  Step back, evaluate and pray for discernment and an undivided heart before you proceed.

To Exercise or Not to Exercise?
The decision to exercise or not to exercise during your fast is a personal one and is dependent on your health concerns and type of fast.  Most adults who are in good health should not be concerned about abstaining from food for a few hours or days prior to exercise.

According to Livestrong.com:
“For any adult who is completely healthy, fasting for a period of 24 to 72 hours may not completely have any effects on the contraction of muscles. A 1987 study shows that during a fast of 72 hours, a healthy adult can continue to perform high-intensity exercise for brief periods of time. Moderate intensity exercises can be performed for longer durations. However, if your fast includes absence of water, you may want to rest to avoid dehydration.”

As the article states:  be sure to monitor your hydration.  Also watch out for lightheadedness during higher levels of exertion.  If you feel dizzy or have a sudden head rush, sit down, relax and take it easy.  Listen to your body’s cues and you will be safer and enjoy your workout more.

If you have specific questions about fasting and your own health concerns, we encourage you to talk with your health care provider or a registered dietician.

Welcome to First Family Church’s 40 Days of Prayer and Fasting!  Praying you see amazing spiritual transformation on the other side!

Visitors to Harvest Iowa can plan on eating a healthy dinner thanks to an all-natural, sustainable concession stand.

Snacks will include:

• Free-range pork hot dogs and grass-fed beef and bacon hot dogs from Wallace Farms.
• Non-GMO heirloom popcorn from Tiny But Mighty Popcorn.
• Fresh-cut watermelon and cantaloupe from Ali Family Farm.
• Bottled Water

In addition to the nearly 40 vendors offering samples of their delicious locally-grown foods, our concession stand will provide a tasty dinner everyone will love!

Proceeds benefit Move U and will provide additional training for our instructors and equipment for our fitness programs!!

Families looking to connect with local sustainable foods growers, producers and artisans are in for a treat at Harvest Iowa on Tuesday, September 18 in Ankeny.  More than twenty-five vendors have already committed to connect with consumers interested in clean, organic, sustainable and locally-sourced foods.  If you are interested in free-range chicken, organic eggs and produce, grass-fed meats, artisianal cheeses, and more, join us for this fantastic open-air event!

Harvest Iowa 2012
Tuesday, September 18, 2012 – 5 to 8 pm
Ankeny Band Shell
FREE!! (concessions available)
food samples – $1,000′s in prizes – family friendly

2012 Vendor List (More vendors added daily!)

Harvest Iowa Brings the Healthiest Local Foods to Ankeny

• Midwest Health and Wellness
• The Corys at Prairie Hill Farm
• Wabi Sabi Farm
• Prudent Produce
• Pure Native
• Wallace Farms
• Campbells
• Daily Bread Bakery
• Thankful Harvest
• Mojos on 86th
• Urban 515
• Ebersole Cattle Co.
• Good Shepherd Grass Farms
• Cyd’s Catering
• Soper Farms
• The Homestead
• Crooked Gap Farm
• The Wallace Centers of Iowa
• Hassevoort Farms
• Garden Destination
• Buy Fresh Buy Local
• Grade A Greens
• The Cheese Shop
• Tally’s
• Early Morning Harvest
• New City Market
• Awaken Health Spa
• Tiny But Mighty Popcorn
• Morrell Natural Meats

Join MoveU Fitness classes will launch a NEW SEMESTER officially starting SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2012, in line with the launch of the new semester for the other ministries at First Family Church.

New features this semester are:

• The Move U Fitness Class Pass – just $10 for unlimited classes for five weeks!  This includes both Warriors and Re/Defined classes!
• New schedule!  Early morning classes, mid-morning classes and evening classes for your convenience!
• Excellent childcare!  Our Re/Defined (mid-morning) childcare features caring college students your children will love.  Relax and enjoy your fitness classes while your little ones play!  (Just $1 per family for up to 4 children).
• Certified trainers!  Our trainers hold certifications in areas of group exercise and personal training and our program is overseen by a physical therapist!  You know our workouts will be FUN, CHALLENGING and SAFE!!

For the in-between week of September 2 through 8, the class schedule will be:

Sun 9/2 – WARRIORS – 3:30 pm
Mon 9/3 – NO CLASS
Tue 9/4 – WARRIORS – 5:00 pm
Wed 9/5 – WARRIORS – 5:15 am
Thu 9/6 – NO CLASS
Fri 9/7 – WARRIORS – 5:45 am

ALL CLASSES THIS WEEK ARE FREE!!  COME TRY US OUT!

Harvest Iowa Brings the Healthiest Local Foods to Ankeny

Be sure to mark your calendars for TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 18TH from 5-8 pm for HARVEST IOWA sponsored by MOVE U and HEALTHY FOR LIFE UNIVERSITY at the Ankeny Bandshell.

This event:
*Is totally FREE and OPEN to EVERYONE!
*Is a come-and-go open house/vendor fair
*Will feature AMAZING samples of some of the finest foods raised and grown LOCALLY in the Central Iowa area!
*Offers nearly $3000 in drawing prizes!
*Is totally kid-friendly!  Bring your strollers and leave your fancy manners at home!  Let’s have FUN!
*Will have a concession stand with tasty treats including hot dogs and drinks!
*Will be an incredible opportunity to connect with LOCAL farmers and growers so you can ASK QUESTIONS and learn more about shopping for food LOCALLY, HEALTHFULLY, EASILY and ECONOMICALLY.
*Will offer recipes, tips and suggestions for easy healthy meals your family will LOVE!

Healthy for Life University’s Core Curriculum is an eye-opening, 12-week health education course designed to help you lay the groundwork for life-long health. This program utilizes the latest emerging science in health and healing and diverse experience in the medical field to bring you the most complete, holistic education available today in an easy-to-understand format.

Whether you are already a health conscious consumer seeking continuing education or you struggle with chronic health problems and are looking for solutions, Healthy for Life University will help you unlock the healing potential in your body and achieve a level of health we all seek.

Visit www.healthyforlifeuniversity.com for details.

Sign up today for the course beginning on Thursday, September 20th, from 7-9 P.M. hosted by First Family Church at 317 SE Magazine Road, Ankeny, IA 50021.

Contact Jean Bienfang at 515-250-7618, or at closetothevine@gmail.com with questions or to register for the course.