FAQ Topics:
- What is PraiseMoves?
- Which DVD Would You
Recommend?
- General (Bible version,
music, Christian scholars' views, statement of
faith)
- PraiseMoves and Pregnancy
- PraiseMoves Classes and
Training
- What about Pilates?
- Ordering Options
- Policies
What is PraiseMoves?
Q. If PraiseMoves isn't
Christian yoga--or yoga for Christians--what is it?
A. PraiseMoves is called
"The Christian ALTERNATIVE to yoga" for a reason.
Since yoga is a part of the Hindu religion (the
poses in yoga are "offerings" to the 330 million
Hindu gods), we do not call PraiseMoves "Christian
yoga." That would be an oxymoron, or contradiction
in terms. Imagine trying to blend a religion
(Hinduism) with a personal relationship centered on
a the Person of Jesus Christ (Christianity) - it
cannot be done. That would be like someone calling
herself a "Christian Buddhist" or "Christian Hindu."
You'd think she was confused, wouldn't you?
PraiseMoves is a series of
stretching and strength-building postures, each
linked to a verse of Scripture we focus upon while
doing the posture. For example, during The Angel
posture (left), we are meditating upon or
speaking aloud Psalm 91:11, "For He shall give His
angels charge over you to keep you in all your
ways."
There are also modifications for
PraiseMoves postures for those with physical
challenges, and advanced versions of the postures,
such as Advanced Angel (right).
In this way, we are not only
building strength, flexibility and balance in our
bodies; we are also being "transformed by the
renewing of (our) minds" on the Word of God (Romans
12:2), nourishing our spirits and praising the Lord
through His Word.
We are experiencing the truth of
PraiseMoves' foundation scripture, "For
you were bought at a price, therefore glorify God
in your body and in your spirit, which are
God's" 1st Corinthians 6:20.
It is our belief that the
postures are NOT the foundation of PraiseMoves. The
Word of God, as found in the Bible is the
foundation. The exercises are the "witty invention"
to get you more into the Word, and to get more of
the Word into you!
For more information about the
history of yoga and the PraiseMoves difference,
please read Laurette's in-depth article, "Why
a Christian ALTERNATIVE to Yoga?"
Which DVD Would You Recommend?
Q. I'm a beginner (or: I
have physical challenges; I'm older; I haven't
worked out in years) which DVDs would you
recommend?
A. For someone new to
PraiseMoves, we recommend either the
PraiseMoves DVD (Laurette w/the red shirt)
or the 20-Minute Workout (with beginner,
intermediate and advanced workouts on one DVD).
The six 10-minute workouts on Laurette's
Gimme Ten Workout DVD is also great for
those who haven't exercised in a while and are
looking for a way to ease back into working out
- or for those who want to begin adding
resistance training (light weights) to their
workouts. All available in the store here:
DVDs.
Q. I'm interested in the
Hebrew Alphabet (Alef-Bet) postures. What are
they, and are they on a DVD?
A. PraiseMoves
Alphabetics are the 22 Hebrew Letter postures
Laurette developed through prayer over a period
of months in 2003. In the PraiseMoves
Alphabetics DVD, they are linked to the
acrostic passages of Psalm 119 and Proverbs
31:10-31. An acrostic is a poem or portion of
scripture in which certain letters spell out a
word or follow a certain order. In the case of
Psalm 119, every 8 verses begin with a different
letter of the Hebrew alphabet, in order from
alef to tav (the 1st through the 22nd letter).
In your bible, it may show that every 8 verses
of Psalm 119 has a different Hebrew letter in
its title.
Certified PraiseMoves
Instructors learn the PraiseMoves Alphabetics in
their training, and many include the postures in
their classes. You may enjoy learning more by
reading Dr. Frank Seekins' book "Hebrew Word
Pictures." He shares his over 25 years' study of
the Hebrew interpretations of scripture in light
of the "pictures" and meanings behind Hebrew
letters. It brings a whole new appreciation to
the complexity and beauty of God's Word in the
Old Testament. See: Hebrew Word Pictures book &
CD and PraiseMoves Alphabetics at the
Combo
Set page--there you will find several
examples of the Hebrew Word pictures and their
meanings.
"Fascinating! Did you know
that the Hebrew word for 'religion' is dat
(a combination of the letters dalet which
also means 'door' and tav, meaning 'the
sign' or 'the cross')? In other words, the
Hebrew word for 'religion' is 'the door to the
cross'! When I realized that, I suddenly had a
vibrant new perspective of the layers within
God's Word. Everything points to Jesus!" ~
Laurette
Q. I'm a man, but see
mostly women in your DVDs and on your site. Is
PraiseMoves for men, too?
A. Absolutely yes!
Many men enjoy doing PraiseMoves, and we are
certainly looking for more men to seek the Lord
about becoming Certified PraiseMoves
Instructors. Men enjoy the physical and
spiritual benefits of PraiseMoves, and
appreciate the importance of flexibility and
balance as our bodies mature. Flexibility and
balance are also critical in most sports and
activities such as running, hiking and even
golf. Some men are surprised by the core
muscle-building, upper and lower body
strengthening benefits of a PraiseMoves workout.
It can be as challenging physically as you'd
like it to be!
On our CafePress site, we
even have a t-shirt which says, "Real Men Do
PraiseMoves!"
HERE
General
Q. Which version of the Bible
do you use?
A. Primarily the New King
James Version, but some postures include NIV and KJV.
We study several versions of the Bible, including
the Amplified, Complete Jewish Bible, New Living
Translation and others.
Q. What is the music like on
your DVDs?
A. You can hear samples
of the music from the DVDs on the video trailers
posted on the DVDs page. Darren Scroggins' worship
music is featured on the Power PraiseMoves
DVD and Jason French Hymn music is featured on the
other PraiseMoves DVDs. The hymns are well-loved
favorites many of us remember from our youth, but
brought up-to-date with contemporary instruments and
flowing rhythms. Our music always blends beautifully
with the Scripture and PraiseMoves postures--nothing
is ever jarring, nor is it ever boring! We hope to
have Darren's music available on separate CDs soon!
Q. Some of the PraiseMoves
postures resemble yoga. Is that safe? I thought this
was a Christian alternative to yoga.
A. Yes, this is explained
in full in the article "Why a Christian ALTERNATIVE
to yoga?" We are thrilled that more and more people
are realizing the dangers of yoga; that it is a
Hindu practice, not "just exercise," and that
PraiseMoves offers a REAL Christ-centered
alternative, built on the Word of God found in the
Holy Bible.
This article may be printed out
as a pdf to share with friends and church leaders
HERE
Q. What is the foundation
scripture to PraiseMoves?
A. First Corinthians
6:20, "For you were bought at
a price, therefore glorify God in your body and in
your spirit, which are God's."
Q. What do Bible scholars,
teachers, pastors and Christian apologists have to
say about PraiseMoves?
A. Laurette Willis has
been featured on numerous Christian talk shows on TV
and radio, as well as in Christian and secular
magazines (Charisma, Christianity Today, TIME,
Newsweek and others) talking about PraiseMoves and
the dangers of yoga.
In addition to numerous pastors,
ministry leaders and Christian authors who have
written favorably about PraiseMoves as a true
Christ-centered ALTERNATIVE to yoga, we have
received good reports and positive comments from
Christian apologist John Ankerberg, Christian
talk-show host Janet Parshall, the Christian
Research Institute, Bible teachers Joni Eareckson-Tada,
Thelma Wells, Florence Littauer, Christine Darg and
others.
Q. What
is your Statement of Faith?
A. Our Statement of Faith
is at the heart of the PraiseMoves Fitness Ministry.
It is so vital in fact, that it is part of the
application signed by those wishing to become CPIs
(Certified PraiseMoves Instructors).
From the CPI
Teacher Application:
We believe the Bible, both Old and
New Testaments, are the inspired
Word of God to man, the infallible
authoritative rule of faith and
moral conduct.
We believe there is one God,
existing eternally; and revealed in
the Scriptures as Father, Son and
Holy Spirit.
We believe the Lord Jesus Christ is
the eternal Son of God. The
Scriptures declare: His virgin
Birth, His sinless life, His
miracles, His shed blood and
substitutionary death on the cross
for us, His bodily resurrection from
the dead, His being on the right
hand of God the Father and His
soon-coming return in power and
glory.
We believe in the lost condition of
man to sin, and man's need for a
Savior, and that regeneration by the
Holy Spirit is essential for eternal
life in Christ.
We believe in the present ministry
of the Holy Spirit by whose
indwelling the Christian is enabled
to live a godly life.
We believe in the resurrection from
the dead of the saved and the lost;
that the Bible declares there is a
real heaven to be gained as well as
a literal hell from which we can
choose to be saved (“If you confess
with your mouth the Lord Jesus and
believe in your heart that God has
raised Him from the dead, you will
be saved” Romans 10:9).
We believe in the Body of Christ –
in the spiritual unity of believers
in our Lord Jesus Christ.
I have read and understand the
Statement of Faith and agree
with it without mental reservation.
Signed:
___________________________________
Date: ___________________
|
Q. Is PraiseMoves available on
TV?
A. Yes. In 2006, Laurette
began broadcasting the PraiseMoves fitness
show. PraiseMoves TV show runs on CNL-TV in
Russia and the US and 115 other countries, and we
are currently looking for more networks to carry the
show.
In 2008, TBN (Trinity
Broadcasting Network) contracted with PraiseMoves
for the FIRST faith and fitness TV show for
Children, PraiseMoves Kids, which appears on
their Smile of a Child Network. PraiseMoves Kids
FitMinutes appears on the main TBN between
Saturday children's programming.
You may view
PraiseMoves Kids on Thursdays ONLINE as
well as on Smile of a Child TV network. Don't get
Smile of a Child? No problem! You may view
PraiseMoves Kids every Thursday at 3:30 p.m.
Eastern / 2:30 p.m. Central / 12:30 p.m. Pacific
LIVE
ONLINE at
http://smileofachildtv.org
Every TV program and DVD Laurette
produces ends with an invitation to receive Christ.
"This is our 'ulterior motive' for doing PraiseMoves
and getting our programs out to the ends of the
earth," she says.
PraiseMoves TV shows are
currently seen by 200-300 million persons around the
world.
Q. I would like to see
PraiseMoves Kids, FitMinutes or PraiseMoves
adult fitness show on our Christian TV network. How
may we go about doing that?
A. Ask the person
responsible for programming to contact Laurette
Willis at
praisemoves@gmail.com or at the office
918-458-1800.
Q. I have a testimony about
how PraiseMoves has helped me. Where may I send it?
A. We would love to hear
from you! At this writing (Jan. 2010) there
are recommendations from health professionals and
over 75 dynamic testimonies of how PraiseMoves has
been a blessing to adults and children physically,
emotionally and spiritually--people from all walks
of life.
We would welcome your testimony!
You may send it to us at:
praisemoves@gmail.com . When you submit a
testimony, your name is entered into a drawing to
win a PraiseMoves DVD! You may read testimonies and
recommendations at
TESTIMONIES.
Q. What are Fitness for His
Witness Radio Nuggets?
A. Fitness for His
Witness is the name of the one-minute radio
nuggets featuring Christian Fitness Expert Laurette
Willis. They are heard daily on Christian radio
stations throughout the U.S. You may read and hear
some examples at
Fitness
for His Witness .
If you are responsible for
programming at a Christian Radio Station and would
like to have 80 FREE broadcast quality one-minute
Fitness for His Witness nuggets, please contact
Laurette Willis at
praisemoves@gmail.com or 918-458-1800.
PraiseMoves and Pregnancy
Q. I've just found out I'm
going to have a baby. Is it safe to do PraiseMoves
during pregnancy?
A. First, congratulations and glory to God for
the new life coming to fruition through you!
We always encourage you to check
with your doctor first. Generally speaking, if you
have already been active doing regular workouts
before becoming pregnant, you can continue
exercising during pregnancy. One added benefit you
will receive when you do PraiseMoves is Scripture.
There is Scripture tied to every PraiseMoves posture
and your baby will be hearing the Word of God while
you exercise with PraiseMoves! How awesome is that?
We are planning a Prenatal
PraiseMoves DVD later this year. Some of our
Certified PraiseMoves Instructors have continued to
teach PraiseMoves classes throughout their pregnancy
and delivered healthy, Word-enriched babies!
Q. After checking with my
doctor, which PraiseMoves postures should I do or
avoid?
A. The following is a written by Certified
PraiseMoves Instructor Trainer, Jennifer Scheidt of
CA, as she shared with another CPI who had just
become pregnant:
"I am 11 weeks post-natal and did PraiseMoves
throughout my pregnancy. My suggestions for you are
to just watch your body. Don't do postures that
don't feel good. Depending on whether this is your
first pregnancy or not depends on how your body will
be affected. Because your body emits the hormone
relaxin to help stretch your joints, you become and
stay flexible throughout your pregnancy. But you
have to be careful. If you overstretch, you can do
harm to the joint and connective tissue surrounding
the joint.
"I have to say that PraiseMoves
helped me to stay pain-free throughout my whole
pregnancy. I taught about 4 high intensity/low
impact cardio classes at the local gym during my
pregnancy. I also taught 3
PraiseMoves classes per week. I had no trouble with
my hips or back like I did with my first two
children
(I taught just cardio classes through those
pregnancies and didn't do any stretching other than
the static stretching we did at the very end of
class).
"As far as postures that I couldn't do - I did
pretty much all of them. They say that pregnant
women shouldn't lie in a supine position because of
the blood flow to the baby being restricted in that
position, but that's for long periods of time and
when you're farther along in your pregnancy.
Depending on your own fitness level, pretty much all
of the poses can be done. I think in my ninth month
The Scroll, The Dove, The Little Child were
challenging to do for the mere fact that my belly
got in the way. Also, I wouldn't recommend The Vine
or Peter's Boat when you get farther along for
obvious reasons (no lying on one's belly).
"The Jars of Clay posture might
be difficult in the 2nd and 3rd trimesters because
of the separation in the abdominal muscles, but you
can modify it by keeping one foot on the ground and
supporting your back with hands resting on the sides
of the quadriceps. Again, if it doesn't feel good to
your body, then don't do it."
Taking PraiseMoves Classes & Training to Become
an Instructor
Q. Where can I find out about
PraiseMoves classes in my area?
A. Please see our Instructors and Classes
page
HERE
Q. How can
I train to become a Certified PraiseMoves
Instructor (CPI)?
A. Details, requirements and application to
become a CPI see:
Teacher Certification
Q. I'm located outside of
North America. Can I still train to become a
CPI?
A. Yes. You will find a link to our
Correspondence Course at:
Teacher Certification
What About Pilates?
Q. What are your
views on Pilates? Is it similar to yoga?
A. There are similarities between
Pilates and yoga. Pilates is named for
Joseph Pilates who studied yoga and
other practices in the early 20th
century. Views are mixed, depending on
the source. Some believe it depends on
the teacher, others say it is best to
steer clear of it altogether.
Pat
Robertson of Christian Broadcasting
Network and the 700 Club said during one
of his "Bring-It-On" health segments, "I
see nothing wrong with doing Pilates.
It has to do with
stretching and very interesting
exercises."
John
Ankerberg of the Ankerberg Theological
Institute once wrote that he saw nothing
wrong with Pilates, but later wrote: "Our
research has shown a significant link
between Pilates and yoga. In fact,
according to the Pilates Method
Alliance, the founder, Joseph Pilates,
based his exercise program on 'over 20
years of self-study and apprenticeship
in yoga, Zen and ancient Greek and Roman
physical regimens.' Because of this
Yoga/Hindu connection to Pilates, we
cannot recommend this particular
exercise program to Christians."
In truth,
the best thing to do is pray and ask the
Lord what He would have you do. If you
sense discomfort in your spirit about it
(no matter what your head is telling
you), pay attention to that. The Lord
will guide you on what is best for you
in this regard.
In 2008,
Laurette met John Ankerberg, a Harvest
House Publishers author like herself, at
the NRB (National Religious
Broadcasters) Conference in Nashville,
TN.
John
Ankerberg said to Laurette regarding
PraiseMoves, "Thank you for the good
work you are doing!"
