FAQ

FAQ Topics:

* What is PraiseMoves?
* Which DVD Would You Recommend?
* General (Bible version, music, postures, testimonies,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. SINCE 2001, PraiseMoves has been 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?” and don't miss L.G. Marshall's eye-opening articles “Yoga is Relgion” (not for the faint-hearted).

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).

Also, PraiseMoves GOLD for seniors and those of ALL ages who would like a seated and standing-with-chair workout. 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.

“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!

Many men enjoy our Power PraiseMoves DVD (and some have used it in conjunction with P90X instead of “power yoga”) – see DVDs.

On our CafePress site, we even have a t-shirt which says, “Real Men Do PraiseMoves!”

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! PraiseMoves DVDs

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.

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.

Here is the article that “started it all” from the formerly-known Today's Christian Woman magazine (a publication of Christianity Today, now available online as Kyria.com). Read “The Truth About Yoga” by Holly Robaina, featuring her eye-opening article about the dangers of yoga, and the PraiseMoves difference.

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 authors and experts on world religions and cults Mike Shreve, and Jill Martin Rische (speaking favorably about PraiseMoves and quoting Laurette in the remarkable tome The Kingdom of the Occult, completing the work of her father Walter Martin); Thelma Wells; the Christian Research Institute, Bible teachers Joni Eareckson-Tada, 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).

Q. Is PraiseMoves available on TV?
A. Yes. In 2006, Laurette began broadcasting the PraiseMoves fitness show. It currently airs 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.

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.

Q. I have a testimony about how PraiseMoves has helped me. Where may I send it?
A. We would love to hear from you! There are recommendations from health professionals and hundreds of 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 some of the PraiseMoves testimonies and endorsements here: TESTIMONIES.

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 in the near future. Some of our Certified PraiseMoves Instructors have continued to teach PraiseMoves classes throughout their pregnancy and delivered healthy, Word-enriched babies!

NOTE – Our 20-Minute PraiseMoves DVD has Beginner (with modifications), Intermediate and Advanced workouts. A number of expecting parents have chosen this DVD since they can easily do the Beginner workout and the modifications. Another option is PraiseMoves Gold hard copy DVD or PraiseMoves Gold Downloadable DVD because of the seated workouts and standing workouts with chair. This has also been very popular with those who would like to “take it easy.” 🙂

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 & Instructor Training

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. Are there yearly renewal fees and recertification requirements? 
A. Yes, please see: Considering 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.

Ordering Questions. What are My Options?

Q. I don't feel entirely comfortable ordering online. Is it safe?
A. Yes. Our shopping cart works through PayPal which is VeriSign secured.

Q. I don't have a PayPal account. Can I still order online?
A. YES! PayPal is only the “shopping cart.” You may use any credit or debit card when on the PayPal site.

Q. May I call your office to place an order instead?
A.  We're sorry. We no longer take orders over the phone – you may place orders via internet or through the mail, please.

Q. May I send my order in by mail?
A. Yes. You may access the order form here: Order by Mail

Q. How are PraiseMoves products shipped?
A. We ship via U.S.P.S. (United States Postal Service) – First class mail or Priority Mail.

Q. Are your products ALSO available at my local Christian bookstore?
A. The Harvest House Publishers and Destiny Image products are available at local bookstores worldwide. These would be the following Harvest House DVDs: PraiseMoves, 20-Minute PraiseMoves, Power PraiseMoves. And the DVD/Book set from Destiny Image: 40 Days to Fit & Fabulous with PraiseMoves.

These products are also available in our STORE.

Laurette's self-published DVDs, CDs and other products are only available at our online store at the present time – PraiseMoves STORE.

Q. Will PraiseMoves DVDs work in UK, Australia, and other countries outside of North America?
A. YES! We have sent our products to Europe, Australia, China, Singapore, UK, Japan, Russia, Hawaii, Canada, and the United States – with no problems. It will not play on a PAL standalone player; but will play in NTSC universal format or DVD on a PC – most units have the conversion option.

Policies

Q. What is your return/refund policy?
A. If the product ordered is damaged, you may return it to us within 30 days of purchase for another copy of the same product. Please include a note about the problem so we may notify our manufacturers. Of course we recommend trying another DVD in your player, and trying the DVD in a different player to ensure the problem is not with the DVD player itself. It's also a good idea to email us to let us know the problem before you send it back (praisemoves@gmail.com).

If you order and are not satisfied, we have a return policy. Items that are returned in good, resalable condition within 30 days of purchase will be refunded the amount paid less s/h charges and a 15% restocking fee.