Coach Don Nava is passionate about helping people achieve total fitness in all dimensions of life, and happens to be a friend of InsideWork®. For over 25 years Coach Nava has trained individuals and work teams toward high performance through wellness and fitness programs. He’s trained notable players such as Joe Montana, Ronnie Lott, and Jerry Rice and has designed programs for companies such as Nike, Cisco Systems, and ATT.

Does he practice what he preaches? On his 40th birthday he worked out for 40 consecutive hours to demonstrate the importance of fitness and healthy living. On his 50th birthday, he ran up and down 5000 bleachers at the Stanford University football stadium. He’s also the author of Fit After 40, which we recommend.

All this to say, when we received Coach Nava’s email this afternoon, we immediately asked him for permission to reprint it. (Thanks, Coach.) Take to heart what he says.

Hey Champion,

Across the country, Dr. Jerry Falwell was one of the most highly visible figures in both evangelical and political circles. He was a man with followers and foes alike. There is a wide spectrum of opinions about his work and legacy. But as a fitness coach, something in his death burdened me and gives us all cause to pause.

Dr. Falwell did not take very good care of his body. He had a history of heart problems and likely had died from cardiac arrhythmia, a heart rhythm abnormality that occurs without warning.

I believe his lack of self-care was the main reason why he passed away at 73 of heart failure. I feel he may have had many more years on Earth.

In light of his passing, Christians should stop and evaluate their personal health and lifestyle and make necessary behavior modifications so that they can live on earth as long as the Lord has intended. (Psalms 90:12 Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom)

We subtract from the days the Lord has given us if we make negative lifestyle choices.
— Coach Don Nava

We are unable to add to the days the Lord has for us on earth. However, we can surely subtract from them if we make negative lifestyle choices.

My motivation and intent in writing this is to encourage and not condemn. I pray that we would rely on God's grace and stop leaning on our willpower to create lasting change.

May you prayerfully consider necessary changes you need to make so that you can be an effective member of God's team on Earth — for all the days He has given you.

Psalms 39:4

Show me, O LORD, my life's end and the number of my days; let me know how fleeting is my life.

You Are A Champion.
Coach

So true. I can't add any more days to my life than what God has apportioned, but I can surely subtract from them. Sobering. Challenging.