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Inspiration through perspiration

Staff reporter

For Pastor Phil Smith of Marion, weight training and conditioning has been a part of his life for years.

During the winter months and cooler spring mornings, he frequents Marion Wellness Center to get in his daily routine.

"It would be interesting if someone did a study to see how much the brain activity increases when exercising," he said.

On Friday mornings, in particular, you can find the pastor of Valley United Methodist Church of Marion and United Methodist Church of Lincolnville exercising on the elliptical machine (stair climber) with a clipboard and pen. On the clipboard are several sheets of paper with typewritten words.

From time to time, Pastor Phil will pick up the clipboard and jot something on the paper, rarely skipping a beat of his workout.

Between sweating and deep breathing associated with exercising, he believes he stimulates his brain which provides inspiration for his Sunday sermons.

"I write down ideas for my sermons on Thursday, work them out on Friday, and look at them on Saturday. By Sunday, I usually have a pretty good idea of what I'm going to say," the Pastor said.

Pastor Phil said he started stepping-up his weight training routine before participating in the Biggest Loser competition and to date has lost 40 pounds.

"I've always rode the bicycle and exercised at home but wasn't losing weight," he said.

As for most humans, as the body ages metabolism has a tendency to slow down, and regardless of the amount of exercise, we can't always eat anything and everything we want to maintain a desired physique.

"I hadn't stepped on a scale for a year," the now slimmer Pastor said, until recently when he had a checkup with the doctor. He was surprised and pleased with his progress.

So he will continue his exercise routine of stimulating his brain cells, and sharing his faith with his congregation.

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