By Chelsea Dartez, C2 Media Relations
Christian parenting author, speaker and radio host Mark Gregston may be most well-known for his bestselling books and award-winning radio show Parenting Today’s Teens, but the longtime fitness enthusiast credits a healthy lifestyle to a good quality of life. At his residential counseling center for teens in East Texas, Gregston promotes healthy living with access to rock climbing walls, horseback riding and an on-site gym where the teens are encouraged to workout.
“The kids at Heartlight are encouraged to exercise 3 times per week. We have found it helps them sleep at night, helps with self-esteem and depression. Exercise truly helps kids or people of any age develop a new coping mechanism, so they don’t have to rely on unhealthy coping mechanisms in their life.”
Gregston grew up very active and swam competitively for 13 years and competed in triathlons and marathons for 15 years. He was even dubbed the ‘Oklahoma Athlete of the Year’ in the early 70’s and made it into the pre-Olympic trials in 1972. This active lifestyle has translated to his kids and grandkids lives.
“Because my wife and I are healthy, our kids are healthy, and their kids are healthy. We try to remain as active as possible and are always riding horses, water skiing and doing things outdoors. We eat a lot of fresh vegetables and fish and grill often. For me, the whole point of eating and exercising isn’t to extend my life, but to have a good quality of life and continue what God has put me on this earth to do for as long as I can.”
Our Men’s Interest Department Editor Troy Ismir spoke with Mark Gregston about fitness for today’s teens and Mark’s ministry. This podcast is a partnership between Troy’s Divine Wellness Ministries and Faith & Fitness Magazine.
With a travel schedule that puts Gregston on the road more than 200 nights a year, sometimes making healthy choices is not the easiest task.
Mark explains,“One of the biggest challenges of traveling so much is eating the right food and finding time to exercise. I have to consciously make sure to not eat junk while trying to coordinate my schedule so that I can find time to get a workout in.
He continues, “This is also important for me because I don’t see myself ever retiring… retirement is actually not mentioned in scripture and if I want to keep helping families for as long as I can, staying active is vital. The minute you become inactive is the minute your health starts to decline.”
For a family who is struggling to get their teen off of their smart phone or out of the house, Gregston recommends a good old-fashioned camping trip.
“Camping is a great way to shake things up. Anything that can go wrong typically WILL go wrong in the great outdoors. This will create an opportunity to share wisdom and engage differently with your teen. It also provides an experience for the child to create long-lasting memories with their parent or grandparent.”
MARK’S TOP 10 TIPS FOR TEENS
- Choices and decisions made now will determine your life’s path. So, choose wisely. Ask questions. Seek counsel. Listen to wisdom. Don’t let curiosity take priority over being smart. And don’t jump at everything that is appealing.
- Friends are important…not just the ones following you on Snapchat and Instagram. Deep friendships, the ones that involve face-to-face communication over a long period of time.
- Not everyone with grey hair is outdated and clueless. Including your grandparents. It is doubtful that anyone will love you as much as they do. So, don’t let your busyness eliminate them from your life. They’re not going to be around as long as you think.
- Not every great idea is a good idea. That’s why it’s important to develop discipline and discernment in your life.
- Always leave things better than how you found them. That includes people, borrowed items, housing, brothers and sisters, parents, and neighbors. You’ve been put on this earth to bring something to the table that will help others; not just take, and take, and take.
- You are owed nothing; but your parents want to give you everything. So, quit acting like you want someone else to live your life for you. You’ve got to work to make life work, just like relationships, marriages, and the pursuit of your dreams.
- Negative behavior that you see in yourself, is usually a reflection of something else happening in your life. If you’re messing up and doing things that you know you shouldn’t, those action are perhaps motivated by unresolved issues in your life. Find out what those issues are…go see a counselor and don’t be afraid to ask for help.
- Develop some hobbies that will last a lifetime. Don’t give up play in the pursuit of purpose, nor vacation in the pursuit of vocation. Life is measured by doing things that you enjoy, not by what you deposit in your bank account.
- Take advantage of the time you have with your parents…you’ll one day be grateful that you did. They truly do have your best interest at heart and are there for you…even when it doesn’t feel so.
- Don’t let laughter leave your heart. Fun and enjoyment sometimes get lost in the craziness of pursuing other interests. Make decisions in life that will make you happy, and embrace those moments where life gives you a good belly laugh. One of the greatest signs of maturity is the ability to be able to laugh at your self.
Gregston’s tireless work and mission to help struggling families is a lifelong passion and drive that motivates him to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Currently celebrating the release of his latest parenting book entitled Raising Teens In A Contrary Culture, Gregston hopes parents can find help and hope in the book.
As he says in this book, “You can raise you kids to live in a zoo, or you can train them to survive in the jungle….I think kids prefer the latter.” Mark shares his wisdom, wit, and insights to help parents offer help and hope to their teens in their broken world.
