Book Reviews > Melanie Davis
There is a new designated title in the fitness industry, conceived and developed by Jay Jones. It is the role of “Fitness Minister.” I became aware of the title, Fitness Minister, when I read the book, A Little Bit of Something Beats a Whole Lot of Nothing: A 30 Day Guide to Your New Healthy Habits.
The cover of this 8x10 workbook features Jones with hands together in a prayer position, eyes closed and a smile that reflects both confidence and serenity. In a world where fitness experts most often appear on book or magazine covers with arms folded, bulging biceps and an “I dare you to quit” stance, the image on his book is an intriguing and unique introduction to Jone’s approach to health.
While many books and fitness gurus speak of the mind/body connection, Jay Jones has provided an effective resource which puts this idea into action. Initially, I expected the book to be an opportunity to do something active or physical each day, for thirty days, and indeed the book delivers both activities and excellent explanations for the best fulfillment of the day’s physical challenge. But it goes further, challenging not only your physical body, but your mind and soul through something he calls the “Fitness Footnote” which explores such topics as being brave, forgiveness, finding hope, laughter and visualizing the possibilities, to name a few. The implementation of the day’s Fitness Footnote happens on the second page of each day’s two page spread which makes up the workbook in the section he calls “Journal the Journey” wherein he gives you instructions on what to write that will further explore the day’s inspiring ideas.
Before Jones guides you through thirty days of improving your health, and changing your life as the simple activities are turned into habits, he seamlessly develops a connection with you in the introduction to the book titled, “On Your Mark, Get Set” where he explains the idea that even small victories can bring about amazing life changes, and he shares how he became the Fitness Minister he is today. Jones was a talented athlete, headed for the pros, when his football career came to an early end due to a broken neck. From this adversity he not only rose above his injury to become impressively fit, but he learned the compassion and methods for motivating others in what he calls, “Inspiration not Intimidation.”
After this amazing introductory pep talk, Jones says, “Are you ready to grow… then let’s GO!” I must admit, my response was nearly shouting an audible “Yes!” in my enthusiasm to accomplish the thirty day journey Jay Jones had prepared for me, as you truly feel his interest in you as a person from start to finish.
While Jay Jones has the physique any man would want to develop, his target market is actually women, especially those who are struggling to do much of anything to take care of their health (which is actually most mothers and women who put themselves last as they care for others). Again, Jones steps out of the conventional fitness trainer mold and addresses the audience which is in greatest need, but is most often ignored, and which requires a gentle path to health. My respect and appreciation for Jay Jones for writing his landmark book is immense; I know it will improve many lives, not just the women who use it, but all those who will benefit from their wife, mother, sister or friend being healthy and happy. There may only be one Fitness Minister in this world, and what a blessing it is that Jay Jones has stepped up to meet that need!
-Melanie Davis, bestselling author of The Triumph Book: HEROES
The cover of this 8x10 workbook features Jones with hands together in a prayer position, eyes closed and a smile that reflects both confidence and serenity. In a world where fitness experts most often appear on book or magazine covers with arms folded, bulging biceps and an “I dare you to quit” stance, the image on his book is an intriguing and unique introduction to Jone’s approach to health.
While many books and fitness gurus speak of the mind/body connection, Jay Jones has provided an effective resource which puts this idea into action. Initially, I expected the book to be an opportunity to do something active or physical each day, for thirty days, and indeed the book delivers both activities and excellent explanations for the best fulfillment of the day’s physical challenge. But it goes further, challenging not only your physical body, but your mind and soul through something he calls the “Fitness Footnote” which explores such topics as being brave, forgiveness, finding hope, laughter and visualizing the possibilities, to name a few. The implementation of the day’s Fitness Footnote happens on the second page of each day’s two page spread which makes up the workbook in the section he calls “Journal the Journey” wherein he gives you instructions on what to write that will further explore the day’s inspiring ideas.
Before Jones guides you through thirty days of improving your health, and changing your life as the simple activities are turned into habits, he seamlessly develops a connection with you in the introduction to the book titled, “On Your Mark, Get Set” where he explains the idea that even small victories can bring about amazing life changes, and he shares how he became the Fitness Minister he is today. Jones was a talented athlete, headed for the pros, when his football career came to an early end due to a broken neck. From this adversity he not only rose above his injury to become impressively fit, but he learned the compassion and methods for motivating others in what he calls, “Inspiration not Intimidation.”
After this amazing introductory pep talk, Jones says, “Are you ready to grow… then let’s GO!” I must admit, my response was nearly shouting an audible “Yes!” in my enthusiasm to accomplish the thirty day journey Jay Jones had prepared for me, as you truly feel his interest in you as a person from start to finish.
While Jay Jones has the physique any man would want to develop, his target market is actually women, especially those who are struggling to do much of anything to take care of their health (which is actually most mothers and women who put themselves last as they care for others). Again, Jones steps out of the conventional fitness trainer mold and addresses the audience which is in greatest need, but is most often ignored, and which requires a gentle path to health. My respect and appreciation for Jay Jones for writing his landmark book is immense; I know it will improve many lives, not just the women who use it, but all those who will benefit from their wife, mother, sister or friend being healthy and happy. There may only be one Fitness Minister in this world, and what a blessing it is that Jay Jones has stepped up to meet that need!
-Melanie Davis, bestselling author of The Triumph Book: HEROES