Book Review: "The Rosary Workout"

The Rosary Workout
by Peggy Bowes
Bezalel Books, 2010

A former member of the Air Force, Peggy Bowes is a personal trainer, Spinning instructor and lifestyle and weight management consultant. In writing "The Rosary Workout," she sought to create "a plan that would help a person improve both physically and spiritually . . . an integrated approach to taking care of the body and soul." It is designed for people at all levels of physical and spiritual fitness and can be easily adapted to whatever stage one finds oneself.

Many people say the rosary while walking or jogging, but Bowes has truly developed a systematic workout plan incorporating both prayer and exercise. There are nine levels of progression in "The Rosary Workout," each named after one of the nine choirs of angels. "Each level is four weeks long and presents a different set of goals for both physical and spiritual fitness."

Bowes acknowledges that many people may never progress beyond the beginner levels in the fitness component (the first three levels), but we should all continue progressing on the spiritual level. She offers many helpful suggestions for maintaining discipline in both exercise and prayer. Perhaps the most important "helpful hint" is to ask for divine assistance in doing so. Another good suggestion is to keep a journal of both your physical and spiritual progress.

"The Rosary Workout" is easy to understand and offers much encouragement. If you are an Olympic-level athlete who prays three hours a day, you probably don't need this book. Everyone else will find benefit in it.

Reviewed by Patrice Fagnant-MacArthur
http://spiritualwomanthoughts.blogspot.com

"Rosary Stars" star discusses importance of the rosay

from Family Theatre Productions
The congregation of nearly 500 at St. Mary's Cathedral, Peoria, May 3, watch actor J. Omar Castro projected from the DVD of Rosary Stars: Praying the Gospel. Castro also spoke live at the event and led a decade of the Rosary.
Actor reflects on his faith during Rosary Stars screening in Peoria
In a prayerful, ritualized setting, May 3, in St. Mary's Cathedral, Peoria, Ill., actor J. Omar Castro, one of 21 young adult celebrities featured in Rosary Stars: Praying the Gospel, witnessed to the power of the Rosary in his life. Also, segments of the new DVD from Family Theater Productions' were screened. The congregation, which The Catholic Post, the diocesan newspaper, estimated at nearly 500, prayed the Rosary led by Castro.
Castro, who has acted in 9 feature films and 14 episodes of popular TV series, shared, in English and in Spanish, his reliance on the power of Rosary prayer and his "faith-driven focus" in dealing with the challenges of pursuing a career as an actor. Bishop Daniel Jenky, CSC, in liturgical vestments, presided over the event. Father John Phalen, CSC, president of Holy Cross Family Ministries, who also spoke, and Father Willy Raymond, CSC, National Director of Family Theater Productions, attired in their Congregation of Holy Cross habits, processed with the bishop and the rector of the cathedral behind crucifix and candle bearers. At a following reception, Castro signed autographs and posed for photos with many who attended.
For The Catholic Post's report and slide show of the event as well as the audio of Castro's talk, click here.
View the trailer below