THE JERICHO MARCH

Some [religious] denominations have begun recognizing obesity with programs, sponsoring fitness walks and exercise opportunities. "Gospel aerobics" and yoga classes are on the rise, and books such as "Body by God" have hit the bestseller lists.

Cami Allen, a certified yoga instructor from Beaver Falls, leads a new Christian yoga class called PraiseMoves at New Brighton Christian Assembly, a denomination that ranked second on [a local researcher's] obesity scale.

Marching in place, class members start with a 15-minute warm-up, or as Allen calls it, the Jericho March. Clasping their hands in prayer, the class softly murmurs spiritual affirmations and recites passages such as "Therefore glorify God in your body, for you were bought with a price."

Allen said she weaves Scriptures into the classes, which began at the church this month and also take place at Source Fitness Center in Ambridge. One session is completely based on the Lord's Prayer, which students recite while doing postures.

"As Christians," Allen said, "we can practice something very beneficial to our bodies, and hey, we're putting Christ into it."