30 Day Ignatian Retreat with Fitness Facility?

[bluecollarjock]

Yes, this may seem odd to ask but it is important on a number of levels. I would like to do a 30 day Ignatian retreat, but taking an entire month off of exercising would be unhealthy. I have medical issues and need to workout to manage disabilities, as well think it is crucial for a healthy spirituality to pay attention to the body as well as the mind and spirit. I enjoy going on silent and contemplative retreats, but normally only 3-5 days, and I have done a 9 day retreat as well. But if I do a full 30 day retreat it would be nice to keep up my exercise.

The only exercise at retreat centers is walking, but unless one is elderly or very unfit, walking is very low level physical activity, not exercise. Sure I can crank out pushups and situps in my room, but that too is not enough to maintain my fitness or address my disability issues.

Thanks…I do searches for retreat centers with fitness facility but no luck…

 

[ewillard]

If you would consider doing the 30 day retreat over the course of 9 months, you wouldn’t have to sacrifice your routine. I did the 9 month version in my parish and it was amazing…life changing and enhancing. That said, I’m wondering if it would have had the lasting effect had I not struggled to integrate this into my normal schedule. It’s been two years and I still follow the method, while staying “in the world”. I hope you find a way to do this.

 

[bluecollarjock]

Thank you for your response. I am familiar with the 19th Annotation, and have local places that run it which a close friend is even in right now. I did a 5 day retreat this summer and know the spiritual directors who do the 19th as well.

However I am in full time grad school for Pastoral Theology with a concentration in spiritual direction. I have regular readings, reflection, and homework that are very similar to what the 19th would be. I do not want to miss out on any of my praxis by doing the 19th while also in grad school for spiritual direction. I take summers off, and it would be the perfect time to do a 30 day Ignatian retreat while not committed to homework.

I plan on doing the 19th at a later time when I am not in grad school.

It is somewhat a disappointment that no retreat center I have ever been to has a fitness facility. Most people I have met on contemplative type retreats have absolutely no concern about a healthy diet or a fitness program…totally neglecting their body and health as an integrated way to be in relation to God.

Why retreat centers totally neglect fitness is sad.

 

[ewillard]

Perhaps there is a nearby gym. Mine offers short term memberships. Your idea is a great one. I am going to mention it to the management of the local Franciscan retreat center as a draw for retreatants.Great idea… and good luck!

 

[bluecollarjock]

Thank you…no luck this far just doing internet searches…