About Working Out

[Image_of_God]

I’ve always thought of working out, but I always thought it would get in the way of my spiritual life…you know, maintaining muscle and so I’ve been reluctant to start. I also don’t think it is necessary to take care of our bodies in that manner (of course we need to wash and groom, however). I am questioning whether more muscle is what God wants or would permit. Any advice?

 

[PePPaR]

Either way, I don’t think any approach to body building is wrong in the eyes of God. Currently I go to the gym 5 times per week and it is a big thing in my life to improve in muscle gains etc. I’ll admit, at first it was to try and ‘impress’ people. But eventually this desire faded and now bodybuilding has become a very enjoyable hobby for me. It is no longer a hobby where I seek to impress others and attract women. It is now a personal goal for me to improve the status of my body and grow in muscle gains. I feel accomplished and pleased with myself when I reach my goals. And I don’t think there is anything wrong with doing something like this.

And you may be right. Yes, it is not entirely necessary to build muscle. However, our bodies are our engines. So why not IMPROVE our engines so we can benefit more in life. Bodybuilding is one of the best sports you can do.

1. You will have fun and accomplish set goals.
2. Your health will improve.
3. If you’re really serious about it you will fix your diet immensely and you wont eat rubbish foojunk food.

And just a note our bodies burn more fat when we have more muscle. So, ultimately bodybuilding can be a form of sport to attract your desires and look cool; - BUT for the majority of people it no longer becomes a public thing, but more of a personal thing for yourself. And I think this is a great aspect to have in ones life.

 

[RachelsAlumni]

The way I look at it is to view it by the way our bodies are designed to work.

Having good muscle tone is good for our health, prevents or greatly lessens our chances of disease, makes us overall healthier and happier. This is how our bodies are designed to work, God is our designer and surely He wants us to be happy and healthy. Therefore, he wants us to exercise.

Exercise doesn’t have to be work. It can be fun. Like going for a hike in the mountains, riding a bicycle, swimming, dancing. Activities are good for us, are fun, and keep us healthy.

 

[Image_of_God]

Thanks for the advice PePPaR and RachelsAlumni. I think I’ll do it. I have nothing to lose and lots to gain.

 

[Kevin42]

Try jogging and lifting weights while listening to a Catholic Answers or EWTN podcast:thumbsup: . I jog twenty minutes at night and walk for thirty while listening to an episode of Catholic Answers or Sunday Night Live on my iPod. I never new that my iPod would use my iPod for Catholic podcasts more than music, but I do .