Is trying to become more muscular wrong?

[Davo56]

I started weight lifting frequently about a year and a half ago, and it’s since become one of my favorite things to do. I’ll be honest one of the reason why I do it is to look better. I’ve always been a skinny kid and ever since I started working out the results have given me a new kind of confidence.

However, lately I’ve been thinking about all the time I am putting into my working out. I can’t help, but feel selfish because of it. I have often wondered also if I am making my body into sort of an idol; becuase I am spending so much time trying to improve it.

I don’t know what to do. I feel that my working out isn’t right, but I also feel that completely stopping isn’t right either. I’ve come up with the idea that I can keep working out, but it should not control my life. I should only work out when I have the time.

Is this the right thing to do? And is trying to become more muscular wrong?

Thank you,
David

 

[Fr.Vincent_Serpa]

Hi David,

You do need to seek some balance. Developing your muscles isn’t wrong in itself. But there is more to you than just muscle. You sound like you have become somewhat obsessive about it. Give yourself a definite, limited schedule for working out and stick with it.

Now it’s time to develop other skills and definitely it’s time to focus your entire life on the Lord–workouts and all.

Fr. Vincent Serpa, O.P.