Work-Outs On Sundays

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Thanks! I was kind of worried, since working on Sunday is a sin (well, excessive and unnecessary work) and it has “work” in its title, but yeah, thanks again!
 
The relevant paragraph from the Catechism may help. Note that there is no prohibition from doing “excessive or unnecessary” work per se:
2185: On Sundays and other holy days of obligation, the faithful are to refrain from engaging in work or activities that hinder the worship owed to God, the joy proper to the Lord’s Day, the performance of the works of mercy, and the appropriate relaxation of mind and body. Family needs or important social service can legitimately excuse from the obligation of Sunday rest. the faithful should see to it that legitimate excuses do not lead to habits prejudicial to religion, family life, and health.
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Working out is a great way to relax the mind, and it sounds like a great thing to do on Sunday.
 
We are expected to avoid “servile work” on Sunday when possible.

A workout wouldn’t fall into that, especially if it improves the sense of bodily wellbeing.

ICXC NIKA
 
I once asked a priest if working out on Sunday is a sin. He said “No”. I said “even if I weight lift and jog?” he said “No” I was more concerned because at that time I had to work on Sunday’s, and I wanted to work out after work. He told me it was ok as long as I did not miss Mass.

Also, I use to frequently see one of our parish priests at the gym on Sunday working out. That was also re-assuring for me. To see a priest pumping Iron right next to me on a Sunday afternoon. Not to mention it helped me to remember to not look at the women in tight gym outfits for too long, lest Father catch me in the act 😃
 
LaughingBoy1503 said:
I once asked a priest if working out on Sunday is a sin. He said “No”. I said “even if I weight lift and jog?” he said “No” I was more concerned because at that time I had to work on Sunday’s, and I wanted to work out after work. He told me it was ok as long as I did not miss Mass.

Also, I use to frequently see one of our parish priests at the gym on Sunday working out. That was also re-assuring for me. To see a priest pumping Iron right next to me on a Sunday afternoon. Not to mention it helped me to remember to not look at the women in tight gym outfits for too long, lest Father catch me in the act 😃
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:rotfl:
 
GEddie said:
We are expected to avoid “servile work” on Sunday when possible.
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The distinction between servile labor and other forms of labor was present in the 1917 Code of Canon Law but dropped from the 1983 code. I would recommend that the OP evaluate his Sundays activities by the standard which is outlined in the current catechism (and the current Code of Canon Law, although that language is essentially identical to that of the catechism).

(But I indeed agree with the conclusion that you ultimately drew – that there’s nothing wrong with exercising on Sundays).
 
Gotta keep God’s temple in tip-top shape! It’s a great way to connect and thank God for your health. Enjoy!
 
PonderingJak said:
Is working-out on Sunday a sin?
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Working on Sunday is definitely not a sin.The idea that Christians should not be working on Sunday comes from a misunderstanding of Old Testament Sabbath-keeping for the Israelites and its relation to Sunday worship for Christians. According to Exodus 20:8-11, the Sabbath is the seventh day of the week, on which the Israelites were to rest, in remembrance that God created the universe in six days and then “rested” on the seventh day. “Keeping the Sabbath holy” was defined as not working on the Sabbath.

In Colossians 2:16-17, the apostle Paul declares, “Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day. These are a shadow of the things that were to come; the reality, however, is found in Christ.” We are no longer commanded to cease working on the Sabbath, nor is Sunday now the “Christian Sabbath.” Although many Christians prefer to take Sunday off and spend at least part of it in corporate worship, working on Sunday is not sin. Many Christians, such as doctors and nurses, have no choice but to work on Sunday and, as a society, we should be very grateful to them. But Christians who work on Sunday should do so with the understanding that worship is not limited to any one day of the week, but is to be an ongoing part of their lives.
 
No, but I’ve developed the habit of saying four rosaries while I jog and offering up the effort for the poor souls, as well as giving thanks for my health. You could consider doing something along those lines-- best appreciation of a gift (like our health) is to take care of it and use it.
 
Personally, I don’t exercise on Sundays, but for those who really love exercise, I think it would definitely fall under a recreational activity. No sin in it at all.

I don’t for the same reason I minimize how much housework, cooking, etc. I do on Sunday - I tend towards overachieving and perfectionism and valuing productivity over all else, so I force myself to take Sunday off in as many ways as possible. That includes formal exercise.
 
styrgwillidar said:
No, but I’ve developed the habit of saying four rosaries while I jog and offering up the effort for the poor souls, as well as giving thanks for my health. You could consider doing something along those lines-- best appreciation of a gift (like our health) is to take care of it and use it.
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Yes, I have also prayed The Rosary while on the treadmill in the gym on Sunday.
 
It is not a sin but you should consider what the purpose of Sunday is. Going to Mass is a minimum requirement-try to spend some extra time in prayer.

Are you giving your body adequate rest? Why not just go for a meditative walk instead? What about a Holy Hour?

You do have six other days to work out.
 
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