Commit to regular exercise

"Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come." 1 Timothy 4:8 (NLT)

As a long-time proponent of the huge importance of physical well-being if we're to be all we're designed to be, this recent Purpose-Driven posting hit home.

One of the ways we train for godliness is by maintaining our physical health. The truth is, your body was not designed for inactivity. God created you to be active. Even a daily walk will make a difference in your physical and spiritual well-being. And even while I've been away in Australia these past few weeks, I've done my darnedest to keep up my 'prayer walks': my physical/spiritual exercise combo.

Most of us are convinced but not committed. We know exercise is good for us. We are convinced, but that doesn’t mean we are committed to exercise.

What is the common excuse? ‘I don't have the time.’

Let me ask, do you have time to be sick? If you don't make time for exercise, you'll probably be forced to make time for an illness. Is that how you want to spend your time?

What is the common mistake? We overdo it at the start. We have the philosophy that if something is good, then more is better. We’ve been out of shape for several years, but then we try to get in shape in one week! And so we work ourselves to death, get totally exhausted and, as a result, we wear out quickly and give up.

The key is training not straining. If you want to get in shape fast, exercise longer, not harder. And that will help you stay committed to a consistent, regular exercise program.

As mentioned, I find simple walking works the best. Proven one of the best, easiest, most natural and least-expensive exercises, it fits easily into almost any life or environment. You get to know your neighbourhood and neighbours (new or old) as you walk, and can pray for them,  for others, for your own concerns, for whatever.