What the Bible Says About Exercise

Only one time is physical exercise mentioned in the Bible and it is in I Timothy 4:8 - which reads "For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come."

So the Bible affirms that "physical training is of some value". How does it benefit you personally? Do you have any ailments that you know physical exercise helps? Studies show that exercise gives us physical and mental energy, it gives us stronger muscles and bones, helps us sleep better, reduces fatigue, depression, and anxiety, fights heart disease, and generally gives you a longer, healthier life. "Physical training is of some value."

Is exercise important to you? Is it vain? At one time - vanity was attached to my exercise. But now that I've had 2 babies and my body has changed it is less about vanity and more about being healthy.

I won't list my ailments for you - but I do suffer from high blood pressure which I take medication for and also neck pain due to some arthritic changes in my neck. My neck pain literally disappears with regular workouts. But as soon as I stop exercising it returns in full force. "Physical training has some value" and without it my entire family suffers.

I value my exercise time and I have to squeeze it into my routine - BUT where you may ask? I have my quiet times in the morning - so the morning is no good! Then the day is packed full with the kids and responsibilities. So for me the best time is the worst time - at the end of my exhausted day! Often all I want to do is snuggle up in my pj's, turn on the television and grab a bag of chips - but instead I have disciplined myself to head to my basement the minute my children are in bed, - and get on the treadmill for no less than 30 minutes, 4 times a week.

Recently I have committed to running a 5K with a bunch of friends, so that has helped me to be a little more motivated. But there's no motivator like a sharp neck pain that reminds me - I need to exercise!

So I want to encourage you - if you suffer from aches and pains, fatigue, and low energy and you think - "but there's just no place to squeeze it in" - you must make exercise a priority - it has some value! It is not a waste of time - it is an investment into your life - your quality of life. Pray and ask God to help you - just three times a week to get moving for even just 15 minutes. And then live your life passionately for God - with energy!

Walk with the King!

**To find workout plans for your upper and lower body, abs and pilates - go to the strength page of: http://www.womenlivingwell.org/