HEALTH VALUE OF EXERCISES

“PHYSICAL EXERCISE has some VALUE, but SPIRITUAL EXERCISE is valuable in every way…” – 1 Timothy 4:8a (GNB).

In addition to the Right Diet, Nutrition and Rest, there is the HEALTH VALUE of EXERCISES: “PHYSICAL EXERCISE has some VALUE, but SPIRITUAL EXERCISE is valuable in every way, because it promises life both for the present and for the future” (1Tim.4:8, Good News Bible). The notion of health is subsumed in the very definition of ‘exercise’, as a physical (bodily) or mental exertion, especially for the sake of training, developing and maintaining fitness or improving health.

1Timothy 4:8 does not provide us an excuse to not exercise; rather it prioritizes spiritual exercise above the physical. For example, is it more important for me to wake up early to work out than to wake up early to spend time with the Lord? Both are important, but time with the Lord (personal devotion or quiet time) is more crucial than an early session in the gym! A strong spirit will enhance the health and performance of the body; but putting the body in shape is not unimportant!

God wants His children to carry a vibrant spirit with a sound mind in a FIT BODY! My Body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, and it is expedient that I keep it fit, strong, and healthy – same with my mind! The three dimensions of my being – spirit-, soul, and body – must be kept in top shape if I am to maximise destiny (1The.5:23). All three forms of exercise – spiritual, mental, and physical (bodily) – are profitable. The spiritual is expectedly superior, but even the “little” profit of physical exercise is backed by medical research. Diverse kinds of exercise are beneficial to keeping our whole being in top shape!

Priority must be given to training for godliness through spiritual regimen such as: disciplines of the Word (hearing, reading, studying, meditating, memorising, confessing, obeying); disciplines of devotion (fasting, solitude, worship, praise, prayer, thanksgiving, consecration, intercession); and disciplines of purity, holiness, sanctification, and service. Also important are mental exercises or disciplines of the mind (Jos.1:8; Rom.12:1-2; Phil.4:4-8). Both sets of exercises must be augmented by bodily exercises such as walking, jogging, running, climbing, workouts, gardening, or participating in sports.

Physical training requires starting where we are, increasing gradually, and pushing to be our best, relative to age. The muscles may initially complain, but once they are groomed, they’ll be grateful. It is not about proving anything to anyone, but about improving. Exercises need not always be rigorous, but should be regular – daily or weekly – in order to become habits. Repeated exercise with focus and intensity will lead to increased strength and stamina, and other health benefits.

Medical science confirms that the health value of physical exercise include the following:

• Improves heart health and blood circulation, which raises the oxygen levels in the body, lowers the blood pressure, and helps lower the risk of chronic heart diseases such as high cholesterol, coronary artery disease, and heart attack.

• Helps ensure a healthy weight, which lowers the risk of developing obesity and high blood pressure.

• Helps the body manage both sugar and insulin levels which reduces the risk for metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes.

• Improves memory, brain function, mental health and mood; enhances relaxation and prevents stress.

• Reduces feelings of anxiety and depression.

• Improves the quality of sleep.

• Combats fatigue and improves join pain and stiffness.

• Maintains bone and muscle strength and balance.

• Reduces the risk of some cancers, including colon, breast, uterine, and lung cancer.

• Enhances healthy aging, reduces risk of falls, and increases the chances of living longer.

Paul had much respect for physical training and his writings depict intimate awareness of the culture of sports and athletic games in the Greek world in which he ministered. His letters are therefore dotted with sporty references:

• “Everyone who competes in the games goes into STRICT TRAINING....” (1 Cor. 9:25a, NIV).

• “Forgetting what is behind and STRAINING TOWARD what is ahead, I PRESS ON toward the goal…” (Phi. 3:13b-14a).

• “I have fought the good fight, I have FINISHED THE RACE, I have kept the faith” (2 Tim. 4:7).