Someone had just given me “kudos” on my recent run stats. An app I use for recording workouts allows others to give you “kudos” on your exercise regimen. To be honest, I didn’t know this was possible until I received the email notifying me of it. But as I reflected on the “applause” I recognized something going on in my heart. It was more of a self-reflection than anything else. I found myself simultaneously wanting more “kudos” and hating it all at the same time.

This affirmation raised the question, ” Why do I workout?” Anyone who interacts with me knows I enjoy exercise. I find it cathartic to go on a run. I’m one of those strange people who, when I need rest or rejuvenation, runs will be on my short list of options. But the comment caused me to look deeper at my motives. Why do I care about my fitness? What about physical training draws me to want more of it?

We often approach fitness and health from two extremes: apathy or obsession with our bodies.

Stacy Reaoch

Training our bodies physically is a good thing, even the apostle Paul admitted that much (1 Timothy 4:7-8). However, lurking behind a good thing is often a bad motive. Physical training can be taken to extremes. Stacy Reaoch addresses these extremes and what I think is a healthy approach to fitness in her article “Train Your Body in Light of Eternity”. Reaoch outlines what training for eternity may actually mean and look like.

READ THE ARTICLE

You may wonder if I stopped running or lifting after the self-reflection “kudos”. Sorry to disappoint, but I’m still running and exercising regularly (and enjoying it). The thing that changes is the mindset I go to training with. I’m grateful to be able to do it and seeking to do it well without obsession. What about you? What in Stacy’s article stood out to you? As always, I’d love to hear from my readers. And don’t forget to be with the Lord’s people on the Lord’s day.

Until Next Time…