How tragic that for many people exercise is a hated or dreaded part of life. Moving your body (that is, burning calories, building muscle, losing weight, and so forth) can and should become a joyous and life-enhancing activity. That’s our goal. In this session we’ll find motivation to get going.
LOOKING AT YOUR LIFE
Think about your schedule. When are your most convenient or most ideal exercise slots? Why is convenience an important factor in physical fitness success?
What activities do you most enjoy? What sports do you truly dislike and why? Why is having fun an important part of your exercise success?
An exercise partner can provide accountability and encouragement.
Are you the kind of person who likes variety—in your diet, or your clothes, or on vacation? How might a varied exercise regimen help you reach your goals?
Think about your circle of friends and acquaintances. Which friend(s) do you seek out when you . . .
want to laugh?
want to be challenged in your thinking—want a good intellectual exchange?
want to be encouraged and inspired?
need some support?
are looking for wisdom or counsel?
How could you combine some of these friendships with your exercise needs and goals?
LEARNING A NEW WAY OF LIFE
Don’t forget Paul’s words in 1 Timothy 4:8: “Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come” (NLT).
You may decide you prefer to work out alone because it’s the one place in your schedule you can have peace and quiet.
What conclusions can we/should we draw from this verse?
What are the limits of physical exercise? In other words, what can it do for us and not do for us?
What spiritual exercises are part of your daily routine? Why are these disciplines important?
LOSING IT FOR LIFE
As you can see, the decision to exercise will take commitment. Don’t be afraid of that word. You can do this with God’s help and the help of others.
Three kinds of exercise are important for all-around fitness. These are listed in chapter 6. Do you remember what they are and why each is important? Give some examples of each.
Some people who haven’t exercised for many years are put off by the thought of strength training. Maybe it conjures up images of smelly gyms and muscle-bound bodybuilders. What are some strength-training exercises you can do that don’t require a set of weights?
If you do not carve out time for your physical, spiritual, and personal needs, you will burn out, bum out, and bail out by acting out.
What muscles in your body are especially weak?
Why is stretching important?
The LIFL book suggests that we put our fitness goals and routine on paper and set some strict boundaries to guard that time. Why is this an important step? Have you done this? If not, stop and do so now.
Why is it important to start slowly with any new exercise routine?
What good purpose can an exercise journal serve?
