Physical Exercise as Worship: The Importance of Keeping your Body Fit

Hello my beautiful soul. Have you ever thought of exercise as more than just a way to get fit? What if moving your body could be a form of worship, a way to honour God with every step you take?

How do you treat your body on a daily basis? Do you see your body as a gift from God, a temple for the Holy Spirit?

Many of us struggle with taking care of our bodies. We may indulge in consuming unhealthy foods, binge drinking energy drinks, alcohol and substances, skip workouts, or even engage in harmful habits. This neglect affects our physical health and impacts our spiritual well-being as well.

If we continue to neglect our bodies, it can lead to serious health issues, decreased energy, and a sense of disconnection from God. Our bodies are sacred temples, and when we don't take care of them, we miss out on the fullness of life God intends for us.

The good news is that change is possible. By viewing exercise as an act of worship and self-love, we can transform our approach to physical health and honor God in the process. Let's review some practical strategies to move our bodies for God's glory.

Understanding the Importance of Treating Your Body as a Temple

God created our bodies as temples for His Spirit. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 says, "Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore, honor God with your bodies." When we treat our bodies carelessly, we are not honoring the gift He has given us. Taking care of our physical health is a way to worship and glorify God.

I used to treat my body carelessly, eating junk food, drinking poisonous alcohol and harmful substances, and avoiding exercise all together, Yikes. This lifestyle made me feel lethargic and disconnected from my faith. I remember nights of heavy drinking, followed by mornings of regret and actual physical pain, the headaches were a torture. 

I felt lost and unworthy. When I started loving and respecting my body, I realized that my body is a sacred temple unto the Lord, I knew I had to change. Understanding that I house the Holy Spirit motivated me to start treating my body with the respect it deserves.

Imagine if you were given a beautiful, rare vase to take care of. You wouldn't throw it around or fill it with garbage, would you?

You would handle it with delicate care and honor its beauty. Our bodies are like that vase, and we need to treat them with the same respect.

Practical Strategies to Honor God with Your Body Through Exercise

Set Realistic Fitness Goals:

• Start small and gradually increase your activity level. Aim for consistency rather than perfection. I do sit ups while in bed, because I am a warrior princess and who says workouts need to be like military training? Celebrate small victories along the way. Every small step counts.
  

Find Activities You Enjoy:

• Choose exercises that make you happy, whether it's dancing, walking, swimming, or playing a sport. You can try tennis, netball, volleyball. Exercise should be a joyful expression, not a chore.
  

Integrate Exercise into Your Daily Routine:

• Make it a habit by scheduling it into your day. Combine it with other activities, like listening to worship music or praying while you walk. Make it fun and enjoyable.

Think of exercise like brushing your teeth. It's a daily habit that keeps you healthy. You might not always enjoy it, but you do it because you know it's good for you.

Proof That Change is Possible

When you start to see exercise as worship, you experience a huge transformation. You feel more energetic and in a high vibration, your mood improves, you gain mental clarity, your productivity increases, and you feel closer to God. Physical health positively impacts your spiritual journey. You have more stamina and your endurance level increases. 

Since I started viewing exercise as a way to honor God, I've noticed significant changes in my life. I have more energy, I feel happier, and my relationship with God has deepened. I've learned that taking care of my body is not just about me; it's about glorifying God.

Just as regular maintenance keeps a car running smoothly, regular exercise keeps our bodies functioning well. When we take care of our physical health, we are better equipped to serve God and others.

Here is a simple Princess Beginner's Workout Plan you can start

Weekly Schedule:

• Monday: Full Body Workout (Warm up, squats, pilates, planks, sit-ups & cool down) (15 minutes)

• Tuesday: Cardio (light walking, jogging, cycling, or dancing) (30 minutes)

• Wednesday: Rest or Light Activity

• Thursday: Upper Body Workout (10 minutes)

• Friday: Cardio (30 minutes)

• Saturday: Lower Body Workout (Warm up, lunges, glute bridges, calf raises) (20 minutes)

• Sunday: Rest or Light Activity

Healthy Living Recommendation

1. Nutrition: Fuel Your Body with God’s Gifts

• Eat Whole Foods: Focus on whole, unprocessed foods like fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, and healthy fats.

• Hydrate: Drink plenty of water throughout the day. Aim for at least 8 glasses.

• Balanced Diet: Make sure your meals include a balance of protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats.

• Moderation: Enjoy treats in moderation. It’s okay to have your favourite snacks, just not all the time.
  

Toria Indie preparing a nutritious and delicious organic meal

2. Rest: Prioritize Sleep and Recovery

• Sleep: Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night. Your body heals and regenerates during rest.

• Rest Days: Incorporate rest days into your workout routine to allow your muscles to recover and grow.

Toria engaging in meditation and prayer out in nature

3. Mental and Spiritual Health: Connect with God

• Prayer and Meditation: Spend time daily in prayer and meditation, reflecting on God’s word and seeking His guidance.

• Stress Management: Practice stress-relief techniques like deep breathing, journaling, and spending time in nature.
  

4. Consistency: Small Steps Lead to Big Changes

• Stay Consistent: Consistency is key. Even on days when motivation is low, commit to doing something active.

Try this

Start small. Choose one activity you enjoy and commit to doing it regularly and gradually increase the intensity and duration. Remember that every movement can be an act of worship to God.

Your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit. Treat it with the care and respect it deserves and let every step you take be for God's glory.

As always, stay faithful. I love you.