Exercise

1 Corinthians 9:24-25 - Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.

When you are stressed or in severe physical pain, adrenalin floods your system. It takes your kidneys at least 20 minutes to filter the adrenalin out of your blood stream. You have to allow your body time to catch up.
 
One way to get rid of all that adrenaline is to exercise. There are many positives to exercising and staying fit: 
 

• Exercising helps your emotional health by releasing endorphins. Endorphins help relieve pain.

 

• Stretching exercises help to control muscle spasms.

 

• Exercise will help you live longer as many medical studies have shown.

 

• Exercising helps you look better by toning your muscles.

 

• And last, but certainly not least, exercise in the long-term improves the quality of your sleep. 

 
You don’t even think about it if you need to take care of your car when it breaks down, yet we often neglect our own body. You may think that not working out helps you avoid pain, but the opposite is true. The more time you take off, between exercise sessions, the more it will hurt the next time.
 
Okay, motivation. How do I get myself to work out? You may be thinking that you already have enough exercise in your day, but hard work and exercise aren’t the same.
 
If it was your child that had to exercise to get better, what would you motivate them with? Here’s a way that may at least get you out the door to the gym or start exercising if you work out at home.
 
On a really down day, try doing only a modified work-out. Some exercise is better than no exercise. Usually though, once you get started working out you’ll keep going.
 
Reward yourself for working out, whether it’s buying that new shirt you’ve wanted, going to a movie, or even getting a little frozen yogurt on the way home. (You noticed, I didn’t say ice cream! Though, hey, that’s what I’d want!) Anyway, seriously, think about what motivates you to do other things and apply it to working out.
 
Being committed to working out is important to God, also. In the verses above the author was encouraging believers to run in such a way to win. This was primarily about our spiritual walk with God, but it can also be applied to exercising. You can’t just exercise every once in a while and expect to see results. Exercise for your body’s sake, but also exercise for God. He will in the end reward your efforts.
 
Select the blue “comments” below and let me know if you exercise regularly and what motivates you to do so. I look forward to hearing from you.
 
*** Please note: Do not attempt any exercises before you consult with your doctor.

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