Does your Fitness "F" need adjusting?

“For while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.”

1 Timothy 4:8

 The New "Smoking"

Research now shows that a sedentary lifestyle from sitting in office chairs is the new “smoking” when it comes to the harm it does to our health. I experienced this firsthand when I transitioned from a job that required me to be on my feet most of the day to a remote job in my home office. My physical therapist realized that a lack of ankle and hip mobility caused a knee injury I had at the time. Now, I use a standing desk that can be raised or lowered throughout the day to alternate between standing and sitting.

Moving is Essential

Unfortunately, standing throughout the day is not enough. We must move our bodies, raise our heart rate, and incorporate resistance training. I am a runner and have enjoyed it for the past two decades. My dad was a runner, and that was something my sister and I both “caught” from him. However, I am learning in my 40s that, even though I really enjoy running and cycling, I need to include other forms of movement for long-term health and longevity.

Adjustments?

Where does your plan need adjusting in the fitness realm? Mine had to change to include mobility, stability, plyometrics, and core work alongside resistance training, which forced me to dial back my running. I don’t particularly enjoy these exercises, but I want to stay mobile and active with my family through my 3rd and 4th quarters of life.

When Paul wrote to his disciple Timothy, he encouraged him to focus on godliness, which holds value for both this life and eternity. Yet he also acknowledged that physical training has value for our present life as well (1 Timothy 4:8).

Practical Steps

If you need to add more movement to your routine, try taking a few practical steps. If you use a standing desk, do a few air squats every half hour to keep the blood flowing. Go for a walk after dinner, try dedicated mobility exercises, or incorporate strength training three days a week. If you have access to a pull-up bar, try hanging from it as long as you can to build grip strength—research surprisingly shows that grip strength can be a strong indicator of overall longevity!

Find physical activities you enjoy that keep you mobile, so you have the energy and strength to accomplish God’s purposes for your life.

John Gore

MD5 Facilitator