Quick Bio/Reason for starting a blog:
I am a 30 year old follower of Jesus and a personal trainer who is interested in spiritual growth. In recent months I've seen many ways that my faith and my fitness intersect, and I wanted to have a place to process the ways that the two are connected. I would like to encourage and "build up" anyone who stumbles onto this blog, as well as share what God is showing me. I want to explore all of the fun aspects of fitness that I love, as well as examine the deeper spiritual metaphors that abound in physical exercise.
I didn't always love exercise...the first 25 years of my life I exercised only sporadically. I would try a workout that was too tough for me, get discouraged, and quit. I told myself I just wasn't meant to be "athletic." I HATED running (and I still do! ha)...and I thought that all fit people had to be good runners.
When I was 25, I started doing a lot of research about health and fitness and I became very interested in the creative side of planning workouts and classes, playlists, etc. It was the first time I thought that fitness could be enjoyable! I started thinking of it as my own artistic medium, and it turned out to be a great stress reliever too! I looked forward to my workouts all day...I was hooked! I became a group exercise instructor, then a personal trainer, and now I can't imagine anything more rewarding for me. The connections people make with each other through exercise, and the deep transformations and healing...what a blessing to be a part of that!
As wonderful as I think physical fitness is, I know that nothing in life can completely satisfy me like having a relationship with Jesus Christ. This Bible verse sums up my philosophy on exercise: "For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come." (I Timothy 4:8).
What I'm learning in my faith:
I've been contemplating Bible passages that use the metaphor of "clothing yourself." Putting on a virtue like putting on a garment. For example:
"...All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another..." (I Peter 5:5)
"She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come." (Proverbs 31:25)
"I delight greatly in the Lord; my soul rejoices in my God. For He has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of His righteousness..." (Isaiah 61:10)
"Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience." (Colossians 3:12)
When I want to motivate myself to exercise, I lay out my workout clothes so that I'm prepared to go to the gym. What if I prepared myself for the day by asking God to "clothe" me with these attributes, all reflections of His character?
What I'm learning at the gym:
I've been having a lot of fun exploring CrossFit style workouts. CrossFit is intriguing to me, mostly because it is creative and very functional...you use mutliple muscle groups and your heart rate is elevated the entire workout! I've been doing research about the metabolic benefits of this type of workout. And also...I am even starting to like the dorky socks CrossFitters wear!
What I don't like about CrossFit: I don't like the emphasis on speed rather than form. I don't like swinging while doing pull-ups (I call it cheating...sorry!). I also have back issues with the squats and deadlifts. So, with CrossFit, just like anything else...use what works for you, and leave behind what doesn't!
Here's a quick, fun little circuit to try. You need a rowing machine and a kettlebell:
Rowing Machine: 30 sec moderate pace, 30 sec sprint
30 sec wall squat
30 sec plank
Repeat 2x
Kettlebell:
20 swings/20 goblet squats/20 presses (2 hands) - no rest
rest 1 min and repeat
What I'm reading:
"Freedom From Performing" by Becky Harling
I can't recommend this book enough...it is changing the way I think about grace and God's love. And also helping me to let go of "people pleasing"...it's a great read with stories from real individuals who have learned how to live abundantly in God's grace.
What I'm listening to:
"Fix You" by Coldplay...I feel that this song portrays the way so many of us feel when we are getting started (or starting over), and obstacles seem insurmountable.
"When you try your best but you don't succeed
When you get what you want but not what you need
When you feel so tired but you can't sleep
Stuck in reverse
And the tears come streaming down your face
When you lose something you can't replace
When you love someone but it goes to waste
What could be worse?
Lights will guide you home
And ignite your bones..."
"When you try your best but you don't succeed
When you get what you want but not what you need
When you feel so tired but you can't sleep
Stuck in reverse
And the tears come streaming down your face
When you lose something you can't replace
When you love someone but it goes to waste
What could be worse?
Lights will guide you home
And ignite your bones..."
