Why do you want to get in shape?
When it comes to getting healthier, taking care of our bodies and getting in shape all of us have different motivations.
I wonder what yours is?
For me, it flows out of my love and appreciation for life itself. I want to stay as healthy and able as I can for as long as I can so that I can make the most of the short time I have on this incredible journey we call life.
I want to live another 50 years, and I don’t just want to have a long lifespan; I want a long HEALTH span.
And I want that because of my zeal for life. I’m a firm believer that this life is a gift and we are supposed to make the most of it. So in response to this great gift I’ve been given, I want to be a good steward of my body.
It’s how I honor the one who created it. That’s my why - but what’s yours?
And what are the right reasons to get in shape? Are some better and worse?
I think so.
In my last post, I talked about how what we do with our bodies is an expression of our spiritual life.
But it’s not as simple as physically healthy = spiritually healthy, because there are all sorts of twisted motivations that could drive us to the gym.
For example:
Maybe you’re motivated by a chronic sense of insecurity. A feeling that you’re not good enough, that you’ll never measure up.
Maybe there is a kind of self-hatred that drives you to get in better shape.
I’d argue that this isn’t God’s best for you.
Remember that you’re fearfully and wonderfully made. Loved unconditionally by God, not hated. So why would you hate yourself? Why hate the gift God gave you?
Or maybe you’re on the other end of the spectrum and it’s a kind of vanity that drives you.
You want to be better than everyone.
You want people to look at you and admire you.
Maybe for you, fitness and health has become a kind of an idol - a way to puff yourself up and draw attention to yourself. Maybe a kind of pride is what drives you.
I’d argue that this also is not God’s best for you.
Pride is the root of all kinds of spiritual unhealth, and if that’s what is driving you to get and stay in shape then you’re missing the point.
It’s not a good long-term strategy, because no matter how proud you are of your body today, at some point, it is going to age and break down. You won’t be able to hang your hat on your washboard abs forever.
Instead, I think the right motivation for getting and staying in shape is to make the most of the gift you’ve been given: this body, this life and the relationships you have.
It should be about being able to keep up with your kids.
Living a long life so you can be there for your family.
Finding joy in the movement itself.
Helping your body to function the way God intended.
Having your “why” in place is SO important if you want to actually make lasting change in your life.
In H40 (our 40-day guided health sprint), we encourage participants to get crystal clear on their why, because when it gets tough, this is what you’ll come back to over and over.
We’ve seen all kinds of answers to this question.
Some people want more energy. They want to thrive and love their lives instead of feeling dragged through life every day.
Others have said they want to be able to walk their kids down the aisle.
Others know that they aren’t stewarding their body to be all that it could be and they’re ready to change that.
H40 is our 40-day guided health sprint designed to transform your physical and mental health from the inside out. It's not just another fitness program. H40 is a comprehensive approach that integrates exercise, nutrition, mental health practices, and lifestyle changes to help you build sustainable, healthy habits.
During the 40 days, you'll receive:
Daily Guidance: Each day, you'll get actionable steps and inspiration to keep you on track.
Weekly Focus Areas: We cover different aspects of health each week, from nutrition to mental wellness to physical fitness.
Community Support: Join a community of like-minded individuals who are on the same journey, providing support and motivation.
Holistic Approach: We emphasize the interconnectedness of physical health, mental health, and your environment, ensuring a balanced approach to wellness.
Oh yeah, and it’s completely free.
Click this button to find out more and get on the waitlist today. Our next sprint starts July 21st and I’d LOVE you to be a part of it.
So what’s your why? What drives you to get in shape and stay in shape? Let me know in the comments below.
Live Free,
Greg
Opmerkingen