Hi there! Let’s continue our chat about exercise. It’s one of those things that can be a love-hate relationship for many of us. But it’s worth diving into because of the incredible stress-relieving benefits it brings, both directly and indirectly. So, on our quest to lower stress and cortisol levels, exercise is definitely a topic worth exploring.
Most of us don’t have super physical jobs, right? Which is why we’re even talking about exercise. Exercise actually gives us energy that we would have naturally if our jobs were more physical in nature. But before we dive into how exercise gives us energy, let’s talk about this verse from Isaiah that I absolutely love. It’s not often we connect it to exercise, but it talks about how waiting for and following God’s ways gives us energy and endurance. And guess what? God made our bodies to move, so when we’re exercising, we’re actually doing things His way.
How many of us can walk or run endlessly without needing a break? Probably not many, right? And that’s actually normal. God also created our bodies to rest, finding that balance is key and by the end of this short series on exercise, you will hopefully have more clarity on how to work in that balance. But since exercise actually gives you energy, it’s worth looking at exactly how we get that energy boost from exercise and how we can use it to fuel our passions and work in God’s kingdom. So, I hope you are ready to dive in.
Most of us probably never thought about exercise in terms of energy or independence when we were young because, well, we had plenty of energy and were independent, right? When we were younger, if we exercised, it was likely for the social perks of doing fun things with friends or to look good. And there’s nothing wrong with that! But there’s a whole world of reasons to exercise that go beyond the surface-level stuff.
I don’t know where you stand on this, but I’ve heard a lot of people talk about exercise in terms of “should.” You know, like, “I should work out because I need to lose weight” or “I should hit the gym because the doctor said so. But honestly, how often do we stick with something long-term if it’s just driven by a sense of obligation?
For me, I spent years in the “offsetting a bad diet” camp. Yep, I was guilty of emotional eating, which led to some unwanted pounds. So, my motivation for exercising wasn’t exactly because I loved it or because I knew all the amazing benefits it had in store for me. However, two of the best things about exercise are actually maintaining awesome energy levels and keeping our independence intact as we age. That’s worth a lot!
I’ve noticed something in my neck of the woods—many older people who aren’t active end up struggling with balance issues, falls, and relying on walkers. Not exactly something I look forward to. I don’t know about you, but I definitely don’t want to be dependent on a walker if I can help it. Staying active is a weapon against losing our independence and preventing those pesky age-related injuries. Plus, it keeps our spirits high and helps us avoid the stress of recovery, which let’s face it, gets tougher as we age.
In Proverbs 31:17 it says, “She dresses herself with strength and makes her arms strong.” Sounds like a workout routine to me, doesn’t it? While she may not have been hitting the dumbbells like we might today, she definitely worked hard. God equips us to be strong and independent so we can do His good work. That’s the whole point, isn’t it? We’re exercising to stay purposeful until the very end of our lives.
The thought of reaching a point where I feel completely immobile and purposeless? It’s pretty unappealing. If there’s anything I can do to prevent that, count me in! Even as we age and certain activities become more challenging, there are still plenty of ways to maintain optimal health for our age.
2 Timothy 4:7-8 talks about fighting the good fight and finishing the race. Exercising is actually part of that fight! It trains us in discipline, self-control, and endurance—all qualities that are pretty essential in life. Plus, it boosts our cognitive and mental functions, keeping us sharp and resilient against the enemy’s tricks. When you Google benefits of exercise, you will see multiple mentions of the benefits of self-control that it creates, the discipline and the endurance it creates. It directly impacts how you live your life and the choices that you make.
Hebrews 12:12-13 says, ‘Therefore, lift your drooping hands and strengthen your weak knees, and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be put out of joint but rather be healed.’ So strengthening actually has great benefits on the rest of our beings. So, as Hebrews talks about this, usually we interpret it metaphorically, but I think if we do this physically too, it can bring us great benefits. So let’s look at these benefits.
When we talk about exercise, we often think about the physical and maybe even the emotional benefits. But did you know that these benefits also extend to our spiritual well-being? Let’s break it down a bit. First off, the physical perks are pretty remarkable. Exercise is like a shield for our bodies, preserving our health and vitality, especially as we age. It decreases the risk of practically every chronic disease, strengthens bones and muscles, and boosts our energy levels. Plus, it even helps detoxify our system, giving our body a much-needed break from everyday toxins. Another amazing thing about exercise is how it boosts your immunity. Increased circulation means more oxygen and nutrients delivered to every nook and cranny of your body. To top it off, it gives us reduced pain and better posture.
It also does wonders for our emotional well-being. Walking, in particular, has been shown to be as effective as medication in fighting depression. I’m still amazed by that fact! It’s all thanks to those feel-good endorphins flooding our system as we move. Plus, exercising boosts confidence, aids in trauma recovery, and sharpens our problem-solving skills. It’s like a holistic therapy session with every move!
These physical and emotional benefits directly impact our spiritual journey. With clearer minds, better decision-making, and increased energy, we’re better equipped to hear and respond to the voice of God. So, whether you’re hitting the pavement or busting a move in your living room, know that every step you take is not just for your body and mind, but for your spirit too.
I’m a bit wimpy when it comes to exercising in rain or cold. If I had to rely on outdoor workouts, I’d probably end up hibernating half the year! That’s why I had to find a routine that works rain or shine. Make sure you figure out if you need an indoor plan too. But if you’re all about braving the elements, more power to you! The key is finding what works for you and rolling with it. After all, consistency is key.
Timing is important to figure out too. Through more error than trial I discovered after work exercise just wasn’t happening for me. So I chose to get it done second thing in the morning right after my time with God. Research shows exercise opens up a network of capillaries equal to the circumference of the Earth. Mind. Blown. That’s why I love squeezing in a workout first thing in the morning – it gets my body revved up for the day ahead. But if evenings are more your jam, go for it! Just remember if you do it too close to bedtime it may interfere with your sleep.
Now, let’s talk warm-ups and stretching. You don’t need to spend ages prepping your muscles. If you’re hitting it first thing in the AM, start with a little marching in place, throw in some side twists, maybe a couple of squats, and a few push-ups—nothing too intense, just enough to get your blood pumping for a couple of minutes.
As for stretching, here’s my take: if you’re injury-prone, definitely stretch before and after your warm-up. But if you’re feeling good, try this out—warm up first, get your workout done, and then hit the stretches when you’re nice and hot from the workout.
Here’s my my post-workout routine—I always finish off with a cool down, and for me, that means walking. If you’ve read the previous post you already know this gem. Walking is like the holy grail of stress reduction. Seriously, I don’t have links of studies but I know the studies have been done. Walking works wonders in bringing down cortisol levels—the stress hormone that we definitely want to keep in check. Because let’s face it, when cortisol is running high, nothing in our bodies is working as smoothly as it should.
When you exercise, your body kicks up some stress hormones—it’s all part of the process, like a good kind of stress. But after you’ve pushed yourself, it’s time to bring those levels back down, especially if you’re dealing with chronic stress. And that’s where walking comes in. But I’m not talking about power walking here. What I’m referring to is that easy, stroll where you can chat away without feeling like you’re gasping for air. Think of it as movement, not intense exercise. This kind of walking? Pure magic for calming those taxed hormones.
I hope you found this post inspiring! In the next one, I’ll dive into the nitty-gritty details of what to consider for your workout, sprinkled with a bit of science to keep you motivated. I get it, it can feel like a lot to take in all at once. So, remember to start small and gentle—no need to overhaul your entire routine overnight. Every journey starts with a single step, right? So, what’s one thing you’re going to take away from this and implement into your routine?
I love mixing prayer with walking. A great way to clear my mind and focus on The Lord. You are so right in that it helps with depression too. 🩷
Prayer walks are amazing! I’m go happy to hear you enjoy them! 🥰
So many benefits to physical exercise! It definitely provides spiritual clarity for me. 🙌
Wonderful! I love that you already experience this! 🥰