“If we had a drug that did what exercise did, it would be the biggest revolution ever and would be promoted all over the world and be hailed as the greatest achievement of humankind, when all you have to do is go out for a run or a walk.” Professor Greg Wells (University of Toronto)
Wonderfully Made
If we were truly able to comprehend the spectacular, out of this world, design and craftsmanship of the human body, I am convinced that we would not so easily abuse, neglect and misuse our physical bodies. If scientists of every genre are still mining new understandings of the intricacies of the human body, its systems and organs, why then should I be surprised that I am amazed by the marvelous handicraft that I presently occupy? It boggles my mind…does it yours? The wonder of the synchronous harmonies of our flesh and bones?
When I consider these things, I am humbled; I am brought low; and I am grateful for the capacities of strength and endurance my physical body faithfully provides me every day; intuitively I know that its craftsmanship, its design, its beautiful form and function is meant to conjure such awe inspired feelings…not for myself, but for the One who thoughtfully knit me together. I want to remind myself today to be full of awe and gratitude for my physical body and what it allows me to do each and every day. I want to remind myself that I have been given this body, its capabilities for strength and endurance, not only for my needs, but in service to meet the needs of others. It is with these thoughts, these reasons, that I train my physical body every day. And when I do train, I think of these things, and I never cease to be amazed and inspired and grateful.
I thank you, High God–you’re breathtaking! Body and soul, I am marvelously made! I worship in adoration–what a creation! You know me inside and out, you know every bone in my body; You know exactly how I was made, bit by bit, how I was sculpted from nothing into something. Psalm 139:14-15
(from THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language 2002 by Eugene H. Peterson. All rights reserved.)
The Hard Work of Recovery
After a lively day’s work, no one has to tell us at day’s end that we need to rest. But when we begin to grow stronger and fitter in our body because we’ve been adhering to a well planned exercise program, we sometimes forget that the most important part of our work out happens only when we rest. If in our zeal we don’t make adequate opportunities for recovery, then we will soon realize the negative effects of over training (i.e. moodiness, irritability, decrease in performance, lack of energy, tiredness, mild aches and pains, increased number of colds, etc.). If you’re noticing any of these symptoms then add some rest days to your exercise program. To make fitness gains, you must trust the process of each day’s work…and rest. Remember to pace yourself…take the long view on your health and fitness goals. Don’t be a jack rabbit because we know that ‘slow and steady’ wins the race.
There is power in small wins and slow gains. James Clear
Think...Feel...Be....BodyWise! 