A Theology of Working Out

Let's talk about exercise!

Today Fr. Mike challenges us to re-evaluate the way we treat and view our bodies as well as to compare the difference between doing a workout and training whether for a race, competition or towards a goal and that same approach to growing in the spiritual life.

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[nonya]

"Father, bless me for these gainz I am about to receive."

[pablomoon]

A prayer I often like to use before and during training is "Heavenly father, accept this sacrifice and keep me safe from injury, that by this training I may be honed as a sharp tool for the coming of your kingdom"

[joecardone]

Please pray for my family and I. We’re struggling financially and in the midst of some tough trials! Thank you!

[annk]

You have changed my life for the better father Mike. I’m stage 4 terminal cancer and you get me out of some dark moments. God bless you. 🙏🏽💓

[ralphangioli]

One important thing to add, any athlete preparing for a competition will tell you nutrition is key. You can be in the gym all day long training hard but if you’re living on junk food you’re banging your head against the wall. The same goes for training the soul. In order to properly train the soul we need to regularly take the proper nutrition, that being Jesus in the Holy Eucharist.

[GanEdenHolisticHealth]

I love this, Father! I’m a Catholic and also a fitness instructor and this makes me so happy to see a Catholic priest give us a theological foundation for working out! It makes me very sad to see so many Catholics that place all of their effort and emphasis on the spirit; on going to Mass, reading the scriptures, serving in ministry and going on retreats, but at the same time they are overweight, unfit and unkempt because they have this deep-set belief that working out, being fit, eating healthy and dressing and presenting yourself well is just vanity! When it’s not that at all (unless taken to an extreme). Giving physical fitness and taking pride in one’s appearance it’s due attention is part of good stewardship over one of God’s greatest gifts to us which is our physical body. It’s also part of having a spirit of excellence and being a whole, well-rounded person. I can tell that you work out, Father Mike! And you look great and I’m sure you feel great too and will hopefully last us a long time! Keep up the training!!

[Angel]

I'm 27 years old. I started working out, lifting weights, intermittent fasting, about a year ago; with the main goal of losing weight. I started at 208lbs, and I'm down to 150.

Believe me when I say I was not close to God a year ago, nor was God even in my mind at the time. However, as I began working out every day, progressing in my weight loss, I began to stop doing the things I never intended to stop doing, such as smoking weed, tobacco, drinking, and staying up late, you name it. All those things I wanted to do suddenly became things I felt the urge to stop doing, I no longer wanted them or needed them. Instead I was feeling good by working out, eating less through the day, and getting adequate rest. It has definitely brought some clarity now, mental health wise. I've been inspiring to people close to me, and it has pushed me to keep going and be an example for everyone in my life.

Only then, now, has there been a sense of, or a feeling for seeking God and Jesus. Like a gravity that I can't explain, like all of a sudden an urge to learn again about God.
Although I'm baptized Catholic as a baby, it was only in name. Since high school, I've been mostly agnostic about God and always questioned the existence of God.

Now, I'm a month into the B.I.Y. via Spotify, currently in the book of Exodus, thinking about buying the great adventure bible to read along instead of just listening in the car on the way to work. Who would've thought? This all started because I decided it was time to get my body in shape, at least thats what I accredit to.

I've still got a long journey to getting close to God and embracing the Catholic faith. The fact though, this was the first denomination to call to me speaks volumes. My mother is a Jehovah's Witness and most of my family are Protestant Christians. My grandma is the only Catholic that remains, yet still, Catholicism seemed the most natural calling to me.

Just want to say, to any one who reads this to keep pushing yourself to becoming a better person, and the rest will follow. Thank you.

[OutRayGeousVideoProductions]

(Jan 2024) I am an ice hockey goalie, soon to be age 63. I do weight training for general fitness and goalie specific reps. I exercise for strength and mobility, and I stay within myself. I don't need to set world records! I also stretch while watching TV. I have a good diet and maintain my desired weight (5'9" 180 lbs). I have cheat days too. I don't drink or smoke.

I ALWAYS thank The Good Lord for being able to exercise and play my favorite sport. I am, in a non vanity way, an inspiration for younger players who see me an say that they hope to be able to continue playing as I have.

My body is a temple! And I plan to keep on going until I no longer can.

Thank You Fr. Mike for this video. I am going to share this.

[Joeonline]

Fr. Mike is correct. 'Going to the gym' has become a supreme expression of the atomized neoliberal self, full of people chasing 'goals' too superficial and abstract to ever be attained.

[PetitHibou]

This is SO healing to see a Catholic leader address the body at all. The fact that so much of my Catholic upbringing denied the body’s existence (basically) was not helpful, spiritually, ethically, and had me overcompensating in the other direction. Thank you for starting this conversation Father Mike and I truly hope it continues and deepens. 🕊🙏🏼 💛 Many blessings on your work, for the glory of God

[danmj]

Listening to this while working and and getting ready for a powerlifting competition....no ego for me, all glory to God for allowing me to be in good health. Definitely a good message, I need to train the spirit more!

[ryanmovesu]

As a Personal Trainer I have but one thing to say, PREACH!! You were dropping BARS in this video. Not all "exercise" is actually Exercise. Now, let's all TRAIN to be the best we can be. God Bless, now pick up that Iron !!

[burningbright]

In 1 Timothy it says "Train yourself in godliness, 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." (4:7-8). I find this passage helpful to reflect on because while I find great enjoyment in physical exercise, I need to make sure I am not making an idol out of it.

Good physical health is great, but good spiritual health is essential.

[CarpDiemBaby]

I train hard physically, but sometimes my spiritual training is lacking. A good reminder to treat both body and soul as equals

[joiemoie]

Wonderful Father Mike! I had the exact same thoughts earlier! I was thinking that as Catholics we should work out and dress well, without seeking vanity. We should display our love for Christ through a well trained body and modest wear.

[christianmckay]

As a Born Again Christian and Personal Trainer I greatly appreciate this message. God Bless

[fiteatscoach]

I'm so glad you filmed this video. Many clients I've worked with for 22 years abuse their bodies with unhealthy foods and unhealthy habits then they go on a "workout kick" and want to be whipped into shape with hard workouts. When I ask what their ultimate goal or purpose is they say nothing meaningful and THAT is the biggest obstacle to building strength, endurance and flexibility for physical/mental/spiritual health. You can's just show up and go through the motions. You have to train with purpose. Thank you for pointing out the similarities of my clients workout mindset to my current prayer situation. This is so transformative for me.

[danishkamoves]

As a former athlete and Christian, this hit home and inspired me so much. Thank you!

[lslawyer]

I work out as much as I can every morning - I'm disabled and working at getting my legs strong enough so I can walk. It's a challenge, but eventually I'll get there. I really love praying the rosary most of the time - I am able to go deeply into meditation and the world disappears and I'm just sitting there with God. Sometimes I just sit there. Sometimes he shows me what he wants of me. And other times he shows me how my prayers are being answered for someone else to be protected. It's all good.

[itstymyguy]

"It doesn't necessarily have to be any more difficult... it's simply more intentional." This hits home for me. I always feel like I have to increase in my strength, in my wisdom, & in my knowledge, and that better means more difficult. But no... training doesn't have to be more difficult than working out, but it does have to be guided towards a higher goal. Thank you Fr. Mike!