If you follow me on Twitter or Facebook (and if you don’t, why not?), you know that I’ve become a bit annoying with all my gym talk. I post photos of my workouts and comment about my “Double Mondays”. I’m not doing it to be that guy who brags about all he’s doing in the gym. But, there is a reason why I’m making sure to keep people aware of my time in the gym.
Let me explain.
I’ve never been a fitness guy. I didn’t play organized sports growing up (with the exception of one season of softball when I was 12). After all, we moved two or three times a year, not exactly the right environment to plug into an organized team.
When we launched Bikers Church, we did a weight-loss challenge. About a dozen people signed up, and each month we weighed in and challenged one another. None of us knew what we were doing, but it did spark something in many of those who participated. For me, it was the beginning of an on and off relationship with the gym. I saw small results, but never really jumped in with both feet.
This past summer, I was at the heaviest I’ve ever been. I stopped getting on the scale when I hit 260 lbs. My 38 inch jeans were starting to feel a little tight, and I hated how I looked in the mirror. At the same time, my doctor began to worry about the stress in my life and how high my blood pressure was getting. I was a heart attack waiting to happen.
A friend began working out at Hostyle Conditioning. He kept telling me how much I would enjoy it and that I should go with him. I was dismissive. I didn’t want to fail again. I didn’t like the idea of working out in a small group. I didn’t want to be the guy who couldn’t keep up with a bunch of muscleheads.
However, I had to do something.
Finally, I went to a class at Hostlye. I was hooked. It was nothing like I expected. After the first week, I suddenly had hope … I can do this. And, I have. In the five+ months I’ve been working out, I have dropped all kinds of weight. I can’t say how much exactly, because I still don’t weigh myself. I know it’s a lot. I’ve also dropped 3.5 inches off my waist.
Why am I doing it? Because I feel good. I have more energy, more focus. My body feels good, my mind is strong, and my blood pressure is dropping. I can’t think of one negative thing about working out like I am.
Why am I doing it so publicly? A few reasons. The first is a very selfish reason. It keeps me accountable. As a pastor, my life is very public. I stand before hundreds of people every week. They know — and can see — how I’m doing at the gym. Every week, I’m asked by more than a few people how it’s going at the gym.
Second, I’m doing it publicly in hopes of getting others to join with me. Now, I’m not an “evangelist” for Hostyle. While I think it’s an amazing place with some of the most inspirational people around, it’s just one option. It’s more expensive than the big chain gyms, but there’s a reason for that: you get a more focused, personal workout. In many ways, I feel like I have a personal trainer leading me everytime I workout. Plus, Hostyle focuses on the entire body. If you just want huge arms, go to a gym and pound some weights. If you want to get healthy and fit all over, find a place like Hostyle.
The point is, I hope to inspire others to get off their behinds and get fit. The Bible tells us that our bodies are God’s temple. We are responsible to treat it right (1 Corinthians 6:19–20). Many Christians are quick to use that passage to challenge people who smoke or engage in unhealthy sexual behaviour, but we ignore it when it comes to gluttony or laziness.
This past week, I quoted Jesus’ words in Mark 12:30, where he answers the question, “What is the greatest commandment?” He replies, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength.” We often focus on loving God with our heart. This week at the church, we’re talking about loving God with our mind. But, let’s not forget that God wants us to love him with our strength.
So, let me challenge those who may not be doing much to get fit. Why not start doing something? Even if it’s walking some stairs, or riding a bicycle. Just start. If you can get to a gym, great. But even if you can’t, find something you can do at home. Another thing I love about Hostyle is how willing they are to share their workouts. You can go to their website (www.hostyleconditioning.com) and you’ll find routines you can do at home.
Just do something. You’ll be happy you did.
