How to Get Fit

 I had an epiphany this morning as I sat contemplating some of the common misnomers about getting physically fit and how often they parallel common misunderstandings about how to become spiritually "fit."  It is very common for people to think that in order to get in shape they must spend hours in the gym or working out, literally kill their bodies, sweat their brains out, and be breathing so hard they can barely think.  The truth, though, is that there is a time for this kind of activity, but it is not until you are already at an good level of fitness.  For most individuals who are looking to get to a healthy fitness level, there is a general process that moves gradually to accommodate the physiological changes in the body and it's abilities.  The process does not need to be pushed or rushed, but done in response to the body's growing capabilities.  For those who are coming from a sedentary lifestyle, it is great to begin with 20-30 minutes 5-6 times a week, and working at a level of 40-60% of their maximum heart rate.  This is not an incredibly "intense" level, but it is exactly what the body and heart need to get things moving in the right direction.  Once this level is done with ease, it is time to step it up a notch.  Moving to about 45 or so minutes a day, 6 days a week, with a goal of 60-80% maximum heart rate will accomplish this goal.  At this pace, talking is more difficult, sweat is coming regularly, and the heart gets a great workout.  Mixed in with this activity should be a few days of weight training to ensure the muscles also get a proper workout.  Anywhere past this heart rate action is considered anaerobic activity, which is great in small doses, but if continued for longer periods of time it does not offer the same gains as sticking with a range of 60-80%.  The typical reason for such activity is to experience specific physical gains and changes, such as to complete a marathon.  The average person does not need to work to this level to get great results.  Thankfully, Beachbody knows all about this and has designed programs to accommodate for these changes and to facilitate an easy transition as your body gets stronger and more capable of higher intensity.  They provide basic, intermediate, and advanced programs, but you need to be realistic with your current level of fitness.  If you get a program or follow a workout regime that is too intense too fast, it is easy to burn out from exhaustion, mental intensity, and physical injury.  Getting the right program for your level of fitness is critical!


In a similar way, I understand that many people tend to think that they need to do bible study for hours a day in order to grow.  This is not the truth, either.  The truth is that starting small and regular is more important!  Spending 10-15 minutes in study 6-7 days a week will provide immense gains in spiritual understanding.  Gradually, as this understanding naturally progresses, it is typical to spend more time studying, but this happens naturally and gradually.  Again, it should not be "pushed."  Your spiritual muscles will let you know when it is best to "advance to the next level."  The most important thing, though, is to be in study almost every day.  Getting study, or a workout, for 3-4 hours one day a week will not benefit you nearly as much as 6-7 days of a shorter dose!