When you think about starting to exercise, what emotions come to the surface? What pictures come to mind?
Faithful Step 9 – Start Exercise Where You Actually Are
During my own 100lb weight-loss journey, I began with NO exercise for the first month. It felt overwhelming. And I recognized that I needed some time to adjust to a new rhythm of life. After the first month, I began walking one mile a day, three times a week. That was a reasonable place for me to begin given my activity level. In time, I increased to four miles, four to five times a week.
Eventually, I added resistance bands, a low-impact rowing machine, and a short HIIT routine. Over a year and a half, my activity and fitness changed dramatically. However, it was NOT by any means quick. I got there by beginning small, listening to my body, and adding movement as I was ready.
The right starting place will look different for each person. Take the time to carefully consider what forms of exercise you actually enjoy, what length of time you can honestly protect, and any physical limitations or medical conditions you may need to take into account. The goal is attainability and faithfully practice.
Romans 5 points us toward a valuable principle: the patient work of endurance, “suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope”. And though the context is suffering because of the gospel, the principle is still solid and applicable. A short walk, a few minutes of gentle movement, or another appropriate beginning can become a place where patience endurance grows. Jesus is Lord of the journey, including its pace.
Faithful Step 10 – Don’t Journey Alone
We weren’t designed to journey alone. Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 speaks of the strength of shared life, “Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble…”. Our workbook connects this to the relational love of God. Because we are made in God’s image, we long for loving, authentic relationships.
In my own journey, I invited my wife to walk with me. Those walks gave us room to decompress from the day and dream together. I also invited her into the larger weight-loss journey, and it truly made all the difference. Your companion may be a spouse, a trusted friend, a coach, or a small group. The point isn’t to hand someone a clipboard. It’s to invite someone who can help you be honest and encouraged.
The goal is attainability and faithfully practice.
One Question to Reflect on Today
Who should I invite into my weight-loss journey?
And remember: you don’t have to begin with an intense workout plan. Begin where you actually are. Choose a sustainable next step. Invite someone safe. Then bring both your movement plan and relationships to Jesus and ask Him to lead you.
Invitation
Click the button at the top of this page to download my FREE workbook, “The Next Faithful Step: A Christ-Centered Weight Loss Journey“.
