The concept of fitness has been around for centuries. In Ancient Rome there was an idea that physical perfection could only be achieved by celibacy—going to bed every night to rest, eat, and sweat. But with enlightenment came more awareness about body image, which led to the rise of health clubs in cities such as New York and Los Angeles. Fitness centers began to open in churches and gyms for those who couldn't afford them. Now even though fitness isn’t the same thing as spiritual fitness—and you don’t necessarily get your spiritual needs met through exercising—there are many practices that can help you become stronger and healthier in both realms. Here are some examples.
Exercise Is Part Of Faith-Based Healing
Faith-based healing is an ancient practice dating back to times before Christ’s death on the cross. It involves prayer, meditation, music, dancing, chanting, and other activities to help people feel better physically, emotionally, spiritually, or both. You may find yourself feeling the need to run a few miles after a service or class, but it would be more helpful if you had just let your spirit do its work, too. Think about how much prayer, devotion, and community can change lives. When someone else is looking out for you, you can put yours first. With faith in mind, you can walk into the gym confident that your body and mind will be healthy. Spiritual fitness allows you to connect with God, meaning you’re not alone. Your spiritual body, a small portion of your soul, is more powerful than your physical one. As an extra bonus, it can also help you stay motivated when things get tough. While we know that the word "spiritual" applies to any belief system, it's especially important as a part of fitness for Black women like yourself because historically, we have often been excluded from these spaces due to our race. However, recent studies show that African American women in particular have lower levels of self confidence in the arts than white women, making us susceptible to negative body images and an overall lack of confidence in ourselves. As a result of this cultural difference, Black women need additional support in order to overcome self-esteem issues and create positive space inside their bodies so they can improve overall wellness. Spiritual fitness can help provide this support because many African Americans believe in the power of prayers, while others pray, sing hymns, or listen to religious talks.
Exercise Is For Everyone
Exercise, however, is not just limited to specific types of activity. There's no right or wrong way to be fit (or not). What makes fitness different is finding a combination of physical, mental, emotional, social, and spiritual goals that resonate with you. It might make sense to go running three days a week if that's what appeals to you most. Or maybe that time in nature with friends watching birds and smelling plants is what brings life back to you. Whatever it is—whatever motivates you, whatever aspects of your life draw you to exercise—you can still find plenty of ways to incorporate movement into your daily routine. Don't assume that any kind of exercise is right for you, though, until you've figured out what works for you. Some studies show that aerobic exercise is more effective than strength training in burning calories, while others suggest doing weights is a smart choice when it comes to building muscle and losing weight. Exercising without considering your spiritual beliefs and goals can actually cause stress for some people and lead to unhealthy behaviors, such as smoking or alcohol use. If you're drawn to certain kinds of workouts, consider starting low and adding more flexibility over time to suit you best. After all, everyone—even you—makes gains and losses over time. Just remember there's always room for improvement, whether you're starting out or advanced in your journey.
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