Fast forward to now and I’ve come to realize that exercise has many benefits in addition to general health.
Regular exercise can indeed release endorphins, which are chemicals in the brain that can produce feelings of pleasure and euphoria. This can help to improve mood and reduce feelings of stress and anxiety. As for a fluid vs magnetic trainer, a fluid trainer uses a resistance unit that contains a fluid (usually oil) to create resistance, while a magnetic trainer uses magnets to create resistance. Fluid trainers are generally considered to be more realistic and provide a smoother and more consistent resistance, while magnetic trainers are often quieter and less expensive. The best one depends on personal preference, budget, and what you’re looking to get out of your indoor cycling experience.
Developing a routine or rhythm of exercise will help to relax your mind and relieve stress.
Not to mention, some great sermons (at least I think so) have been idealized while working out at the gym.
Problems that seemingly were overwhelming have dissolved as I allowed my heartrate to rise, because of physical activity rather than worry.
Adam Chekroud, an assistant professor of psychiatry at Yale University, stated, “Sweating three to five times a week was associated with a bigger reduction in poor mental health days than either not exercising at all or hitting the gym more than five times a week…”
Not only will physical activity help you to handle stress more effectively, a tired body also rests better.
There are so many more reasons and benefits that you’re probably already aware of to exercise, but from my experience it has also been a deeply spiritual aspect of my live.
Each of the four ways that I’m sharing have become a special avenue for me to connect with God.
2. Hobbies
Multiple times I’ve been asked by others freshly entering ministry about how to keep “church-life” from spilling into every other area of their life. Or, in other words, how do I keep from being consumed with the problems and issues of the church, even when I’m not there?
I always recommend pursuing or developing a hobby.
A few years ago, when I was asked about what I like to do in my free time I really didn’t have a response. I was embarrassed that all I really did was “church stuff.” And, momentarily became resentful of my work because I felt it was robbing me. The truth is, I was the culprit.
