Working Out!

I rolled out of bed and staggered to the bathroom to get the day started. Every square inch of my body hurt – or so it seemed. What had I done to myself? I started CrossFit earlier that month and my muscles and joints hurt like never before. My calves, my thighs, by glutes, my core, my arms and shoulders were all screaming for rest and a return to my old routine of casual exercise, bad eating and lots of couch time. For those unfamiliar with CrossFit, it is a fitness regimen that incorporates a variety of functional movements at high intensity levels – in other words, it’s really hard. But I had come to the point in my life where I had to start exercising again and eating properly for my own health and well-being. When I was younger I could go hard at the gym, lift weights, play basketball, run, bike, play back yard football, and eat whatever I wanted with little or no ill effect afterwards. I was in better shape then and my body recovered very quickly – I was active and loved it.

As life with a young family and career began to get busy, exercising became more infrequent and less regular. When I did get a chance to be active, it seemed like I kept hurting myself – pulling a muscle, straining a joint or just not enjoying it like I used to – or maybe that’s because I was losing a step or two as I aged. It’s been three years now since I joined CrossFit. It’s hard, challenging and pushes me to limits I didn’t know I had at my age. My body doesn’t hurt as much as it used to and I feel much better physically. But to be honest, I don’t like going many days, but I know I need it and it’s very good for me. Now don’t get me wrong, this is not a plug for CrossFit. If you’re a runner – keep running. If you cycle – keep peddling. If you do P90x – keep doing it. Whatever your thing is – keep doing it. Things that are good for you are not always easy.

When couples first start dating and as they are moving into their first few years of marriage, it’s easy to be adventurous, spontaneous, and to always look for different activities to do together. But as life, kids and responsibilities happen, dating and hanging out with your spouse begins to take a backseat. Make your spouse a priority in your life by taking time to enjoy each other, have fun and try new things. Talk on a deep level – about your hopes and dreams as a couple and individuals. And take advantage of the technology at our fingertips and text regularly, complimenting and encouraging your spouse on a regular basis. Marriage, like physical fitness takes effort and work but remember, what comes easy doesn’t last and what lasts doesn’t come easy. Each has its own rewards, physical exertion makes you feel great on the outside but nothing feels better on the inside than a healthy relationship with your spouse.

1 Timothy 4:8 ~ Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come.

Together Time: Plan a date night with your spouse this week. Talk on a deep level on the date and send texts ahead of time about how excited you are for the two of you to be together.