Have you ever worked with a personal trainer? I used to think that having a personal trainer was only for those in a higher tax bracket than me. But, when I rejoined the gym in January, I was gifted three training sessions.

At the first session, I went through a complete health assessment which was USEFUL for setting benchmarks and fitness goals. In the subsequent sessions, we worked on different areas of the body (legs, arms & core)

I used to get in trouble in gym class because I couldn’t do toe-touches or sit-and-reach “correctly.” However, my trainer explained that my hamstrings are VERY tight. He showed me several exercises to STRETCH the affected muscles. Through consistency in my workouts, I have already gained more flexibility!

I also appreciate the trainer’s ENCOURAGEMENT when I felt like giving up. Learning how to use the equipment correctly was extremely USEFUL. In the past, I had not been bold enough to experiment with different pieces of equipment or non-standard calisthenics. But now I have the confidence to try new things, and I know where to go for assistance. Consequently, the gym is fun again.

Speaking of bold, I’m planning to try a spin class sometime soon. I probably won’t make it through the first class without some mistakes (& a lot of heavy breathing) but that’s OK.

…do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body. – 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 ESV

I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. – Romans 12:1 ESV

For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it. Therefore lift your drooping hands and strengthen your weak knees, and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be put out of joint but rather be healed. – Hebrews 12:11-13 ESV

Have you not known? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable. He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength. Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted; but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint. – Isaiah 40:28-31 ESV

#useful #strength #encouragment