Fitness Traps by Stephanie Nickel
Is it wrong to want to step on the scales and see a certain number? Is it wrong to want to wear a smaller pant size? Is it wrong to want to look in the mirror and like what we see?
I’d say, “No. No. And again, no.”
However, there are a number of traps we must guard against on our journey to fitness.
Society’s Ideal
While we may say we don’t agree with society’s idea of beauty, how much time and energy do we devote chasing this “ideal”?
“Oh, I don’t want to be a Size 2,” we say. But do we want to get into that Size 6 or 8? For some people, that’s fine. However, even at 118 pounds, I was a Size 9. Currently, I’m a Size 14. Am I content with that? Not really.
Jealousy
Do I look at certain women and feel that niggling sense of envy and jealousy? There are times.
It’s fine to admire others and see them as role models, but we must guard against these sinful thoughts and feelings. Not only will they affect our well-being, they will also affect our relationships.
Preoccupation
How much time and money do we spend pursuing our fitness goals? Thinking about our goals? Discussing our goals?
While I fully believe we ought to be good stewards of the bodies God gave us, there is a lot more to life and we must seek to find the right balance.
Confusion
There are so many different ideas floating around about what we should eat and what exercise routine is best. I’m absolutely certain there is no one-size-fits-all plan out there.
It makes me tired just thinking about the options.
Contentment
Contentment . . . a trap? I don’t mean contentment, not in the true sense of the word. I’m thinking more of false contentment, more along the lines of complacency and apathy.
“Oh, I know I should eat better, but it doesn’t really matter. I’ll get around to exercising next week—maybe next month.”
We try to convince ourselves that being fit is overrated and takes too much time and energy. Plus, we may look at others who are in worse shape than we are and think, “At least I’m not that overweight.”
We can lull ourselves into a false contentment—until we shop for a new outfit or stand in front of a full-length mirror.
Judgment
When we achieve what we define as success, it’s easy to look at others and think, “If they’d only do what I’ve done . . .”
While we wouldn’t likely say it aloud, do we look at others and judge them for their physical appearance? Do we feel superior—even a little?
Pride
If we work hard and achieve one or more of our fitness goals, it’s quite alright to enjoy a sense of accomplishment, but we must never forget that we achieved what we did because of God’s grace. After all, as my mother once said, “We can’t even get out of bed in the morning without His enabling.”
There are many reasons believers ought to do what they can to be healthy and strong, prepared physically to face what lies ahead, but we must be on the lookout for these and other fitness traps.
Tweetable
Beware the fitness trap. (tweet this)
Check out other posts by Stephanie
12 Reasons to Make Your Health & Fitness Resolutions Before the Holidays
Steph Beth Nickel is an author, a freelance editor and writer, a labour doula, and a former personal trainer. She’d love to connect with you on Facebook or Twitter, on her website or blog.