Strength training is not just about lifting weights and building muscle mass, though there is something to be said for the value of those outcomes. It’s about developing the strength of character that comes with discipline, persistence, and mental fortitude.
As a means of physical exercise, strength training has numerous benefits for our health, but it can also have an impact on our personal development and our spiritual growth.
One of the primary values of training is the development of discipline.
The act of lifting weights or engaging in other forms of strength training requires consistency and routine. It demands a level of discipline that can be applied to other areas of our lives, such as work or relationships.
When we develop the habit of showing up to the gym regularly, even on days when we don’t feel like it, we build the kind of mental fortitude that can carry us through other wars in life.
Persistence is another value that can be developed through strength training.
It takes time and effort to see progress in strength training, and it can be frustrating when we don’t see immediate results. But with persistence, we can build the strength and endurance needed to push through our limitations and reach new levels of fitness. This same persistence can also be applied to other areas of our lives, like pursuing our goals and aspirations.
Mental fortitude is perhaps the most valuable attribute we can develop through training.
The physical strain of lifting weights can push us to our limits, but it is in those moments of struggle that we can learn to push through and overcome our perceived limitations. The mental toughness that is developed through training can help us face and overcome challenges in other areas of our lives, including our relationships, work, and personal growth.
In a study published in the Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology, researchers found that strength training was associated with improved self-esteem, greater sense of control, and reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety. The study concluded that strength training could be an effective means of improving mental health and well-being.
Another study, published in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, found that strength training was associated with improved cognitive function in older adults. The study concluded that regular strength training could help delay or prevent cognitive decline in aging individuals.
From a Christian perspective, strength training can also have spiritual benefits. The Bible teaches that our bodies are temples (1 Corinthians 6:19-20), and as such, we are called to take care of our bodies. This type of training can be a means of honoring God by caring for the physical vessel that He has given us.
Furthermore, the development of strength of character through strength training can be seen as a form of spiritual growth. As we develop discipline, persistence, and mental fortitude, we become better equipped to face the challenges that life throws our way. We can become more resilient and more able to handle adversity with grace and humility.
As we honor God by caring for our physical bodies, we can also become better equipped to face the challenges that life presents us with.
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