Do nuns exercise or have gyms?

[Quasar]

I know there are many communities that engage in physical, productive work like gardening, yard work, and wrangling cattle.  but are there communities where nuns exercise for health or go to the gym?  If so, what orders were they from?  Genuinely curious.  

[Nunsuch]

The short answer is yes. Many communities have exercise rooms, and i know tons of sisters who go to gyms and/ or do other forms of exercise (running, swimming, bicycling,etc.). Why wouldn't they?

[Sr Mary Catharine OP]

Yes! Many of us walk or run and we have a treadmill, bike and stair step. All which were donated. Excerise is good and can help you live the contemplative life better.
We don't go to the gym outside the monastery of course!

[Nunsuch]

When I said that "tons" of sisters went to gyms, etc., I was referring to non-cloistered communities.  I do know of at least a couple that put exercise rooms in their relatively new (or renovated) residences, including in their retirement facilities. And many retirement wings or facilities for sisters offer regular exercise "classes" for those interested.  Health is a concern for all of us.

In the book "Aging with Grace," by David Snowdon, on the so-called "nun study" (about the SSNDs and Alzheimer's), he talks about the then-oldest sister in the province, who was 107 years old. She spent 10 minutes per day, even then, on a recumbent bike. I had the good fortune to meet her shortly after the book came out, and she was amazing. [It's an interesting read, for those of you unfamiliar with it--or just google "nun study."]

[Spem in alium]

We don't have exercise equipment, at least not in our convent. Most of us work in areas which involve a lot of walking or activity, so we do get some movement that way. Several of us do enjoy walking or swimming. I like to go for a walk every day if possible (30-60 minutes). I find it's good for my body and my mind, and I prefer it much more than going to the gym.

 

[katherineH]

I know the Apostles of the Sacred Heart have a pool at their motherhouse, and the Franciscans of the Eucharist of Chicago have sisters that regularly run in marathons.  Some communities seem to integrate sports with their apostolates - as a way of reaching out to the community and connecting with young people.  The Franciscans of the Renewal for example always seem to be playing basketball, and the Sisters of Life regularly have pictures of them playing volleyball. I've heard from some sisters that they were worried about getting out of shape in religious life, but that the busy days spent mostly on their feet are quite sufficient exercise to stay healthy. 

[DominicanHeart]

This is fascinating 

[sr.christinaosf]

I'd love to go swimming more, but most of my exercise consists in running around our facility with the details of daily life, including personal care aide duty once a week or so.

[emptyforgod]

I knew a religious community that had an indoor pool

[Quasar]

I think it's wonderful that some sisters have access to a gym of some kind. Weight training is such an important part of long-term care for the musculoskeletal system, and it's hard to imagine how you'd do that without a gym.  It seems like a great investment in the vibrancy of the community.  

Im not a fan of gyms either and prefer walking and hiking, which I think are excellent exercise.  But I tolerate gyms for the musculoskeletal benefits.

On August 8, 2016 at 0:21 PM, Nunsuch said:

When I said that "tons" of sisters went to gyms, etc., I was referring to non-cloistered communities.  I do know of at least a couple that put exercise rooms in their relatively new (or renovated) residences, including in their retirement facilities. And many retirement wings or facilities for sisters offer regular exercise "classes" for those interested.  Health is a concern for all of us.

In the book "Aging with Grace," by David Snowdon, on the so-called "nun study" (about the SSNDs and Alzheimer's), he talks about the then-oldest sister in the province, who was 107 years old. She spent 10 minutes per day, even then, on a recumbent bike. I had the good fortune to meet her shortly after the book came out, and she was amazing. [It's an interesting read, for those of you unfamiliar with it--or just google "nun study."]

So interesting!  

On August 8, 2016 at 7:55 AM, Sr Mary Catharine OP said:

Yes! Many of us walk or run and we have a treadmill, bike and stair step. All which were donated. Excerise is good and can help you live the contemplative life better.
We don't go to the gym outside the monastery of course!

Walking and running are so good for the brain, it makes complete sense that they would help in a nun's contemplative life.  Are you part of a contemplative community?

Edited August 10, 2016 by Quasar

[katherineH]

On August 9, 2016 at 2:13 PM, emptyforgod said:

I knew a religious community that had an indoor pool

In addition to the Apostles of the Sacred Heart, the Religious Sisters of Mercy of Alma have an outdoor pool at their postulant house. It is hidden behind a grove of trees so that no one can peak in.  

[Sr Mary Catharine OP]

On 8/10/2016 at 7:37 PM, Quasar said:

I think it's wonderful that some sisters have access to a gym of some kind. Weight training is such an important part of long-term care for the musculoskeletal system, and it's hard to imagine how you'd do that without a gym.  It seems like a great investment in the vibrancy of the community.  

Im not a fan of gyms either and prefer walking and hiking, which I think are excellent exercise.  But I tolerate gyms for the musculoskeletal benefits.

So interesting!  

Walking and running are so good for the brain, it makes complete sense that they would help in a nun's contemplative life.  Are you part of a contemplative community?

Yes, indeed! :-) www.summitdominicans.org

Also, we have a set of weights. My mom donated a set and off and on sisters make it part of their routine.
Happily we have a nice and big enclosure garden with paths and the morning hour before Lauds and Mass you'll see several sisters out walking. Some are swinging a rosary as well! :-) right now it is just too hot! COME WINTER!

[Kayte Postle]

I know the Sisters of the Third Order of St. Francis have an indoor pool for the sisters use.

[tinytherese]

The Benedictines of Mary, Queen of Ephesus play kickball and take walks.

[TheLordsSouljah]

When I stayed with the Sisters of Life, the postulant house at least has some gym equipment, but this is mainly because it is often so cold in winter that they cannot afford to go outside every day, and I'm pretty sure there is not an international frozen veils day.

When I stayed with the Sisters of Life, the postulant house at least has some gym equipment, but this is mainly because it is often so cold in winter that they cannot afford to go outside every day, and I'm pretty sure there is not an international frozen veils day.

[Gabriela]

On 8/19/2016 at 11:22 PM, TheLordsSouljah said:

international frozen veils day

[SNJM]

Some monastic communities do so much manual labor, they'd laugh at the idea! Some make it a point as part of their daily life to walk, walk, walk & the Dominicans in Hollywood (cloistered) have a pool! The apostolic sisters sort of run the gamut - some have gyms in their convents, some sisters have a stipend for an outside gym & some, like those who work in hospitals or community centers, have access to the exercise room after or before hours for privacy. I also know some sisters (apostolic) who run & have permission to wear running clothes (those who wear habits). In short - ask!!!!

[Sister Andrew]

Yes! Many of our Sisters exercise in various ways. In the convent I'm assigned to right now we have a treadmill, a stationary bike and an elliptical machine (all kindly donated!) I'm currently trying to get back to running but for now I'm really enjoying using the elliptical a few times a week. Just as we take care of our spiritual health with Mass and prayer it is still important to take care of our physical health too so that we can better live our community and apostolic life.