Physical Exercise

[Nathan]

How does the Church weigh in on regular physical exercise, and the obvious connection between regular physical exercise and good mental health? (For those whom the connection may not be so obvious, go and take a 30-minute jog -- see how much better you feel about yourself and life the rest of the day).

Should Catholics "work out" regularly? It seems to me to be an important issue; however, there doesn't seem to be much talk about it.

Edited September 30, 2005 by Nathan

[MC IMaGiNaZUN]

I just entered a religious community, and that was an issue that they brought up. They feel it is important to have members concerned with spiritual, mental, emotional, and yes physical well being, because it is the totality of our being. Our body will be glorified in heaven, it is not some evil filthy thing, creation is beautiful and grand.

As to there being a direct and clear teaching on the matter, i don't think it would be the place of the church to say more than physical exercise is good. It would be confusing, and would make the church out to be like a lot of those psuedo psychological new age practices of today...

That reminds me, of how much i need to exercise.

SHALOM

Edited September 30, 2005 by MC IMaGiNaZUN

[phatcatholic]

JPII's theology of the body and his teachings on the importance of sport and play all speak to this. i'll try to find some info for ya....

[photosynthesis]

ewww... i hate sports. *blocks out traumatic memories*

[DeeDee]

I don't know how the Catholic Church feels about exercise, but as a former personal trainer I know that everybody should exercise. Remember that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, and we need to keep the Holy Spirit happy.

[philothea]

Woot, DeeDee!

If I don't excercise, I don't have the mental stamina to do the work I need to do, or the sharpness to pray as I ought. Maybe other people have superior physiology to mine, and can do without, I don't know. As for me, failing to exercise would be neglecting my duties as a Christian.

Which reminds me.... oh fooey! I still need to work out today.

[hierochloe]

Sound mind [i]and[/i] body 4 teh win!