You only get one body; take care of it! These aren’t my words, they’re God’s. Please read on. Even if you don’t believe in an Almighty Creator—or perhaps especially if you don’t believe in such an All Powerful being—then you certainly must believe this is the only body you’re getting. No returns, refunds or exchanges.
We all have vast resources. We go about our everyday life overlooking them or taking them for granted. Focus on what you have and use it to improve your life: your relationships with family, friends and God. So learn to live with your body and take care of it.
I am not a rabbi or doctor and have not studied the science of physical education in any formal academic setting. I am just a Jew who loves both his Yiddishkeit and keeping the body given to me by God as best as I can. I am proud to share these things with readers of The Jewish Link.
My hope is that everyone will be motivated by the connection exercise has to the Bible.
I use the phrase (y)our body(ies) knowing full well that the physical body, the container for our soul, belongs to God. Your or our should not be taken as a sign of disrespect but as a convenience in style of writing.
Before you put on your workout shoes, you may want to talk to your doctor. Although physical activity is perfectly safe for most people, sometimes it’s important to get a doctor’s OK before you exercise.
The Text
Bereishit 1:26 – 271
1:26 And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness:…
1:27 So God created man in His own image, in the image of God created he him;
The Commentary
Almost all the major commentaries expound on these verses. Rashi teaches that since God has no form, man is made in a form prepared for man. Harav Ovadia Yosef, based on the Zohar, explains that although all humans were created in the image of Hashem, this does not refer to man’s physical bodily image; rather, this refers to the spiritual image of man that impacts and vitalizes the body.2 Hashem created us with great potential. It is our duty in this world to use our potential to become the wonderful people we can be. Realize your potential.3
Fitness
It is important to remember that every body is different. We all have different genetics. Even if everyone started eating the same things and did the same amount of exercise for a whole year, we would not all look the same at the end of the year. This is because each person’s genetics influence his/her bone structure, body size, shape and weight differently.4 Each person needs to define his/her own goals.
While everyone has their own methods of training for fat loss, there are several training methods, techniques and exercises that work effectively for everyone, no matter who they are, or what their training history is. Resistance training is an essential part of training for fat loss, and is usually far more effective than doing cardio.
Your time is valuable so use it for what you do best. If you can do an hour a day, that’s awesome. If you have a spouse, three kids and two jobs, then maybe you can only do 30 minutes every other day. That’s fine too. Whatever your time commitment is, developing the most efficient workout is crucial. Why spend two hours in a gym when you can get just as much accomplished in 30 minutes?
To get started you need a plan—a plan that’s both specific and realistic. How many pounds do you want to lose (or gain); what size waistline you would like; is there a medical condition you are trying to address.
The most popular day to exercise doesn’t end with a “day”; the most popular day is “tomorrow.”
It’s a new year. Start!!! And stick with it!!
Jay says:
The only one I compete against is myself. We need to do the best we can. Be honest with yourself; push yourself. Slow and steady with an eye on reaching your potential. And know that your potential is not constant.
http://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/jsource/Bible/Genesis.html
http://halachayomit.co.il/en/Print.aspx?HalachaID=3141
http://www.neveh.org/friedman/parsha/breishis.html
https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/every-body-different
http://www.primeperformancenj.com/blog/
