From the Inside Out

The last thing I want to do at the end of a long day is exercise. When I’m tired, my brain refuses to believe that exercise will make me feel better. It’s counterintuitive. How can expending more energy give you more energy?

My brain, my flesh tells me to rest. Resting is how I’m supposed to recover and recharge after a stressful day. It’s what’s best. Or, is it?

I found myself going against the voices in my head last week. I refused to listen to their enchanting cries. Instead of sitting on the couch, I got up, put on my workout clothes, and rode my indoor trainer. I managed to ignore the voices for four nights last week. After all, I am supposed to be training for the MS 150 in April. I need the exercise.

Some sessions were longer than others — ranging from as little as 15 minutes to as much as an hour. The funny thing is that when each session ended, I felt much better, not a little better, much better. It didn’t happen once. It happened every time. My exercise fueled my energy, removed my stress, and made my day better.

My conclusion? The voices in my head lie. They can’t be trusted.

Another voice comes to me at the end of the day telling me I’m too tired to read God’s word or pray. My flesh balks at the idea of having another task to complete. It wants to rest. It begs for a break. After all, rest is good, right? Lies, lies, and more lies! Exercising your spiritual muscles reaps the same rewards as physical exercise — and more. It can calm your nerves and give you peace and energy to face the next day. It makes you stronger. It makes you better.

Don’t listen to the voices. They are wrong. You don’t get stronger — physically or spiritually — by sitting on a couch and letting your muscles atrophy. The only way to gain strength is to exercise. So, get up and get moving. Run around the block. Crack open a Bible. Go to the gym. Spend some time on your knees in prayer. The rewards are worth the effort every time — all you have to do is ignore those pesky little voices.

In the ’60s, Paul McCartney and John Lennon wrote a song titled, “With a Little Help from My Friends.” A well-known song with easily recognizable lyrics, it appears in Rolling Stone’s “500 Greatest Songs of All Time.” Most people can immediately recite the words, “I get by with a little help from my friends. Gonna try with a little help from my friends.” They are simple words, but nonetheless true. It’s amazing how friends can help you “get by” in good times and bad times.

Even in the normal, mundane activities of our lives, friends enhance the experience. They laugh with you, listen to your stories, provide advice, and motivate you. I find it interesting that even the things you dread can become fun in the presence of a friend. My good friends know that one of the things I hate are baby showers. Those events try my patience, so I usually bring a companion to share the torture with me. Having someone there who is willing to discuss topics other than babies and the birthing experience somehow makes the event bearable.

Working out is another activity that is always goes better with friends. I met one of my best friends at the gym for a workout tonight, and it was great. The boredom of walking on a treadmill or pedaling a stationary bike was replaced with laughter and conversation about interesting topics.

A 60-minute workout feels like forever when you are alone, but it passes in a heartbeat with a friend. People who exercise with a friend are more likely to stay motivated longer. After all, It’s harder to bail on a friend who is waiting for you at the gym. Friends also push you further, challenge your weaknesses, and boost your confidence.

Thank God for friends and the little bit of help they bring our way!

I must confess that my workouts have been non-existent over the last few months. I haven’t been to the gym or on the bike for longer than I’d like to admit. Even my “at home” workouts have suffered lately; it’s the result of having too many things loaded on my plate. I’d like to get back on a regular workout schedule now that Pirates of Patmos is over. I’m not sure if I can stick to it since SNL is quickly approaching, but I’m going to try. Maybe I need a workout partner to keep me motivated and force me to go even when I don’t feel like it. Do I have any volunteers?

Yesterday we hopped on our bikes for an evening ride. It felt great to be back out there (except when I had to climb hills, that didn’t feel so good). We rode to the new Watter’s Crossing area on Bethany in Allen — about 14 miles round trip. For the most part, it’s an easy ride using the bike trails that start near our house. We even got to see some wild life on the way. Okay, it was one armadillo and a few bunnies, but when you live in the city, that’s cool.

I’m hoping we can make the ride a regular weekend occurrence. I’d love to participate in the “Hotter than Hell” ride in Wichita Falls, but that may be too much for my first organized ride. Then again, they say to “dream big.” Hmm…maybe I will make it into the “Hotter than Hell” this year after all.

Anyway, I’m off to California this week. Travel wreaks havoc on your exercise plans, but my hotel has an adequate workout facility. I’m thinking I can get spend some time on the machines this week. I got a decent workout when I was out there a couple of weeks ago. Wish me luck!

I’ll be back on Friday. Have a good week everyone.