My Sweet learnings while Sweating.

It’s been a month since we decided to go to the gym.

At first, I was hesitant because aside from the fact that I'm lazy, it would also mean additional expenses which is not practical because of the inflation that's happening. But the Lord provided 3-months-free membership for both of us (it was a promo the gym offered in June). It was a challenge during the first week but I can’t deny I’m enjoying it now so I decided to write the lessons I've learned so far.

1. We will make time for what’s important.

With our busy schedules at work, ministry and small business, we can easily say that we don’t have time to go to the gym anymore but because we know that our health is important, we find ways how to squeeze it in, even for an hour.

It’s the same with reading the Bible, attending Church Service, making disciples and so on. So if your reason for not doing such is because you don’t have time, there’s a great chance that you just don’t really find it important.

Lao Tzu said, Time is a created thing. To say 'I don't have time' is like saying 'I don't want to'.

2. The beginning is always the hardest.

When I first hit the gym and tried my first treadmill for 5 minutes, stationary bike for 7 minutes and other equipments , I felt like dying literally. But slowly, as I’ve gotten used to it, I realized it wasn’t that bad at all.

So if you’re looking for a sign to start something you always wanted to do but you’re just afraid because it’s hard, this may be it. Just begin somewhere.

"The road to success may be hard, but it's always worth the struggle."

3. Pain is part of growing.

I’ve read somewhere that some muscle trauma is needed to stimulate protein production and muscle growth. So if you’re hurting now and you’re having a hard time in serving the Lord, in forgiving or in doing the right thing, fret not because it may mean that the Lord is sanctifying you to grow you.

If the pain is killing you, rest if you may but never quit.

4. You will not immediately see the result but it doesn’t mean you won’t, so just hang on!

Even though I’ve been sweating hard while working out, I won’t see the result right away because just like what the famous quotes says, “Good things take time, great things take a little longer.”

So if you’re spending time reading the bible, ministering to people, discipling, leading a Church, saving money, eating healthy and so on, hang in there. In due time, you will harvest what you're sowing.

"Good things come to those who sweat"-Unknown

5. Doing things together with your spouse makes the knot tighter.

Spending fun times together whether at Church, gym or having date nights out can help couples feel positive emotions which can increase relationship satisfaction that can help them to unite in order to overcome differences.

Many times, we find ourselves at the gym laughing silently when we see something funny, chatting about our experience afterwards and just keeping each other motivated whenever. It’s a great way to bond over our shared goals.

"The best workout partners are those who push you to be the best version of yourself."

6. God commissioned us to take care of His people, we must take care of our health too.

We are both physical and spiritual beings so as we are called to take care of our and others' spirituality, we must also be physically fit so we will possess more energy that we can devote to spiritual goals.

1 Corinthians 10:31 "So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God”.

7. Comparison kills contentment.

I've seen so many women with the most amazing and admirable figures on their fitted leggings and body hugging tops at the gym. If I will allow my self to compare my body and my journey to them, it will steal my joy.

Your spiritual maturity, ministry growth, career opportunities, accomplishments, financial status and pacing are different from others. Stop looking too much at what others have and sulking at the things you are yet to have at the perfect time, will and way of God.

We won't be distracted by comparison if we are captivated by PURPOSE.

8. You can push yourself a little harder each time. Every time we go there, I would always challenge myself to add more weight or more minutes to what I've done the previous day because I want to stretch my capabilities more.

“How will I know who I can become if I don’t give myself a chance to try new things, to push myself beyond my normal boundaries? Who might I be if I am away from the things I currently use to define myself?” -EILEEN COOK

9. Doing small things Consistently will add up to big result.

I now know that in exercising, you only need two things; first, just do it and second, just continue to do it. One pound at a time will add up to 1 kilo in time.

10. Set a goal but enjoy the journey.

Sometimes, because we're too focused on arriving at the destination, we no longer enjoy the beautiful view on our way there.

Be it a goal towards fitness, spirituality, career and other areas of life, just embrace the pain, the learnings, sore muscles, sweat and the joy in between.

Our fitness journey has just begun but with discipline, time management and God's grace, we're determined to love ourselves more so it will love us back.

"Do something today that your future self will thank you for."-Unknown