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22. Why You Need Fitness the Most in a Busy or Tough Season: Using Fitness as Worship & Honoring God Through Exercise

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Raise your hand if you've ever let go of your fitness when things got busy or tough? I'm raising mine! It's happened for me. But in this episode I share why that's actually the worst time to let go of our fitness. 

In this deeply reflective episode of the Move Your Body Differently podcast, Shaela Daugherty explores the powerful concept of using exercise as a form of worship. Inspired by a previous conversation with Tori Lynn, Shaela takes a deeper dive into how our daily movements—whether it's an early morning workout, a midday walk, or a stretch at the ballpark—can be acts of devotion and ways to honor the Lord.

Key Discussion Points:

  • Worship in Every Movement: Shaela reminds us that our workouts can be a form of worship when done with the right heart and intentions. She encourages listeners to see exercise not just as a physical activity, but as a spiritual practice that honors God.
  • Faith in Hard Times: Drawing from personal experience, Shaela shares how it's often difficult to praise the Lord in tough seasons. However, just as our faith is strengthened in good times, our physical disciplines can also carry us through challenging periods in life.
  • Healthy Habits as a Spiritual Discipline: Shaela discusses how the habits we build during easy seasons—like regular exercise and healthy eating—can support us when life gets hard. She emphasizes the importance of consistency and the role that these habits play in maintaining both physical and spiritual well-being.
  • Exercise and Emotional Health: Highlighting the connection between our physical and emotional health, Shaela explains how working out can help process emotions and relieve mental stress. By moving our bodies, we can release pent-up energy and emotions, turning our workouts into a time of renewal and worship.
  • Sacrifice and Worship: Whether it’s time, money, or energy, Shaela discusses how the sacrifices we make for our health and fitness can be seen as acts of worship. By prioritizing our physical well-being, we honor the temple that God has given us, acknowledging the sacrifice that Jesus made for us.
  • Scripture as a Foundation: Shaela encourages listeners to ground their fitness journey in scripture, using verses like Romans 12:1 and 2 Corinthians 12:9 as reminders of why we should honor God with our bodies. She advises spending time in the Word before focusing on physical fitness, ensuring that our motivations are aligned with God's will.
  • Practical Tips for Tough Seasons: Shaela offers practical advice on how to maintain your health and fitness habits during busy or difficult times. She discusses the importance of setting yourself up for success when things are going well, so that you’re better equipped to handle life's inevitable challenges.

Join the Conversation: If this episode resonated with you, Shaela invites you to share your experiences and challenges in using fitness as worship.

Don’t Miss Out: Subscribe to the Move Your Body Differently podcast to continue exploring the intersection of faith, fitness, and health. Leave a review if you enjoyed this episode, and follow Shaela on Instagram

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