Five Questions to ask yourself before you hop on the Stationary Bike
As I write this, I’m literally riding a stationary bike going absolutely nowhere. I push the pedals and they go round and round. (I can’t help but hum that little tune from childhood…”the wheels on the bus go…”). If we are seeking the truth here in BodyBLoved, then I’ll tell you the truth. I very much dislike riding stationary bikes. However, my hubby has asked for the blessing of working out together in the fitness center venue, so here I am, Lord.
Thomas Edison used to say, “insanity is doing something over and over again and expecting different results.” And here I am, on this bike, once again, and expecting different results. Years ago I would become mesmerized by watching the little lights and numbers on the panel telling me the distance ridden, RPM's, and total calories expended. I remember yearning for my time to be done. Oh, how the minutes would pass painfully by. Then finally, the number would hit - minutes achieved, calories burned. In my own distorted thoughts, that would take care of some cookies or bread sticks I had eaten the day before. In hindsight, I was exhausted with all the counting.
So I question how the Lord feels about the stationary bike- peddling and peddling and really getting nowhere. I don't want to judge, especially for those who find joy in stationary bikes. I speak from my own perspective. Perhaps it's not that it's a stationary bike, it is the intent of the workout. Colossians 3:23 states....Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters (or in this scenario - to burn calories). And reflecting on my days of calorie counting, it was NOT unto the Lord. In fact it was an idol and it paralyzed me in a world where I was never content.
“And reflecting on my days of calorie counting, it was NOT unto the Lord. In fact it was an idol and it paralyzed me in a world where I was never content.”
So I challenge you to pause and pray for a moment. Pray that the Lord reveals if you are moving forward in your walk with Him. Is your form of movement supporting the goal of calorie reduction, or is it a stronger body that brings glory to the Lord? To help you in discerning this, answer these questions developed by a researcher specializing in movement. Keep in mind your primary physical activity/sport as you respond to each question. If your no's are more than your yes's, it may be time to pray about whether your exercise routine is doing more harm than good.
Do you exercise...
because it is fun?
because you like to do this activity?
because it makes you happy?
because you think it's interesting?
because you enjoy this activity?
Today I listen to worship music, rarely look at calories expended unless my head accidently goes that way, enjoy the sweat and exhilarating feeling of moving my body while I ride that stationary bike. I suppose there is some joy in riding now. The pedals on my bike go round-and-round, but I claim Jesus’ name as the “wheels” of my body and mind
Amy is a Graduate Faculty Scholar at Northern Illinois University and a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist. She is blessed with two boys and an amazing husband. Most of all, she is a child of God. She is humbled to be a disciple who can share in the GOoD news about body, eating and movement. In Jesus name, she asks for freedom and peace for those who struggle with body and eating issues.
