Make your goal health, not appearance. That’s sound contradictory in a sense, but the two are separate goals. When you decide to live a healthier lifestyle, indeed your appearance figures into the equation, but it shouldn’t become the primary objective.
The difference here is between vanity and stewardship. We’re instructed by God to practice good stewardship. We have what we have, and we should care well for it. This body is an entrustment so steward well. If vanity is your priority, it’s a fleeting objective. Looks are here today and gone tomorrow. Make health your goal.
Believe it or not, the gym culture isn’t necessarily a “healthy” culture. If you’re around gym goers long enough, you realize why there are so many mirrors in the gym. People aren’t visually checking out their form; they’re interested in their appearance. People can appear as we perceive healthy to look like, but in reality, are practicing unhealthy routines related to diets, supplements, and habits. Just because someone looks healthy doesn’t mean they really are healthy.
For me, my focus is health. While I’m congnizant of the appearance benefits of working out, my goal is to be healthier. For example, my priority in working with a trainer is for mobility, flexibility, and agility. I’ve noticed as I’ve gotten older my balance isn’t the same as when I was twenty-something. I want to enhance my mobility; it’s a stewardship thing.
Let’s be good stewards together.
