People-watching at the gym is always interesting. All types work out: fat, thin, young, old, body-builders, casual exercisers, and those who would rather be anywhere but the gym. For some, I use that term “workout” lightly.
One guy always catches my attention. He walks in the door sporting untied shoes, wild, just-rolled-out-of-bed hair, and clothes that look like he slept in them, which he probably did. But his most noticeable characteristic is his non-stop cell phone talking. He walks in the door talking and never stops the whole time he’s there. He strolls around the gym talking on the phone, before finally getting on the treadmill, still talking. Those on either side of him give him prolonged glances, because of the volume of his conversation. Everyone in the gym can hear him. Sometimes, he uses speaker phone, so we not only get to hear him natter on, but also his unfortunate phone-mate, who rarely is allowed to speak.
While I applaud this guy for showing up at the gym, he gets no points for a workout, because the only thing he exercises is his jaw.
Following are thoughts on half-hearted participation and commitment:
Noisemakers
Some think they don’t benefit from weightlifting unless they grunt, groan, exhale loudly, and drop the weights at the end of repetitions. For noisemakers, I wonder if exercise is more about showing off than strengthening their bodies.
One thin young man runs on the treadmill with such loud footfalls that they can be heard outside. One long-time runner whispered to me, “There is no reason to make that much noise when you run.”
I suppose noisemakers think the intensity of their workout is measured by the noise they make. However, perhaps the effectiveness of their workout could better be measured by regular commitment rather than occasional noisemaking.
Visitors
Some folks attend the gym merely as a form of social interaction. As with the guy mentioned in the opening paragraphs, visitors talk more and work less. Actual exercise takes a back seat to visiting.
While I agree social interaction at the gym makes for a more pleasant experience, focus is what renders results.
Encouragers
Since Jim’s death, I have continued my weekly exercise routine at the gym. I am thankful for gym friends who encouraged me during this life transition. They take time to ask how I’m doing, remind me they are praying for me, and encourage continued attendance and progress.
Many of those around us are hurting and we don’t always know the full depth of their pain. Your smile, listening ear, or kind word of encouragement, may be all someone needs to regain forward motion and renew commitment.
Committed
Commitment to anything requires determination and time. Often, we give up soon after committing to something because following through is harder than we expected. But goals are never reached without commitment to the process and the ability to see the finish line. Likewise, spiritual commitment requires long-range vision, purposeful growth, and daily effort.
Is your commitment half-hearted?
“I don’t know about you, but I’m running hard for the finish line. I’m giving it everything I’ve got. No lazy living for me! I’m staying alert and in top condition. I’m not going to get caught napping, telling everyone else all about it and then missing out myself” (1 Corinthians 9:26-27 MSG).
Spiritual commitment requires long-range vision, purposeful growth, and daily effort.
©CandyArrington
Candy Arrington is an award-winning writer, blogger, and speaker. She often writes on tough topics with a focus on moving through, and beyond, difficult life circumstances. Candy has written hundreds of articles, stories, and devotions published by numerous outlets including: Inspiration.org, Arisedaily.com, CBN.com, Healthgrades.com, Care.com, Focus on the Family, NextAvenue.org, CountryLiving.com, and Writer’s Digest. Candy’s books include Life on Pause: Learning to Wait Well (Bold Vision Books), When Your Aging Parent Needs Care (Harvest House), and AFTERSHOCK: Help, Hope, and Healing in the Wake of Suicide (B&H Publishing Group).
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