“I’m too weak to benefit from exercise“
In all the different physical activity spheres I have worked in, whether it be commercial gyms, community centers, rehab centers, virtual, or at home I hear this statement, or reiterations of it, frequently. It always reminds me of a line in a sermon I once heard, “I will go to church when I get my life together.” The absurdity in the statement is obvious, if you wait until you are righteous enough to join God’s church you will never join because you will never get there. Furthermore, the sorrowful part is that, by doing so you will miss out not only on the eternal salvation but on the earthy benefits that come with being a member of God’s church.
Well, that is kind of like waiting until you are “well enough” or capable enough” to be physically active. If you wait for that moment to come you will never embark on the journey and never reap the rewards that come with that journey. Throughout my time in these different spheres, I have found that many people who are disabled, or of a very low functional capacity, benefit greatly from physical activity and lifestyle change. Honestly, they benefit more than people who are reasonably fit. I have worked with so many people that have fallen in the cracks of the healthcare system whether they maxed out physical therapy but aren’t at the functional capacity they desire, or they are not “sick enough” to qualify for advanced therapy but are not capable enough to live life like they desire.
The photo illustrated here is just one client of many who fell through this proverbial crack and has seen great benefits. Initially unable to sit up on their own, unable to stand, and losing muscle mass this client has come so far, and this picture highlights just a glimpse of that. I want to highlight their success and offer inspiration and a resource to others who find themselves in the same space.
So, remember two things. Firstly, don’t wait till you are righteous to go to God and to His church. Romans 5:8 says, “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” In other words, He is calling you to come right now, in your sin, to Him. Secondly, likewise, don’t wait till you are “well-enough” to engage in physical activity. Don’t wait till your life “calms down” to change your habits. Instead, start right now.
