Counsel #9 — Fitness Meets Friendship

Picture: Counsel #9 — Fitness Meets FriendshipCWe 79.1

Physical activity not only increases individual well-being, but it also has social benefits. Sometimes sticking to a consistent workout schedule is difficult, especially when work, family, and other important responsibilities are prioritized. When holding yourself accountable becomes difficult, consider joining a sports team, aerobics class, or some other group fitness activity.CWe 79.2

Doing this will allow you to make connections with other people who can serve as support systems on your journey toward better physical health. Group or community exercise activities help facilitate inclusion and involvement, which helps you understand that isolation is the enemy’s plan for your life, and not God’s.CWe 79.3

Best of all, sports and fitness groups and classes are great opportunities to make friends with whom you can share your love for Jesus and His truths! Ask God to give you tact and wisdom to not be “preachy,” but to let your testimony emerge in the natural flow of friendship.^{[91]https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/Exercise-with-a-friend}CWe 79.4

“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” 1 Thessalonians 5:11 NIVCWe 79.5

“It is through the social relations that Christianity comes in contact with the world… Social power, sanctified by the Spirit of Christ, must be improved in bringing souls to the Saviour.” Ellen White in The Ministry of Healing, p. 496CWe 79.6

Reflect: What benefits do you experience when you work out with a partner or group as opposed to when you work out alone?CWe 79.7