One of my favorite things to do is hike or mountain bike to epic locations in God's amazing creation. Last summer, Kaila and I spent 5 months traveling through the breathtaking Canadian Rocky Mountains, North to the expansive ranges of the Yukon, and eventually back South to explore glaciers and coastal bears in Alaska. All through the trip we hiked and biked to some of the most inspiring places we'd ever laid our eyes on. We kept hearing ourselves say, "Wow! - Just Wow! God is so amazing!". While the hiking and pedaling were awesome for our physical health and overall fitness, we often felt rejuvenated and strengthened as much or more in terms of our spiritual health. There’s something amazing about pushing yourself physically, but there’s something even more amazing about doing it out in God’s creation.
It’s in these moments of exertion and awe that we begin to understand the profound connection between our physical and spiritual well-being. The Scottish Olympian Eric Liddell, featured in the film "Chariots of Fire," exemplified this connection. A devout Christian, Liddell saw his body as a gift from God, a temple to be honored and used in His service.
Training rigorously for the 1924 Paris Olympics, Liddell faced a challenging decision. The preliminary heats for his favored 100-meter sprint were scheduled for Sunday, a day he had consecrated to God. Despite immense pressure, he refused to compete, choosing instead to run the 400-meter race, a distance he was less familiar with.
Liddell’s story underscores a profound truth: our physical bodies are integral to our spiritual journey. As athletes push their physical limits, they often discover inner strength and resilience that can be applied to their spiritual lives. While gyms undoubtedly offer a structured environment for fitness, there's an undeniable magic in exercising amidst nature.
Finding Your Groove: Outdoor Workouts Inspired by God's Awesome Creativity
Whether you're a seasoned adventurer or just starting to explore the outdoors, there's an outdoor workout perfect for you. Let's break it down into three levels: the Newbie, the Outdoor Enthusiast, and the Experienced Adventurer.
The Newbie: Just Getting Started
If you're new to outdoor exercise, focus on short, enjoyable activities that get you moving.
Hiking and Trail Running: Start with easy, well-marked trails in local parks. Gradually increase distance and elevation as you build endurance.
Cycling Adventures: Begin with bike paths or quiet neighborhood streets. Explore local parks or bike-friendly trails.
Water Sports: Try swimming laps at a local pool or lake. Consider joining a beginner kayaking or paddleboarding class.
The Outdoor Enthusiast: Ready for More
If you enjoy spending time outdoors and are looking to increase your fitness level, try these options:
Hiking and Trail Running: Explore more challenging trails with moderate elevation gain. Consider joining a hiking group for guided adventures.
Cycling Adventures: Embark on longer bike rides, including hilly terrain. Explore off-road trails for a new challenge.
Water Sports: Rent a kayak or paddleboard and explore local waterways. Take a whitewater kayak course followed by your first baby rapids.
The Experienced Adventurer: Seek New Heights
If you're an experienced outdoor enthusiast, push your limits with these adventures:
Hiking and Trail Running: Tackle multi-day backpacking trips with challenging terrain. Consider trail running races for added motivation.
Cycling Adventures: Plan bike-packing trips, carrying camping gear on your bike. Explore mountain biking trails with varying difficulty levels.
Water Sports: Try whitewater kayaking or paddleboarding for an adrenaline rush. Consider sea kayaking or ocean SUP for longer expeditions.
Your body is a temple - We hope this post has stirred up some fresh ideas!
As you explore the great outdoors, remember that your body is a temple designed for movement and connection with nature. Let the beauty around you inspire you to push your physical and spiritual boundaries.
What are your favorite outdoor activities? How have they impacted your spiritual journey? Share your experiences in the comments below.
Imagine 5 months exploring the stunning landscapes of the Canadian Rockies, Yukon, and Alaska, all to bring you deeper into Jesus' Sermon on the Mount. Our 18-part video series is waiting for you.
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