PASTOR DAVE’S MUSINGS FROM THE HEARTLAND

April 6, 2022

WORKING OUT

Several years ago the hosts on Fox News’ “The Five” had a segment about where they work out.  Everyone agreed that they were not happy.  There seemed to be two types of people who worked out: those who had a personal trainer and those who did not.  If you did not have a personal trainer, the host thought that you were looked down on by the management and the members who had a personal trainer.  All the hosts wanted to do was work out without any pressure or criticism.

Fortunately, I have never experienced negative pressure the host felt at LifePlex where I work out.  We live by the philosophy “live and let live.”  There is no pressure to conform to any pattern of working out.  Personal trainers are available but most of us choose a different option.

I have a key for the TechnoGym machines at LifePlex which guides my work out. I have four different possible programs on my machine.  Nine times out ten I can go through my work out without any problem.  The only thing that might slow me down is a conversation here, a conversation there.  Occasionally, the bike I use is not available or someone has decided to camp out at one of the strength machines.

Some of those working out are students at Ancilla College.  I would think their coaches have something to say about the nature of their work outs.  There are those doing cardio rehab on the cardio machines.  Others are doing therapy through St. Joseph hospital. Many of those working out have ear phones listening to music.  Some talk on the phone while working out.

I find it interesting to observe those doing their exercises at the south end of the main workout area.  This is where the weights and appropriate machines are located.  Just when I think I have seen all the possible exercises one might do, someone comes up with something else.  There are those who include using one of the two pools available.  Some spend a lot of their time at LifePlex walking the track.  LifePlex also offers a variety of classes including Silver Sneakers.

A group of people who work out at LifePlex who I find inspiring are those who have serious physical problems.  Some have been in accidents or have had a medical condition that makes it difficult to even get to LifePlex.  They are usually accompanied by a helper who assists them from machine to machine.  Therapists work with some.  What I find easy to do, they are only able to do with great difficulty.  It takes all they have to just do a simple exercise.  But they persevere.  Their helpers as well as their therapist give them encouragement.  It is inspiriting to watch the progress they make from week to week.

Over the center entrance to LifePlex there is a quote from Hebrews 12:1, “let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.”  I find that those with physical challenges have to have a great deal of endurance to run the race that has been set before them.  They are living profiles in courage.  It takes endurance to be able to come to LifePlex and work out week after week.  There are all kinds of temptations that would cause one not to stick with it.

Everyone would agree that two elements important for a healthy life are exercise and diet.  Those who work out at LifePlex exhibit a variety of ways one may go about exercising.  There is not a right or wrong way.  What is important is that one does it.