I grabbed my mat and trudged toward the yoga studio. My heart raced just thinking of the sweat pouring off my body.

Did I really want to do this to myself…again? This would be the third day in a row.

A fellow yogini greeted me at the door. “110 in the hot room.”

I gritted my teeth. “Great. I almost didn’t come today.”

“I hear ya, but you know what they say? No pain, no gain.”

I smiled. “Or, in our case…no sweat, no gain.”

She laughed.

I opened the door to the hot room. The sauna-like temperatures greeted me like a hot oven and I cringed. Determined to go through with it, I placed my mat in my favourite spot.

I knew my body would thank me in the end.

Do you exercise? Or do you avoid it at all costs? Recently, I’ve taken up Moksha yoga—a form of hot yoga. I was reluctant to even try it, but finally took the plunge last August. I have to admit, I’m glad I did. Sure, there are times I don’t want to go, but my body feels good after.

Why exercise? A friend of mine recently started running and she’d probably be the first to ask—why? In her words, her calves are “angry.” She’s in pain, but she keeps on because she knows in the end, it will be worth it. Good for her!

We need to take care of the temples God has given us. I’m not suggesting we all do yoga or run, but something to keep our bodies active is always good. How about a brisk walk a few times a week? Even taking the stairs instead of an elevator is great!

I also know what you’re thinking and I agree. Taking care of our bodies is more than just about exercising. We need to eat healthier. We live in a world of fast food, processed food, and lots of sugar! Have you looked at any labels lately? I can’t even pronounce most of the ingredients. How about cooking with whole foods? Back to nature. Plus, step away from that can of soda (yes, even diet soda)—grab a water instead. Don’t get me wrong, it’s okay to have the occasional treat! Just not every day.

What else? Sleeping. We need to get the correct amount of rest to help our bodies rejuvenate. Just like any electronic device, we need to recharge our batteries! I realize the good old days of eight hours sleep is probably gone by the wayside, but I try to get at least seven. And, not everyone needs the same amount. Learn to listen to what your body is telling you and obey.

What about our minds? What are we feeding it? I’m not here to judge. I can only speak for myself because I’m accountable to God for what I watch, read, and listen to. You are too. As per last week’s blog, we need to hear what God is telling us.

What if we paid more attention to our bodies? We’d definitely feel better (after the pain has subsided). I believe we’d be happier and in the end our families would be too.  Plus, we are honouring God when we take care of our temples.

Let’s treat our bodies with more respect. We’ll definitely “gain” in the end!

What type of exercise do you like? Any secrets to getting a good night’s sleep? Share with us in the comments section.

1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (NIV)

Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.

Julie doing Half Moon Pose (Ardha Chandrasana)

(My least favourite pose! I like sleeping pigeon and dancer’s pose.)