I went to catholic high school; Malden Catholic to be specific. My experience there had such a major impact on my life, it is difficult to explain. When I first started participating in track and field as a junior at Malden Catholic, the coach was a Xaverian Brother named Brother Myles McManus.
I remember wanting to practice late pretty often and he was happy to stay out on the track with me while I took throw after throw until darkness fell and I finally wrapped it up. His unwavering dedication helped me earn a scholarship to college. My love of training and sports subsequently determined the classes I took and the degree I earned. I participated in track until I was about 30 years old, studying everything I could to help be improve.
This lead me to choose a career in the fitness industry. So it is easy to see, Malden Catholic impacted the entire course of my life.
Of course the study of religion was part of the curriculum. In fact, Brother Myles was my religion teacher.
I point all of this out because while I am technically a catholic, I am ‘non-practicing’ to say the least. I will admit here – I cannot recall the last time I attended a regular church service that was not part of a funeral or wedding. Despite the efforts of Malden Catholic and the massive, positive experience I had there, like many people, I have drifted away from the church.
This does not mean I am some type of heathen however. I have a very strong belief system about many things in my life and these beliefs still impact the decisions I make on a daily basis.
Over the years, one of these beliefs has become clearer and more concrete to me.
I don’t claim to be a student of religion, but I do know the concept of sin is a part of many religions. It is also a part of my personal beliefs. So what is the belief I am talking about?
I believe the neglect of our physical body is a sin. To allow the incredible machine we are blessed with to decay through simple neglect is a sin against nature. I really believe this.
- I’m not saying it doesn’t get harder with age
- I’m not talking about people who cannot do physical activity due to disease or injury
- I AM talking about people who lose the ability lift, drag, throw, carry, run, walk, jump, etc. because they simply CHOOSE not to do anything.
This is simply wrong. We are given a gift; the abuse of which is unacceptable.
Before you dismiss this as the rambling of a fitness guy, there is actually more to it.
Think of a dad who has started a family; raised children who depend upon him; has a wife who loves him but has decided to lead a sedentary life. Friends tell him he needs to take care of himself. His doctor puts him on various meds and chastises him. He still does nothing.
Then he has a heart attack and dies. This was pretty much inevitable, sad but inevitable…to the point he almost planned it.
He had all the science, information and motivation you could ask for, but chose NOT to do anything. This is a sin or crime – whatever term you prefer. He has harmed everyone around him by his choices. These choices were selfish ones and his family is left to deal with the results.
At virtually any level, this is wrong.
You can dismiss me if you like, but I hope you enjoy the words of those more insightful than I…
To keep the body in good health is a duty… otherwise we shall not be able to keep our mind strong and clear. – Buddha
It is health that is real wealth and not pieces of gold and silver. – Mahatma Gandhi
He who has health, has hope; and he who has hope, has everything. – Thomas Carlyle
The first wealth is health. – Ralph Waldo Emerson
This is not meant to sound preachy. I truly hope it does not. I am simply conveying one of my core beliefs. If you are one who does little to take care of your health. I hope you will apply the concept of being a ‘disruptor’ and change the daily routine you have set for yourself.
We all want to see you around for the long haul. Have a great, healthy day!