In the Gym

Author: Padre Alejandro Cortés González-Báez  

 

 

In recent years the number of fitness centers has increased worldwide. Their advertisement shows us all types of athletic bodies, thin, muscular, strong, healthy, in short, enviable.
Of course, these establishments run the gamut. Some have only a few sets of weights and some prehistoric machines, other locations are as sophisticated and advanced as a training center for NASA astronauts. The personal trainers are masters of the various pieces of equipment. And it’s good that they are, because frequently some people end up in physical rehabilitation due to injuries received when not properly using the equipment in some of these fitness centers.
There are fitness centers for women only, there are fitness centers for athletes of a certain competitive level, requiring a specific type of training. There are also some “social” fitness centers, where the primary role is status and connection.
In all of these locations. there are some people who enjoy seeing themselves in mirrors and being seen by others. These are the runways of exhibitionism, where homage is paid to vanity. Of course, there are many clients who exercise intelligently to control their weight, to better the quality of their lives, and to manage the stress which is so common in our lives.
As it tends to happen, all sorts of people are attracted to this setting: those that make the effort to keep themselves physically and mentally well. They exercise and then they leave. But others are there to search for adventure, in search of adulterous adventure. There are those who make time to exercise judiciously and those who don’t have anything better to do. There are those who are considerate and modest in their speech and dress, and those who are vulgar, those who are discreet and those who are gossipy and have sharp-tongues.
To be concerned about our physical well-being is good, if done with prudence, deliberateness and moderation, without forgetting that our spiritual life requires the same. We are, after all, humans, not racehorses.
Our primary concern in choosing a gymnasium should not be the type of equipment offered, but rather what are the important goals in my life and how my exercising in this particular fitness center can help me achieve these goals.
I realize that it is probably inappropriate for these business to have large-lettered signs urging their clients not to forget the purpose of humanity on earth, but as I urge in my column ‘in the battle for life, death always wins.”
We are a marvel of creation and we do have an obligation to take care of ourselves and to better ourselves. But we should try to do this in an integrating manner, in all aspects of our lives, so that we may be able to serves others. Serving others is the true secret of happiness.