We can certainly learn a lot from sport and exercise about how to face the challenges of life.
I once asked a priest friend of mine, “Do you exercise daily, Father?”
“I don’t have time,” he replied, adding, “There are way too many responsibilities to attend to.”
I’m not going to lie, I was disappointed by the answer. Priests are precious to us, and they face many challenges in today’s world. They work day in and day out and can become physically, mentally, and emotionally burned out. Besides all the work they need to do for their mission, their personal prayer, and daily Mass, they also need to make time for physical exercise. They are our caregivers; if they do not take care of themselves properly, how can they care for others? It’s akin to the standard safety protocol you hear on a flight: in case of emergency, put the oxygen mask on yourself first before helping others.
Pope Leo is setting a good example in this regard, showing the importance of regular physical exercise. Before his election, media reports noted that Cardinal Prevost worked out at the gym three to four times a week, with a mix of cardio and weights. The Holy Father is also known to enjoy a game of tennis now and then. No wonder he has an athletic physique, capable of taking on the physical strain of leading the Catholic Church from the front.
At the recent Jubilee of Sports, the Holy Father said, “The time you spend together in these days will offer you a valuable opportunity to think about the relationship between athletic activity and the virtue of hope. When we think of it, sports are animated by hope, in the sense that they involve striving towards a goal, constantly trying to improve our performance, and learning to work with others as a team. At the same time, our deepest hopes challenge us to make the world of sports an arena where authentically human and Christian values can be exercised and communicated to others for the building of a better world.”
Another athletic pope, St. John Paul II, who had a deep love for skiing, once said:
“The logic of sport is also the logic of life: without sacrifices, important results are not obtained, nor even genuine satisfaction.”
St. Paul himself made abundant use of sports imagery in his writings: “Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we can imperishable.” (1 Corinthians 9:25) Every Christian is called to become a strong athlete of Christ, that is, a faithful and courageous witness to His Gospel.
We can certainly learn a lot from sport and exercise about how to face the challenges of life.
The words of athletic mountaineer Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati, due to be canonized on September 7, 2025, still resonate: “The higher we go, the better we shall hear the voice of Christ.”
During the pandemic, I used the time to keep fit by walking and running daily. I lost 8 kg; ironically, it became one of the healthiest periods of my life. Some lifestyle changes I made during that time have stayed with me even today.
Here’s what worked for me:
Moving more:
During lockdown, I walked or ran to get essentials instead of sending my driver. With cars restricted and police all around, it was simply easier to move on foot.
Lifting more:
Carrying supplies back home gave me a similar effect to lifting weights in a gym! With a mask on and bags in hand, each step felt like an effort well spent.
Eating less:
With no access to fast food, I relied only on home-cooked meals. Nothing is healthier than food made from scratch.
Drinking less:
Pre-lockdown, I consumed endless cups of coffee, often accompanied by snacks. During lockdown, I cut down to a single morning cup.
Stressing less:
Not commuting to work helped lower my stress levels, one of the big reasons I used to overeat.
I’ve tried to keep most of them going even after restrictions were lifted. I maintain the habit of a morning walk. This helps me hit 10,000 steps before the day even begins, and I often add more throughout the day. I eat only home-cooked food (my lunch is packed by my better half!). I feel great after every workout, ready to take on the day.
St. Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 6:19: “Your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit.” We need to take care of this temple, our body, given to us by God. Thirty minutes of daily exercise is the best way to accomplish it. Pick whatever activity you enjoy, preferably one you can do in the open air. It will strengthen both your body and your spirit.
Happy Exercising!
