Written by Eddie Thomas

Hey there, friends! It’s Eddie, and today I want to talk about something that brings so much joy and movement to me. As an IFBB Pro and professional athlete, I’ve dedicated my life to the pursuit of physical health and vitality – and let me tell you, there’s nothing quite like the feeling of moving your body and pursuing and pushing yourself to new heights and new levels.

But here’s the thing: exercise isn’t just about building muscle and burning calories, it’s about embracing the joy of the movement – the sheer delight of using our bodies in the way we were designed to be used. Whether it’s going for a run or lifting weights or practicing yoga, or dancing with your favorite song, movement is a gift from God, and it’s meant to be enjoyed.

So, how do we find joy in exercise and physical activity? Well, it starts first with shifting our mindset. Instead of seeing exercise as a chore or obligation, let’s reframe it as an opportunity – an opportunity to feel strong, energized, and alive again. Let’s focus on the feeling of our muscles working and our hearts pumping, and our breath flowing – and let’s reveal the sensation of fully present in our God given bodies.

Next, it’s important to find activities that bring you joy and fulfillment to your life. Maybe it’s playing sport, hiking in nature, or taking a dance class with friends, or playing basketball, playing football, whatever it is, make time for this activity that makes you feel alive, invigorated and don’t be afraid to try new things and step out of your comfort zone.

In Psalm 150:4, it states this; “Praise him with tambourine and dancing, praise him with strings and pipe.” Let’s praise God with our bodies and find joy in this movement, let’s say it again, “find complete joy in this movement knowing that every step, every breath, and every heartbeat is a gift from God.

Closing Prayer:

Heavenly Father we thank you for the opportunity to have these bodies Lord. Heavenly Father we thank you for giving us the motivation, the gift Lord God to continue to go to new heights and new levels. We ask you to help us change our mindset, change our mindset of understanding, this is not a job, it’s not an obligation, this is an opportunity Lord God this is your grace. And now that we understand these things we can go out there and not only change the way we look and change the way we feel and change the way we interact with our family friends. We get the opportunity Lord God to become closer to you.  More peace in our mind, Heavenly Father.

I pray this prayer right now that this will be the shift and the change of how we should look at fitness: a movement of joy not a movement of headache. I call for peace to every individual right now who are ready to take on new steps and go to new levels and new heights in your name.    

Amen.

Coach Eddie Thomas

IFBB Pro