My current fitness inspiration is my neighbor. He is not, to my knowledge, a member of a gym, fancy or otherwise. By all appearances, he does not spend a lot of money on fitness gear or athletic shoes. At all times, he appears relaxed in his approach to fitness – a smile on his face and quick and warm hello.
His gift of inspiration comes in several forms.
First, he is consistent. Three to four days a week he is doing stretching and movement exercises in the common area on the top floor of our apartment building. The open space between the four apartments on the floor with views and a breeze from and to the south and north is his primary base. The cardio portion is addressed by walking, fast and slow, up and down the 25 flights of stairs.
Two, he approaches his workouts with a peaceful serenity that carries through to the end. If he is slightly tired, he naturally slows down his workout. At all times, being friendly with a smile and a word takes precedence over the demand of whatever he is doing in the moment.
Third, his motivation is clear. He expresses and lives the desire to be as healthy as he can. The reason is the consequence that always follows; he wants to live as fully and completely as possible. There is a much larger story just beyond our conversation. It is slowly emerging, filling in the details around the reasons and rationale for his motivation and intent.
I sense that there is more to the story. I am curious. I am also encouraged because it is easy to acknowledge to him “yes, your sayings on life are what give me delight; I listen to them as to good neighbors!” (Psalm 119.24)
Exercise and discipline change with our hearts and minds. Each can be a drag or a vehicle carrying us to where we want to be. Each can be a drag or a regular celebration. His workouts take me to the daily choice of what life will be.
