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Gym Ministry
Winter has been cold, too cold to hop on my bike and cruise around the corn fields, so I signed up at the gym. A New Year’s resolution? Perhaps that too!
Cross-trainers, tread machines, circuit training equipment, pool, and lots of exercise mats means lots of fun for me! It also means getting in shape and staying in shape.
I like to keep to myself at the gym, doing my cardio or laps without much interaction with folks around me. Got my music playing in my ears to keep me motivated and a focused look on my face, both of which send the message that I’m not up for conversation.
But in the few short weeks that I’ve been going to the gym, I’ve become a Chatty Cathy (a classic doll – I’d post a picture but they are kind of freaky and would give me nightmares). Last week it was the ladies in the pool (they were preparing for aqua jazzercizing Tae Bo or some such thing), then it was the lady who forgot her towel and so i gave her mine, and yesterday it was the woman with the freakin awesome knee high socks. She also happened to be the one who got her butt kicked by her trainer as it was her first day at the gym. I totally sympathized with her and encouraged her to hang in there.
I appreciate that God called me out of myself and am trying to be more open to the ways I can connect with folks at the gym — even a smile is appreciated when you feel like you can’t finish that last lap or that last hill on the stairmaster. People have done that for me.
Any ministry experiences at the gym? What about other unexpected places to be called to minister?
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Sr. Julie,
I work with a personal trainer, one-on-one, and have known my trainer for a number of years. So, he’s come to know a lot about what priests do, and what my life is all about. I think he’s gotten a very human look at my life, since he’s seen me struggling with trying to achieve some physical goals. He’s not Catholic, but respects our values. And, he gave me a great example to use: When training, you have to work a muscle “to failure,” i.e., til you can’t lift anymore. I use that as a way of talking about the “paschal mystery,” Jesus’ victory coming out of what appeared to be a failure–his suffering and death. Lots of connections between our “gym life” and the rest of life!
– Fr. Greg, OFM
It wasn’t at the gym but in a check out line at the grocery store. The teenage check out girl had tattoos at the base of her neck.
She caught me (gray hair gal) starring at them. Her whole body language changed. I’m sure she thought I did not like them. She became very unfriendly. I asked her if her tattoos were Chinese symbols, she said YES. I then told her how a friend of mine who wanted a tattoo all her life got one after she was diagnosed with Cancer. She chose the Chinese symbol for family. Her whole demeanor towards me changed. I think she realized she was the one making the wrong assumption. She wished me a great day with a big happy smile.
Hi Julie,
I am a fellow “pool minister”! Joined a local aquatic club five years ago. Best thing I could have done. I now walk on water, have lost all sense of modesty and claim very few inhibitions! I used to try to keep to myself and focus on just being in the water, but the guys and gals in the H2O have won me over. I love their sense of community and their good humor. All you waters…bless the Lord!
Well, back when I was going to the gym, I went before even God was awake so I never got to witness much to anyone but myself (Those stoopid mirrors in front of the machines…) However, I did witness to myself that fidelity brings results, even if much later down the road.
Awesome analogy, Fr. Greg!
Sister Michele, Yesterday when i went, I had the pool almost to myself, so I did my laps, slowly and gracefully. I’m a slow swimmer to begin with but yesterday I was so slow almost going backwards! Then all of a sudden the pool filled up and an older gentleman joined me in my lane. He was much faster than me and so all of a sudden I found myself kicking it up a level just to keep up with him! It was a nice occasion of grace, of calling me to something more! Just when you think you can’t, you can. As Fr. Greg said, “Lots of connections between our “gym life” and the rest of life!”