Hello people
Today I’ll be hitting you up with another health post. Today I’d like to talk to you about fasting and gyming, I’m sure you may have already gathered that from the title of this post, but I feel a gentle reminder is always nice! So there are different types of fasting described in the bible (Matthew 6:16-18)! Partial fasting (abstinence from pleasant food [Daniel 10:3]) dry fasting (abstinence from both food and water [Esther 4:16])and fasting (when liquids are consumed). I like to look as fasting as abstaining from food, and I believe in order for one to commence a dry fast you need to specifically hear from God, as doing a dry fast for an extended period of time, without Gods direction can certainly lead to ill health, and even death.
As a believer I believe that fasting is an essential part of the Christian Faith. Just as Jesus encourages us to pray through scripture, He also encourages us to fast. Fasting should not only be done in emergency situations, fasting should be a way of life, something a believer should engage in regularly! I know this because Jesus very words where ‘when you fast’, not ‘if’, this shows me that I should not neglect fasting, or see it as unimportant! Christ taught people how to pray, and how not to pray. He also done the same with fasting, scripture tells us what not to do whilst fasting (wear a sullen fast, and or broadcast your act of fasting to the whole world). Overall I just wanted to emphasis that fasting is just as important as prayer, as you can see from scripture there is definitely correlation between the two (Matthew 6:5-18)! Another major point I’d like you to take on board is that I am not a physician, and if you are not in the best shape to fast, don’t do so. Especially if you suffer from a medical condition, you really should consult your doctor before fasting. Not everyone can fast because of certain reason, such as ill health, do NOT beat yourself up about, neither should you condemn yourself. God sees your heart, and you can honour Him in other ways! He understands your struggles, and He loves you, remember that.
In my case I fast on a weekly basis, as I believe God has called me to do so. This has a direct impact on my overall schedule, as my fasting days can fall on the day I plan to go the gym. I will be very honest with you, I train easier at the gym, I ensure that I don’t go overboard, and I do take water along with me (as I usually do not do dry fasting)! Surprisingly I find that I work at my full potential on my fasting day, and I get a sudden outburst of strength, which I personally believe is a result of my fasting). My body doesn’t actually feel weaker, and my mind is stronger and more focused! I find though that occasionally if I have not drank enough water on my fast day, I sometimes tend to get a slight headache. If you do encounter such symptoms, don’t worry they’re normal, just make sure you stay hydrated! Obviously everyone’s body is different, so once again if needs be consult your physician, if you intend to workout and fast at the same time. I just wanted to encourage those out there thinking of doing so, that it IS possible!
Have you ever found yourself in a dilemma where you forget your water bottle, and your gym has no water in the water tank, and no cups in sight? Yet you still manage to pull through that intense workout! Sometimes you may even wonder how you done it? Such situations cause me to reflect on the fact that in certain circumstances we have have no option but to push through, it’s all in the mind (power is perfected in weakness)! If you believe you can do something you can, if you believe you can still go to the gym on your fast day, then you can!
You can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens you (Philippians 4:13)!
Love from
Christian Lady After Gods Own Heart