Make Exercise a Priority
Stay motivated with positive self-talk, pat yourself on the back for making good food choices and make exercise a priority by sticking to your workout schedule. Nabi S.A.W. said…

نعمتان مغبون فيهما كثير من الناس: الصحة، والفراغ
“There are two blessings in which many people incur loss. (They are) health and free time (for doing good).” [Bukhari]

We often hear of the importance of exercise and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. In practice, however, we struggle when it comes to going for a job or doing some sit-ups.

As Muslims, we should have a drive and desire to look after the body, as it is a gift and trust given to us by Allah. There is an incident from the life of Nabi S.A.W. that shows the importance of looking after one’s body.

`Abdullah bin `Amr bin Al-`As R.A. narrated: Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him) said, “O `Abdullah! Have I not been informed that you fast all day and stand in prayer all night?” I said, “Yes, O Allah’s Messenger!” He said, “Do not do that. Observe the fast sometimes and break the fast [at other times]; stand up for the prayer [at night] and also sleep. Your body has a right over you, your eyes have a right over you and your wife has a right over you.” (Sahih al-Bukhari 5199)

It’s easy to forget that a time will come when our body won’t be as strong as it once was. If we don’t take care of ourselves, we may develop health-related issues that affect our ability to live the life we want. Regular exercise comes with a variety of benefits that can keep us active into our later years and can keep us strong for our daily acts of worship.

A few benefits of exercise:
Healthier Heart – One hundred fifty minutes of physical activity a week can reduce the risk of coronary heart disease by 35%. Coronary heart disease involves plaque build-up in the blood vessels that feed the heart, obstructing the blood supply and resulting in a heart attack. The risk of it happening can be reduced by regular cardiovascular exercise.

Less Stress – Exercise leads to the release of a number of natural chemicals, including endorphins, which have been shown to have a significantly positive effect on stress levels and mood.

Reducing the risk of Osteoporosis – Resistance training and working with weights has been traditionally seen as a male sport to enhance body size. But lifting weights is now also recognized for its benefits in protecting against osteoporosis. When bone density starts to decrease with age, an individual becomes more prone to fractures and bone pain. High-intensity resistance training is thought to provide the stimuli required for maintenance and improvement of bone health.

Increased Energy – Exercising regularly has a profoundly positive effect on energy levels. The more muscles are trained, the more mitochondria are produced. These are powerhouse of the cell that produce energy. This makes it easier for an individual to rise from bed to perform Fajr, conduct extra acts of worship and fast.