Ethan Walker
Working out and exercise are not considered sinful in Catholic doctrine. In fact, some Catholics believe that exercising the body is a way to honour God, as the body is considered a gift from God. However, some Catholics question whether using workout supplements, such as anabolic steroids, for bodybuilding or improving physical appearance could be considered a sin if it causes long-term health issues or is done for vanity.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Working out | Not sinful, but vanity should be avoided |
| Working out on Sundays | Not sinful, but it may hinder worship of God |
| Anabolic steroids | May be a venial sin if taken for vanity or causing long-term health issues |
| Catholic workout | Prayerful intention, gratitude towards God |
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What You'll Learn
Exercise is not a sin
Exercise is not considered sinful in Catholicism. In fact, some Catholics believe that exercising with prayerful intention is a way to show gratitude to God for the gift of one's body. This perspective aligns with the belief that Catholics are ''body-soul composites" and that their bodies will be resurrected by God. Therefore, taking care of one's physical health through exercise can be viewed as a virtuous act.
However, it is important to note that the intention behind exercising matters. While exercising for the sole purpose of vanity or achieving a certain physique could be considered sinful, exercising to maintain health and discipline is generally not seen as a sin.
Catholics who advocate for exercise often emphasize the importance of integrating prayer and devotion with physical activity. This integration is believed to strengthen one's spiritual life and bring it into alignment with Catholic tradition.
Additionally, some Catholics have developed specific programs, such as SoulCore, that combine physical exercise with Catholic practices like the rosary. These programs aim to provide a holistic approach to health and wellness that is rooted in the Catholic faith.
In summary, exercise is not inherently sinful in Catholicism. Instead, it can be viewed as a way to honor and care for the body, which is considered a gift from God. However, the intention behind exercising is crucial, and it should not be done solely for vanity or pride.
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Working out as gratitude to God
Catholicism teaches that working out is not a sin, as long as it is not done vainly or excessively. The Bible states that Catholics should take care of their bodies, as they are temples of the Holy Spirit. Physical exercise is necessary in modern times, as many people lead sedentary lives. Working out can be seen as a way to maintain the body and respect what God has given.
Gratitude is a powerful tool that can bring us closer to God and help us sense His presence. By expressing gratitude, we proclaim a personal and caring God who provides peace and contentment. We can cultivate gratitude by keeping a daily gratitude list or journal, reflecting on God's blessings, and thanking Him for the gifts He has given us.
Working out can be an act of gratitude to God when approached with the right mindset. It can be a way to honour God and show appreciation for the gift of a healthy body. Through physical exercise, we can maintain our health and energy levels, enabling us to serve God and others more effectively.
Additionally, working out can be an opportunity to develop discipline and virtue. By challenging our bodies, we can strengthen our minds and spirits, improving our ability to face life's difficulties. This discipline can lead to a more ordered spiritual life, helping us to overcome vices such as sloth and gluttony.
However, it is important to avoid vanity and excess in our workout routines. When working out becomes a source of pride or an idol, it can lead us away from God. Instead, we should view our physical training as a way to glorify God and serve others.
In conclusion, working out can be a form of gratitude to God when done with the right intentions and mindset. It allows us to care for the body God has given us, develop discipline and virtue, and maintain the energy and health needed to serve God and others. By expressing gratitude during our workouts, we can strengthen our relationship with God and find peace and contentment in His presence.
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Steroids for bodybuilding
According to Catholic teaching, it is important to take care of the body, as it is a temple of the Holy Spirit. While exercising and working out are not considered sinful in Catholicism, vanity is considered a sin, and working out for the sake of vanity can be considered sinful.
Bodybuilders may take anabolic steroids to enhance their physique and improve their workout power. Anabolic steroids are artificially derived from the hormone testosterone, which promotes and maintains muscle growth and develops secondary male characteristics. While steroids are commonly used in bodybuilding, they are illegal to possess or distribute without a prescription in many places. In the United States, for example, the non-medical use of steroids is not permitted, and unlawful possession and distribution are subject to federal and state laws.
The Catholic Church has not explicitly stated whether the use of anabolic steroids for bodybuilding is sinful. However, if taking anabolic steroids causes long-term health issues or is done for vanity, it may be considered a venial sin. The use of steroids in bodybuilding competitions may not be considered vain because all sports involve some degree of vanity due to the public limelight.
The non-medical use of anabolic steroids can have significant adverse effects on the body, especially when used incorrectly. Research has linked long-term, non-medical use of anabolic-androgenic steroids (AASs) to heart problems, unwanted physical changes, increased mortality, and premature death. Additionally, incorrect use of steroids can lead to an increased risk of permanent changes, and sharing needles to inject steroids can increase the chance of contracting or transmitting bloodborne infectious diseases such as hepatitis or HIV.
Some bodybuilders may attempt to avoid the harmful side effects of anabolic steroids by "cycling," or taking the drugs for a while and then pausing, or "stacking," which involves taking more than one type of steroid at a time. Other methods include "pyramiding," a combination of stacking and cycling, and "plateauing," staggering, overlapping, or substituting steroids to avoid developing a tolerance. However, there is no scientific research that shows that these methods reduce the risk of negative effects.
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Slothfulness is a sin
The Bible contains several verses that discuss slothfulness and its negative consequences. For example, Proverbs 13:4 states, "Lazy people want much but get little, but those who work hard will prosper." Ecclesiastes 10:18 describes the physical consequences of slothfulness: "Through sloth the roof sinks in, and through indolence the house leaks." Proverbs 21:25 warns of the ruin that awaits the slothful: "Despite their desires, the lazy will come to ruin, for their hands refuse to work."
Slothfulness is not just about physical laziness but also a reluctance to engage spiritually and mentally. Saint Thomas Aquinas defined sloth as "sorrow about spiritual good" and as "facetiousness of the mind which neglects to being good." According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, "acedia or sloth goes so far as to refuse joy from God and is repelled by goodness." Sloth ignores the seven gifts of grace given by the Holy Ghost, hindering spiritual progress and leading to animosity towards God.
In modern times, with many people living sedentary lives, physical exercise is necessary to maintain the body and respect what God has given. Catholics believe that the body is a temple of the Holy Spirit and that it will be resurrected by God. Therefore, it is important to virtuously take care of one's body and overcome vices such as sloth and gluttony. However, physical training should be ordered towards a higher spiritual end and not be done for vainglory.
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Prayer and devotion
Catholics believe that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, meant to be glorified and cared for as gifts from God. This belief encourages Catholics to stay physically strong and healthy, viewing exercise as a means of building up and glorifying their bodies. Colleen Scariano, the creator of SoulCore, an exercise class that combines prayer and devotion, says, "The movements are simply an invitation, a way to enhance the prayer. We want to encourage people to honor [their] bodies."
There are several ways to incorporate prayer and devotion into your workout routine. You can begin and end your workouts with prayers of thanksgiving, pray the rosary while walking, or dedicate each interval of your workout to a specific prayer intention. Kaiser Johnson's book, "Grit & Glory: Cross Training Your Body and Soul," offers daily workout plans that combine exercise, prayer, Scripture reading, and nutrition.
It is important to note that Catholics should avoid vanity and obsession with physical appearance, as this can lead to sin. However, taking care of one's body and health is not sinful, and exercise can be a form of devotion and prayer when approached with the right intentions.
Through prayer and devotion in their workout journeys, Catholics can strengthen their relationship with God and improve their physical and spiritual health.
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Frequently asked questions
No, it is not a sin for Catholics to work out. In fact, Catholics are encouraged to take care of their bodies, as they are considered a "temple of the Holy Spirit". However, vanity and disordered training can be considered sinful.
The use of workout supplements, such as steroids, is not addressed specifically in Catholic doctrine. However, if the supplements cause long-term health issues and are taken for vanity, they may be considered a venial sin.
Yes, SoulCore is a Catholic workout program that offers classes in over 100 parishes and worship centres across the United States. It also has an online studio and plans to open a dedicated studio space.
It is not considered sinful for Catholics to participate in sports or other physical activities on Sundays. However, Catholics are encouraged to prioritise worship and relaxation on this day.
Catholics believe that using their bodies with prayerful intention, whether through exercise or other physical activities, is a natural extension of gratitude toward God.
