As a husband, father, and coach, I often find myself juggling the demands of family, work, and personal commitments. Recently, after a particularly exhausting week marked by fatigue and a lack of focus during my morning prayer, I stumbled upon The Ignatian Workout: Daily Exercises for a Healthy Faith by Tim Muldoon. In a conversation with a brother in Christ about the importance of caring for our bodies as temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19-20), I was intrigued by how spiritual fitness parallels physical fitness. This book promised not just insights, but a transformational workout for my soul and body.
Muldoon’s Ignatian Workout presents a compelling approach to physical and spiritual health. The book organizes spiritual exercises into manageable “workouts” that can seamlessly fit into a busy lifestyle, while drawing heavily on the timeless wisdom of St. Ignatius of Loyola. Each workout encourages us to engage in disciplines that help us recognize God’s continual presence in our lives, urging us to respond with purposeful action. Here, I found a biblical perspective on caring for my body and fostering discipline that mirrored the teachings of Scripture—reminding me that our physical health is, indeed, a reflection of our commitment to serve God and others.
The content of The Ignatian Workout inspired a significant shift in my mindset. It helped me understand that just as we train our bodies for endurance, we must cultivate our spiritual lives, viewing them as interconnected avenues for growth. With clear, practical exercises, Muldoon guides us to explore our emotions, intentions, and experiences through the lens of faith, providing me not only with inspiration for new habits but the motivation to lead my family with renewed strength. I found myself reflecting on quotes that challenged my complacency: “Perseverance is key,” which spurred me to complete a particularly tough workout when my body begged otherwise.
From its easy readability to effective visuals and practical tools, this book is designed with busy men in mind. Whether it calls out laziness or awakens a deeper understanding of our mission, The Ignatian Workout serves as both a handy guide for personal growth and a reminder that fitness isn’t just about physical strength; it’s about equipping our spirits for the work of the Kingdom.
In essence, The Ignatian Workout is not merely a one-time motivator. It’s a resource I will return to again and again—a long-term companion on my journey of obedience to Christ. It has helped me recognize my body as a vessel for His purpose, leading to better stewardship in my fitness, my family, and my faith life as a whole.
Brothers, if you’re ready to deepen your spiritual and physical health, I encourage you to pick up this transformative guide today. Let’s commit to being fit—spiritually, physically, and in every aspect of our lives—together!