Reflections on Ignorance-What is the Purpose of Weightlifting?

    For most of my life I ran for exercise. For some unknown reason I was drawn to the suffering that is the sport of cross country. My parents both ran marathons, so maybe that is where I found the interest, but the love for a sport so cruel must have mysterious origins. Running allowed me to practice the virtue of perseverance. Step after step, mile after mile, I sojourned on. It was only after high school ended that I discovered weightlifting and bodybuilding. Both of my brothers were heavily involved in weightlifting because of their participation in football, and they were (are) both incredibly strong. I figured that this power must be somewhere in my genes. 

    At the beginning of college I truly "went to the gym" for the first time. I was motivated, but I lacked a lot of knowledge and even more so experience. This did not deter me. Day in and day out I went to gym, lifted weights, and ate way too much, but it worked. I got bigger and stronger, just like I had hoped to. Things slowed down when I went to the seminary and took on a lot more responsibility. I still had the reputation as the guy who lifted weights, but my passion for it died down considerably seeing as I was unable to devote the same time to it. I am still currently in this state. 

    I still desire to become stronger, but I think my motivations have changed. When I began weightlifting it was mainly out of a desire for a better physique. I was inundated with imagery of superhuman physiques and unbelievable strength through social media, and I think this was a large part of forming my approach to the hobby. Now that I am so much older and wiser, I think this motivation deserves some reconsideration. I now want to lift weights so that I can build up my body for the glory of God and the service of others, but this has to be put into action. 

    Instead of idolizing the bodybuilders that plague social media, I want to reflect on the countless men that have gone before me who desired to build up their bodies in service of something greater. Whether it be God, their neighbor, or their family, some men wanted to become stronger for a purpose other than vanity. I certainly do not intend to categorize all of the people who participate in bodybuilding as motivated solely by vanity and pride, although I'm sure some of those people exist (me being one of them). In running I was able to grow in virtue through the determination and struggle inherent to the sport. In weightlifting/bodybuilding I am still trying to find that specific purpose.