What good is there in Physical Exercise?

Recently I broke my exercise regime... Wed I skip it to run errand for my wife and since then I procrastinate by giving myself excuses... Typical sinful body.. =(

Today I won the battle and resume back my exercise regime. As I was exercising, I thought what's the benefits of exercising and why am I doing it. The answer seems obvious. I need to lose weight because I went beyond the ideal weight range. "Isn't there shortcut?" I thought.

WOw my sinful self does know how to ask good questions. Yes, there are ways like going to slimming program, going for lipo suction or eat slimming pills. Once my sister gave me a pill before a sumptous dinner which can prevent my body from absorbing whatever I eat. Hmm... sounds like a good idea.. I can have all the pleasure of eating and yet I can look the same.. haha..

If it is just about weight loss and looking good, I can choose all those options that the world provide and most importantly, they are easy options. However, exercise does improve my stamina; it does build up my endurance; it does strengthen my body; it does improve my energy level. All these will help me to be effective for work, for ministry and even improve my quality of life with my love ones indirectly. Weight loss and looking good are part of it...

In the midst of reflecting, I was reminded of 1Tim4:7b,8

"...Spend your time and energy in training yourself for spiritual fitness. Physical exercise has some value, but spiritual exercise is much more important, for it promises a reward in both this life and the next."

Being a christian of that sort sounds tough... Any shortcut to look spiritual?
Just follow what is expected of you? Legalism!! Changing the outward appearance only. Looks spiritual but inner being may not be so. This sounds like cosmetic surgery... However, these will not survive thr tests and trials.

"So make every effort to apply the benefits of these promises to your life. Then your faith will produce a life of moral excellence.
A life of moral excellence leads to knowing God better.
Knowing God leads to self-control.
Self control leads to patient endurance,
and patient endurance leads to godliness.
Godliness leads to love for other Christians,
and finally you will grow to have genuine love for everyone.
The more you grow like this, the more you will become productive and useful in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ." 2Peter1:5-8.

Just like how I make effort to go to the gym to workout regularly and benefit from physical exercise, spiritual fitness starts with making the effort to apply the benefits of WOG to my life and changes will progress from there.