The Morality of Exercise W/ Fr. Mike Schmitz

[@christominded4726]

I love it when he said “we can choose to be offended,” it’s up to us to be offended.

[@IONov990]

Yikes. I can be easily hurt or offended by the smallest of things. I am beginning to wonder what that says about me.

[@sttommore]

I really appreciate Fr. Mike's moderate approach. Human life is not best experienced in the extremes, but in a measured, balanced, rational and emotional scale. Work/rest, Exercise/relaxation, Feasting/fasting. So difficult to find that place, and harder to maintain, but so full and peaceful.

[@will5026]

I try to tackle with that. I work in politics - chief of staff and campaign manager- and I try to discuss with people from a very moderate point, and say "well, I understand *my real opinion*, because xyz, but I think *moderate opinion* because of xyz" with the anticipation of turning those people from an extreme view they have to moderate, then hopefully my view.

[@cristiancaiola9588]

I enjoyed this, but dude LET THE MAN SPEAK.

[@estherl3902]

Fr Mike is so wise

[@jdd9590]

Would b good if Matt let the Father finish his thoughts/sentences...

[@TheCrouchingMonkey]

That’s Matt😄

[@signlanguage7624]

Lol

[@TacosnZorro]

Matt, thank you so much for bringing up the wave of "fat activism" that is taking over. While largely (no pun intended) a secular thing, I think a lot of Catholics fall prone to this as well. It's something I've very much struggled with. In fact, every time I commit to fasting and prayer for an intention, I feel an increase in urges to stop all together. I recently finished reading "The Catholic Table" and it really put food into perspective for me (the church's cycles of feasting and fasting make it too easy for us to be in shape if we just follow it). And, if we want to get really hardcore, we can follow the older pre-Vat 2 rules on fasting. We think it's hard to go without food, or to exercise our bodies, but you're right - we need to. Maybe not everyone can handle crossfit (;)) but even just walking or light weight training. Thank you again for this video!!! God bless!

[@boguslav9502]

Of all forms of excercise cross it is Just destructive. Something no ody should be doing unless they are an elite athlete and even then it should be avoided. Calisthenics however is the Perfect intro and mainttanence workout Type. Low i jury rates and high benefits while being low impact.

[@tomasmurcu]

Matt, you have been absolutely crushing it lately. The interviews are compelling, warm, and enlightening. Love this format.

[@donquixotedelamancha58]

I'm glad to hear this message. Exercise is good for not just the body but also mental health.

[@burntchickennuggetp7746]

I’m out of shape and I’m not offended. I completely get it. We have been given life and opportunity use it. Also when your granted good health you should deeply appreciate it and care for it. Also I think of it as when your healthy it should be an opportunity for us to be charitable and care for the less fortunate in body, mind and spirit. Use the good God has given you to do his will and love one another. But just my thoughts. :)

[@eileen1820]

I learn from and enjoy these discussions. I got the BodyFast App thanks to Fr. Mike. Fasting is amazing! I feel so much healthier, lighter& more comfortable. It gives me a more even temperament. LOVE It! Thanks Fr. Mike!

[@crystald3346]

The good Lord has blessed you two with beauty in body and in mind. Thank you so much for your testaments to the faith and your encouraging words. God bless.

[@thomasm9511]

Totally agree with it. Mens sana in corpore sano - "a healthy mind in a healthy body."

[@hawkeyepierce8886]

Please pray I'm 17 and was officially diagnosed with an eating disorder yesterday and I'm pretty scared. I have already got over compulsive exercise but I need to learn how to exercise to take care of my body not because I hate it.

[@mesichikitochikitochikito1128]

Bike bro

[@hawkeyepierce8886]

@@mesichikitochikitochikito1128 what?

[@GregAitchison]

Happy to pray for you. Hang in there - God loves you and is with you in all the ups and downs of life!

[@mrssmith1691]

Don't be too scared, lots of people have beaten eating disorders. There's lots of help and self help groups, take the help and don't isolate! You got this, I and others are praying with you.

[@TheWallydecker]

Learn to count calories accurately. Become good at mental math. That is what helped me. Make sure you are eating at least 2000 calories a day. Work on simple exercises to strengthen your muscles especially your lower body and you don’t need to run. Your goal should be to have a healthy body and try to continually be healthy spiritually, mentally, emotionally, physically. You’re a temple of the Holy Spirit, respect yourself always.

[@RealmofGothArts]

I am overweight my self. And I am not offended. In fact it gives me even more of a reason to improve of upon my health and fitness. I honestly view bad nutritional choices as the equivalent of sin because it harms my body. I also view excercise like a type of prayer infact I try and offer up my excercise as prayer if I remember to do so.

[@nicksiska3231]

I Remember when i was teenager I was overweight and pretty fat. I actually started at that age to take may faith more seriously and started to pray. I remember one time i was praying and I saw my overweight stomach( thinking back it makes me laugh) and I thought God cant be pleased with this. I started exercising and with Gods help got into shape.

[@relentlessrhythm2774]

"I'm going to beat me." Thanks Matt fir those words. I am going to an Irish dancing competition today and I will focus on beating my former self rather than being the best.

[@6williamson]

It is interesting the comparisons of exercise to the spiritual life (spoken as someone new to exercise-) From Paul: "Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever." So, now I pray the rosary as I run, counting on my fingers (and having a hard time remembering the words after a few miles). Going into the 'Jesus zone' also helps with the pain on the last mile.

[@katpellot7646]

100% agree. Thank you!

[@riley.p.p]

man, this seems like ages ago! both Matt and Fr. Mike have tremendously grown in developing their tv/video presences along with Matt improving as an interviewer

[@clintonharvey-olivier3660]

be it at the gym, or at church.. you will always meet someone, leaps and bounds stronger then you.. either in raw lifting power, or spiritual maturity.. but, you will also always find someone, where you were last year.. last month.. last week, or even yesterday.. you can always step up and ask, if they need a spot..

[@squirrelknight4878]

Anything that promotes the healthiness of the bodies that we're given should be good for the most part. Healthy is the key word here since people could overwork themselves or starve themselves to an unhealthy level ironically in their pursuit of that ideal body.

[@nicksiska3231]

Matt just so you know you interrupt Fr. Mike alot.

[@timbrophy]

I’m fat. Morbidly obese! I am NOT offended when I hear the truth, even if it hurts. I love truth more than I love my sin. Keep telling the truth.

[@tothem1997]

That priest is an absolute Chad

[@liyaarcher8239]

Havent watched it yet but you should stay strong and train for strength in order to better capably fulfill your duties and rise to any challenges that come your way. It becomes bad if your spending an exessive ammount of time at the gym for vain reasons and neglecting your duties because of it. Also if you have to excessively work out not for strength but to stay a healthy weight- then your probably not fulfilling your fasting obligations. Or struggling with gluttony.

[@Littlemermaid17]

Young Catholics without the responsibility of family should absolutely have a strong exercise routine.

[@conchacura8413]

Matt could you allow fr to talk? It is too tiring to try to understand him

[@bijoythewimp2854]

I always wanted to ask this question to fr.Mike and fr.Brice

[@DoggyDr2pac]

BASED.

[@louisehine1]

Life lesson: just because you’re offended, doesn’t make you right. I’m fat (meds), I’m not offended.

[@noahtighe64]

#AskMattFradd Matt, I am 16 & am struggling with many aspects of the faith. I followed your lead & recite the Jesus Prayer. It is beneficial. Both your channel & Ascension Presents have really helped. I am asking, however, about a verse in scripture that reads, "“In praying, do not babble like the pagans, who think that they will be heard because of their many words” (Matthew 6:7)." Luther and Calvin saw this to be against such praying as the Rosary and the Jesus Prayer. What is your defense? They aren't right, are they?

[@zinger949]

Noah Tighe The way I read it, it said do not engage in vain repetition. Enter into your private chamber. The way it was explained to me is pray in private. In reference to the Pharisees who would dress up in their fancy garb and make sure they were seen. Basically Jesus was saying prayer was between yourself and the Father. But I think there is a big difference between babbling and saying established prayers, the “Our Father” was taught by Jesus himself and is part of the rosary. Hope this helps a little

[@gxklugsjskks139]

We pray someday you tackle about exorcism.

[@tryforthesky2224]

Guys... I appreciate the importance of "good housekeeping" for the temples of our bodies. And I recognize that this conversation is an important antidote to the contemporary "fat-positivity" craze. At the same time... I think we need to be *very caring* with how we express this, and I notice, and am slightly disturbed to see, that those internet personalities most gung-ho about spreading this message (including among Catholics) seem to be young adult, healthy males, in the prime of their lives. E.g. you Matt, and you Fr. Mike -- and Tim Gordon (who talks about overweight women as "chubs"), etc.) You men clearly have energy, vitality, and the corresponding body types to LOOK a certain way that society recognizes as fit/athletic. And I honestly don't want to be the one sinfully "taking offence" here... but I just want to check in if you men aren't a little, well, high on your own health, and not having personal experience of what happens when your body once gets out of control, especially as the body chemistry changes as it ages (and how the exact same discipline applied after that point, won't bring you back to your previous health or a social appearance of 'fitness', so much much more is needed, and may still not get you there). And about "taking offence"... I think the reason we need to be gentle in talking about this subject is that you don't know how much your words might be layering onto a string of other words that the person is already faced with in life, from family and strangers alike. E.g. for me... I'm about 6 lbs overweight (and do struggle with gluttony), and am actively working on restoring my body to fitness for the glory of God. But to be honest 6 lbs may not SEEM that much -- but I already face comments and awkwardness from my family (which come regardless of the fact that I'm already working on it -- and regardless of the fact that this is the same family who puts too much food, and junk food, in front of me and considers it 'rude' if I don't eat it) -- and not too long ago a male stranger literally shouted at me in the street: "You've dropped your standards!" Also, women just carry weight differently -- and our bodies are much more 'discussed' and criticized than the bodies of men. So, I imagine I sound whiny and like the exact kind of person you probably think is "choosing to take offence", so you reckon the problem is with me and not you. And I'll be upfront and say that absolutely, the condition of my body IS my problem, not yours! Just please... I don't know. Check yourselves, and maybe ask yourself whether there's any chance that your manner of discussing this topic might be related to being healthy men in the prime of your lives? Because I think that's what finally got me down about this today. Yes, there are young women who also take this position on the internet (usually also, naturally slender women in the youthful prime of their lives) -- but for some reason, whether because it's the actual preponderance of videos or just the preponderance of what I've come across lately in the Catholic video-sphere, it's seemed heavy on men talking about it -- and it usually seems like it's men whose self-perceived problem (if anything) is they haven't put on enough muscle -- not that they haven't burned off enough fat. Or if they do have fat, the default approved-apparel for men conceals their fat sufficiently that it's not obvious to strangers (and the wearing of such apparel doesn't draw ADDITIONAL criticism for 'frumpiness'). And I think there may be a different idea of what 'fitness' means depending on which direction you're trying to go, and a different type of shame attached to those who need to burn off fat, versus those who mostly want to build up muscle. I dunno. Just... I really like both Matt, and Fr. Mike (and even Tim Gordon!). But rewatching this clip today, I just finally got a little down. Not saying I'm "right". Just... down.

[@tryforthesky2224]

@10 9 5 1 3 4 7 8 6 2 Super helpful comment. Thanks.

[@liyaarcher8239]

@@tryforthesky2224 hey I know this is late but dont feel down. I think it's really hard for anyone to understand what anyone else is going through. I think slim people with a good ammount of self discipline think those a bit overweight are gluttonous or lack discipline because they are projecting their own bodies reality and perception onto others. It's hard. I guess put it in gods hands as a humility sacrifice and keep working towards your goals and know that humans are flawed and sinful unlike our just and merciful God. They will always disapoint us but God loves you as his beautiful creation. ❤

[@Twitching0991]

I would rather be offended doing things that will better benefit me than pleasing other people just to say I did it because they want to.

[@eunicegabrielle5949]

Anyone else keen on signing up for crossfit now after hearing this interview? 😂

[@abelovedchildofgod7383]

There is no shame in being weak, There is only shame in staying weak.

[@thereisnosalvationoutsidet3246]

Also gluttony and sloth are two of the 7 deadly sins

[@KrisFasseBooksandButterflies]

*fat person* ... not offended.... regularly working on it! The only discouraging thing was that you said that Matt! *divisive* I love the points made here about stewardship.... simple realities....

[@rigobertogarcia1016]

But what if your gym has immodestly dressed people, does it become a near occasion of sin

[@TheWallydecker]

Rigoberto Garcia say prayers for the immodest and ignore them. They are seeking attention, just don’t look at them. Focus on your goals and your prayers.

[@ironymatt]

In general, the answer would be "no", not any more than going to the beach. Purpose and intent would inform that the gym is a facility intended for the betterment of the physique, and the people there are dressed for that purpose. At most, a minor venial sin could occur, but a practicing Catholic is absolved of those by attendance at the Mass, so no cause for any disproportionate concern. However, if the person in question knows that they have a particular weakness towards sins of that nature, then it's an area where they can improve in spiritual strength by taking a few cautionary measures such as attending non-coed gyms or not going at times when there's a lot of other people there, lessening the likelihood of being tempted.

[@rigobertogarcia1016]

ironymatt I understand where you’re coming from but it’s a struggle to remember that venial sins are still sins which will offend God

[@ironymatt]

@@rigobertogarcia1016 Christ be with you in your struggles, and remember that He said not to worry.

[@thereisnosalvationoutsidet3246]

Just look once and dont look again. Dont let the impure thoughts enter your mind. Matthew 5:28 But I say to you, that whosoever shall look on a woman to lust after her, hath already committed adultery with her in his heart. Say 3 Hail Mary's and an Our Father when you feel the temptations entering the mind. Also tell yourself that women are beautiful creations of God

[@annaholley2885]

❤❤❤❤

[@stuckmannen3876]

👍

[@friaraspen]

A little bit o' somthin is beiter than a whole lot o' nuthin;-)

[@JocelynCleolette]

Maannn...why don't you let Fr. Mike finish his sentrnces It's so annoying everytime you interrupt him... I mean I really want to hear what he says completely.

[@lawmaker22]

overeating is connected to this topic....

[@thereisnosalvationoutsidet3246]

The concept of being a meat head or hot model leads to vanity. We should work out for sure. Some of us may not be like Arnold Schwarzenegger or pro athletes, but God made us all different

[@JC-gz9oy]

Actually u can tell when someone’s intellect is out of shape… just have a decent conversation ….

[@shareenchoudhury-leighton1748]

Give him a chance to speak, finish his sentence

[@gerrylopez34]

If your not going to let your guest speak, don’t invite them on your show.

[@Nedubov]

LET your invited speaker SPEAK uninterrupted!

[@rattata30]

Your worried about working out, when the poepe is making a mockery out of our church?

[@johndastoli8572]

The problem with fitness now-a-days is that it completely defined by aesthetics. For me, this is vanity. Every fitness program I see or that gets advertised to me has a body type as its objective. Being shredded or bulked up...getting a big chest, big arms, etc. I think its even worse for women. Aesthetic isn't health. A lot of aesthetic goals are unhealthy or vanity. Everything should be ordered toward God...including fitness and health. Fitness should be a tool to reinforce the will of the mind over the body, develop discipline, and most importantly become more virtuous. Unfortunately, I do not think most people, including Catholics are stepping into a gym or starting a fitness regime to become virtuous. If you are doing fitnessn to look like a photoshopped/filtered Instagram model, you will likely quit or be constantly frustrated. If you do it to be healthy so you can better assure the welfare of your family, and be more disciplined and virtuous you will succeed. In that approach, I have even found that fitness can enhance your prayer and spiritual life. I will listen to catholic programming or a Rosary during aerobic exercise or will integrate prayer into weight/calisthenic training. In between sets, depending how long it can be, you can say prayers. Exercise is a kind of a "suffering" or at least a form of asceticism. You can offer your exercise up as a sacrifice. If you rightly order the reasoning and how you conduct exercise you will be much more likely to be successful.

[@conchacura8413]

Please matt stop talking

[@TheBadGuy1974]

1:03 in will this guy ever shut the hell up and allow Fr Mike to speak????????????? Asks a question and before he is halfway out with a response starts talking over him. This guy needs a slap.

[@TheWallydecker]

CrossFit is a ripoff and causes many injuries. Focus on form and functional strength, not speed. Goal should be heathy ligaments and muscles. You should know the anatomy and study biomechanics to improve your overall athleticism. My goal is to be athletic and healthy. Looking good is a side effect of pursuing athleticism

[@eldenl1]

Matt, you have a misconceived idea that all _fat people_ are so because they just eat too much. Being a young man you have a higher metabolism than most young woman...you can cut out a dessert and lose weight, my husband was like that most of his life. Some women are like that too. Sometimes genetics are just against you. When you have a family of 12 children, 6 boys and 6 girls, who all eat the same meals, (we are talking in the late 50's to late 60's when there were less boxed foods) and all but one girl is obese from pre-puberty through adulthood, and all but one boy is extremely lean. Genetics have to play a part. So please stop lumping "fat people" into your preconceived notion that they are only fat because they are sinning...not treating their bodies as temples of the Holy Spirit. This is not the first time I have heard you say this in the same way. You are judging people without knowing their heart or their health...please stop. Yes some people suffer from over eating and they need to know this is a sin, but you show them no compassion in this world full of inexpensive "unhealthy" food options vs the expensive "healthy" food options. Lets compare this with a person suffering from pornography addiction. Yes, it is hard to not be exposed to temptations in this current world of scantilly clad women on youtube videos, advertisements, etc...but looking at dirty pictures and all that goes along with it, is not something you deal with at every meal. You you show all the compassion in the world for those suffering from pornography addiction...you forgive them for falling, and encourage them to persist towards holiness. But listen to yourself, you say "right now a lot of _fat people_ are offended"...just the words "fat people"come out of your mouth with such vitriol. As someone who has struggled their whole life to stay within a normal body weight, and succeeded until sports injuries, and thyroid tumors, and now cancer came along. Who can no longer keep the weight off with exercise and moderate eating. Not all fat people are so because of the sin of disordered eating. But your statement is true, "you" are offending people with the way you say it, those guilty of sinning and those who have health problems. But even when talking just to the sinners, listen to how Father Mike addresses the issue, he is instructing the sinner with love and trying to show them encouragement. Just watch how you say things. We forgive and encourage you towards holiness too!

[@Elven.]

fr Mike says it so well in minute 2:34 we choose to be offended. In the Bile when Jesus was preaching and doing miracles people spoke ill of him and he said something along the idea that you see what you have inside of you. We struggle and we have the internet, if we really wanted to find out who made it to a healthy lifestyle and how, then we would find answers and not excuses. If you are open minded and really look and try you find solutions, in fitness, in diet, around mental health, faith, life in general, right here in the same site where there are cat videos.

[@liyaarcher8239]

I totally am aware of thyroid issues and metabolism differences. I'm the very skinny no matter what I eat girl. But I thought if you had a slow metabolism you dont need to eat very much? So you adjust for your metabolism so you dont get fat. I could be wrong and am ignorant. 😬

[@rockandaardvarks]

Isn't exercise just a purely materialistic thing? I don't really see how it does any good

[@aashu1048]

Obviously Excercising improves your health. And our body is the temple of God (the Holy Spirit). So workout & eat right. We're obligated to take care of our health

[@Erick-jc3mw]

physical heatlth indirectly affects mental health so a healthy body creates a healthy mind and so you are more able to live a life to the fullest guided by the Holy Spirit

[@jennyfox1398]

I like stupid/dumb shows. Lots of fun. Lol

[@saighdiuiranaithnid9719]

You may have been "beaten" by a 9 month pregnant woman, but I'm pretty sure that the women don't use as much weight as the men do in cross fit...

[@warblingsongbird5530]

Saighdiúir Anaithnid , this comment you thought through, I’m sure, means you learned nothing from the telling or hearing of the story. You turned right back into a competition and judgement.

[@saighdiuiranaithnid9719]

@@warblingsongbird5530 I'm not entirely sure what your comment was supposed to mean. I was in fact commenting on the competition and I made a judgment (that is true) that women are not as physically strong as men. Do you have an issue with what I said? It seems to me that you just wanted to tell me that I missed the point of their discussion (which I didn't, I was just commenting on a strength sport) and that I'm being judgmental. Correct me if I'm wrong.