It’s your time to start! – Move Month
Barriers stop us in our tracks. Some act as blockades, whilst others motivate us. Barriers to exercise are the perfect cushion to excuse us from pushing ourselves. We’re not here to molly-coddle you. We know you can do this, and we’re here to tell you why it’s important to do so.
Aside from the obvious physical and mental benefits for remaining active, Islam promotes maintaining a healthy body and mind. Our body is an Amanah and we’re encouraged to take care and nurture it.
“Eat of the good things which We have provided for you.” (Quran 2:172)
That includes how you spend your free time, what you consume both through your mouth and eyes and who you spend time with. It all contributes to your overall health.
For many individuals, physical barriers can often pose challenges to engaging in exercise. This could be due to disabilities, long-term illnesses, or feeling intimidated by gym culture. These obstacles can prevent you from living a healthy style, causing long-term damage.
It’s important to recognise that incorporating physical activity into our lives is not only beneficial for our physical health but also for our spiritual and mental well-being. It also allows us to show gratitude for the amanah that Allah has given us.
“The strong believer is better and more beloved to Allah than the weak believer, while there is good in both.” (Muslim)
Islam encourages movement even within our daily routine. By praying 5 daily prayers you’re moving the whole body, whilst walking to the mosque is also encouraged and rewarded. Movement doesn’t have to boring or monotonous. We can see the perfect example when the Prophet (saw) raced Aisha (ra).
“ I raced with the Prophet and I beat him. Later, when I had put on some weight, we raced again and he won.” (Bukhari)
Encourage your loved ones to join you, or get competitive and race or play against them. This keeps you active and connects you with others.
Barriers to exercise
There are misconceptions about movement and fitness that deter people from an active lifestyle. It often feels more daunting than what it is. You may believe you need to look a certain way or be of a level of fitness. But there’s not a one-size-fits-all approach to exercise. It’s fluid and flexible. That’s the beauty of it.
Movement comes in all shapes and sizes from a brisk walk, a seated stretch to a high-intensity class.
If you have physical limitations that seem like a barrier such as chronic illness, or disability, you can adapt to a type of movement that works for you. Even athletes with short-term or long-term injuries adjust their training schedules to fit their needs at the time.
Finding solutions
There are solutions to your barriers, it’s just about finding them. An example of this could be, those with mobility issues doing lower-impact exercises that don’t require them to stand, or even water-based activities like swimming which takes off the pressure of movements.
There are lots of programmes and equipment available to accommodate your different needs. Here is more guidance on exercises you can do, and how to go about them.
Whilst you may feel restricted or demotivated when facing barriers, we should always make an intention to push ourselves within our capacity. We are reminded by the Prophet (saw) to:
“Take benefit of five before five: Your youth before your old age, your health before your sickness, your wealth before your poverty, your free time before you are preoccupied, and your life before your death.” (Al-Hakim)
Be positive
Your mind and body have a connection. If you have a negative mindset it will directly impact your mood and your belief on whether you can do something. Think good of yourself, of those around you, and most importantly Allah.
Be positive of your accomplishments, your drive, and what you’ve been bestowed with. You’re capable of so much more than what you think, and don’t limit yourself.
“And whoever strives only strives for [the benefit of] himself. Indeed, Allah is free from need of the worlds.” (Qur’an 29:6)
Take a Holistic Approach
Islam promotes a balance. A holistic approach to health would be physical, emotional, and spiritual. Taking care of each segment, of your rights, and the rights of others. Striving for the health of this world, and the health of your akhirah. Keep your intention clear, that you’re taking care of your body for both your benefit and by Islamic teachings – as an Amanah.
Your spiritual health can be taken care of by doing what is expected of as you a believer and more. Earning His pleasure, by pleasing Him and His Creation.
Get moving
Move Month is the perfect opportunity for you to kick-start your active lifestyle. It can be subtle changes to your daily routine which seem simple enough, but do snow-ball to have a great impact.
Improving your own mental and physical health should be reason enough for you to want to start. However, know that with the correct intention, your efforts will also be rewarded, as you’re taking care of the body that Allah has gifted you with.
If you need motivation to get started, why not fundraise and raise crucial funds for HHUGS families? You’ll really be taking care of both your spiritual and physical that way! We’ve got the perfect challenge for you to get stuck into, and begin getting active for – The Al-Noor Boat Race in July! Learn more information here.
