In today’s episode, Beth is sharing the counterintuitive idea that exercise can actually make fasting easier!

“Do you not know that the runners in the stadium all run in the race, 

but only one wins the prize? Run so as to win.” (1 Cor 9:24)

She describes the personal benefits she has experienced from exercising throughout her day, and shares multiple resources detailing the positive effect of exercise on our bodies, minds, and souls. But for those who associate the word “exercise” with dieting, Beth has a suggestion: replace it with the word “movement!”

Beth shares research from Harvard Medical School about the detrimental effects that sitting for too long can have on our bodies, ranging from lower back pain to Type 2 diabetes. On the other hand, she shares the positive effects that exercise can have on our brains (improving our moods and increasing positive neurotransmitters) and on our fasting bodies (upregulating fat-burning and increasing compounds essential for muscle growth). 

Beth encourages all of us to find ways to make our workouts fun - think pickleball with friends! - to help escalate the wellness of our bodies, minds, and souls. With this in mind, she shares stories proving that communal exercise such as sports and dancing can help eliminate social anxiety and improve learning. Working out while fasting isn’t just about losing weight - it can create a domino effect of positive results for yourself, your community, and ultimately, your world.  

Help Beth reach her goal of bringing 1 Million Catholics back to the Church: 

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Resources in Today’s Show:

Spark by Dr. John Ratey, MD

Fast. Feast. Repeat. by Gin Stephens

The Dangers of Sitting - Harvard article

Delay and Pray Links:

The Catholic Fasting Coach

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