Ten Commandments of Lifiting Weights

by Jared Zimmerer

"At one time or another you've heard the adage, "no pain, no gain." This simple but yet revealing statement brings to mind that without effort you will have no gain or have the end results you hope for. The act of suffering as revealed by Christ in His crucifixion communicates to all humanity the following unless we take up our cross and understand the role of redemptive suffering in our lives, we will never truly understand the free gift of grace God has given us through His Son Jesus Christ. In his book The Ten Commandments of Lifting Weights Jared Zimmerer deftly touches upon an area of life not often associated with living a moral virtuous life e.g. lifting weights. Jared clearly articulates to the reader the profound impact weightlifting can have in our lives when applying the basic principles of the Ten Commandments as guideposts to spiritual and physical well-being. This book is a "must read" for every coach, trainer, young man or woman desiring authentic, Catholic Christian principles in a weightlifting environment." - Marlon De La Torre MA, MEd. Director of Catechist Formation and Children's Catechesis, Fort Worth Diocese; Author of Screwtape Teaches the Faith

"In a world that is filled with one fitness craze after another and where the temptation to glorify the body is a constant battle for many, it is necessary to have a perspective that sees through the lens of God's truth. The Ten Commandments of Lifting Weights is an excellent resource that raises the bar and challenges the weightlifter to rise above narcissism and selfishness while training for the honor and glory of God. Jared Zimmerer sets a strong benchmark for all those who appreciate fitness of both the body and the soul." - Doug Barry, Founder/Director RADIX ; Seen on EWTN's Life on The Rock

"When a 6'5", 265 pound Texan gives you some firm suggestions, it's probably a good idea to follow them. When you find those suggestions are also Commandments from God Himself, then all doubt has been removed, and it's time to get down to business. I thank God that he has provided us with such a great big Texan, in the person of Jared Zimmerer, to remind us of God's will for us regarding our own human bodies. As Christians we know that our bodies are good. God created us as ensouled bodies, as miraculous blends of the material and the spiritual..." - from the foreword, written by Kevin Vost; best-selling author of Tending the Temple, Fit for Eternal Life and Memorize the Faith.

"The Ten Commandments of Lifting Weights is a power-packed book, filled with proven, high intensity training principles for the body, and more importantly, for the soul!  Mr. Zimmerer offers the reader an insightful, inspired approach to avoiding the superficial, vain trappings of the "fitness world," and turning the weight room into a true powerhouse, where both physical and spiritual muscle can reach their maximum in service of God Almighty!" - Fr. Joe Classen, author of Hunting for God, Fishing for the Lord.

85 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2012

About the author

He is a Catholic author, speaker, blogger, husband and father of 4. He is the founder of Strength for the Kingdom, a ministry promoting men's growth in virtue, knowledge of the Catholic faith, and the understanding of authentic masculinity through physical endeavors.

Jared lives in Denton, TX, holds a bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology, is a competitive all-natural bodybuilder and a passionate advocate of evangelizing the fitness and bodybuilding culture with the help of the Catholic Faith.

He's given presentations around the country on fitness, health, masculinity and virtue, including Mundelein Seminary by invitation of Fr. Robert Barron.

He is a regular contributor at Fr. Robert Barron’s Word on Fire blog, offering insights on faith, sports, fitness, movie and book reviews, and many other topics.

Reviews

[Steven R. McEvoy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was an incredible read. The combination of faith and fitness was excellent. We are seeing a whole new movement towards a more holistic approach to life across the Christian denominations and this one specifically speaks to Roman Catholics. Though to be honest, any Christian could glean much to be applied to their spiritual and physical disciplines. This short volume has much it can teach us and I highly recommend it.

Sections in the book:
How to Use This Book
Note from Kevin Vost, Psy. D
Chapter I Thou shalt not forget Who gives thee strength
Chapter II Thou shalt always give the glory of muscularity to God
Chapter III Thou shalt use this time for self-realization and mortification
Chapter IV Thou shalt use this time to train to be a warrior for The Queen Mother, Mary, Warrior of all warriors
Chapter V shalt use this time to appreciate what masculinity is - truly a gift from The Almighty
Chapter VI Thou shalt never use this time for Self-glorification - vanity is deadly
Chapter VII Thou shalt pray before, during, and after one lifts
Chapter VIII Thou shalt pray that one's strength is useful in the will of God
Chapter IX Thou shalt listen for the Whispers of God in this Time of Reflection
Chapter X Thou shalt rack the weights when finished - the one true God is a God of order
Example Workout Routines
Book Recommendations

I think the only thing I would have liked to see is a few 'Thou Shalt Nots' in the list but overall it was an excellent read. I know I will reread it and have already had a few friends read it who loved it. The book concludes with this prayer:

Ode of a Catholic Bodybuilder
My body is a temple, Ready for war,
I train to stay healthy,
To better serve the Lord.
My King desires perfection,
In mind, body and soul,
Through blood, sweat and tears
My body will pay the toll.
Strength and Honor,
Discipline and Prayer,
Unworthy of heaven,
But my King wishes me there.
I will prepare my body,
Educate my mind,
Through my loving Queen,
My soul will thrive.
My power will increase,
My muscles will grow,
Years of enemy temptation,
But I will serve
God alone.

So read the book to develop your mind, and use the information to strengthen both your physical and spiritual muscles. You will not be disappointed.

Read the review on my blog Book Reviews and More.

[Fredrick Danysh · Rating 3 out of 5]

A guide to the principles of weight lifting and body building using ideals expressed by the Catholic Church. It contains numerous quotes from prominent Catholics and additionally expresses religious ideals. This was a free review copy.