Can Physical Exercises Combat Sins?translated

Reader's Question:

Greetings. I am 16 years old, and I have decided to manage my body spiritually, stop yielding to lust and fornication. When I do physical exercises, I detach myself and observe myself from the outside. When my body gets tired, I continue—my muscles burn, but I keep going as if the body feels pain while the spirit does not. But when I detach myself, it makes me uncomfortable: a feeling that someone is watching. Should I continue this practice or am I doing something wrong?

Mikhail

Father's Response:

Father Evgeny Chebykin

Greetings, Mikhail.

I am very glad that at such a young age you are interested in such important and profound topics as the struggle against sin, Christian perfection, the benefits of physical exercise, etc. Please continue on this path and do not stop where you have already reached.

However, after reading your letter, I felt concern for you because such spiritual practices should be undertaken with caution and preferably under the guidance of a priest. You may unintentionally cause yourself spiritual, psychological, or even physical harm. Be careful, Mikhail.

Please try to regularly attend church services, confess, …