Exercise on Shabbat – a fascinating interplay of physical wellness and spiritual tranquility.
Shabbat, often called Shabbos, is a jewel in the crown of Jewish religion and life, a day brimming with rest, prayer, and family connection, as guided by the Torah.
However, health-conscious individuals may push to integrate regular exercise into this sacred day.
This guide will unfold the delicate balance between these two essential aspects of Jewish life.
featured image: Photo by Elena Kloppenburg on Unsplash
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Table of Contents
- The Role of Shabbat and Shabbos in Jewish Life
- Understanding the Concept of Exercise on Shabbat and Shabbos: Halacha Guideline
- Taking a Walk in The Limits of Techum Shabbat
- Push-Ups, Jogging, and Working Out on Shabbat: What’s Allowed
- Gym on Shabbat: Balancing Health and Observance
- Exercise on Shabbat through Dance
- FAQs about Exercise on Shabbat
The Role of Shabbat and Shabbos in Jewish Life
The observance of Shabbat, as outlined in the Shulchan Aruch, adheres to the 39 Shabbat rules. This involves abstaining from labor-intensive tasks and indulging in activities that promote rest and spiritual growth.
It’s a time for Torah study, prayer, and family. The spirit of the day is one of tranquility, where weekday activities are set aside to celebrate this holy day.
Understanding the Concept of Exercise on Shabbat and Shabbos: Halacha Guideline
Exercising on Shabbat, according to the Shulchan Aruch and other poskim, isn’t as straightforward as one might think. While health is a mitzvah, certain forms of exercise are considered forms of ‘work’ and therefore forbidden on Shabbat.
For instance, one may go for a long walk or engage in light physical activities, but actions that cause one to sweat heavily or work up an appetite might be seen as violating the spirit of Sabbath.
Taking a Walk in The Limits of Techum Shabbat
Walking on Shabbat isn’t just an idle pastime. Rooted in the Jewish legal tradition, Halacha, it’s a practice imbued with spiritual meaning. But how far can one stroll on Shabbat?
The answer lies in a concept called Techum Shabbat. Think of it as an invisible circle surrounding your home or city. On Shabbat, it sets the limit of your wanderings, extending approximately 1 kilometer (or 2000 cubits) in every direction from where you began Shabbat.
If you’re in a city as Shabbat starts, the circle covers the entire city. You’re allowed light walks or exercises within this boundary, as long as they don’t mirror your weekday work or daily routine of calisthenics intended to maintain physical fitness.
Yet, the circle isn’t impenetrable. The Halacha, guided by the wisdom of the Rama and Magen Avraham, permits you to go further under Eruv Techumin.
What’s the catch? Simply leave some food at your planned destination before the start of Shabbat. This way, even if you enjoy jumping and running, you may extend your Shabbat activities a bit further, as long as you don’t sweat excessively, which would be forbidden.
Push-Ups, Jogging, and Working Out on Shabbat: What’s Allowed
The spirit of Shabbat commands tranquility, yet a question arises: can we run on Shabbat? The discussion on exercise deepens further when we consider push-ups, jogging, and workouts.
The old rabbis, like Ramban (Maimonides) and Rashi, for instance, would probably agree that if you enjoy running, you may do so on Shabbat as long as it doesn’t resemble your daily exercise routine.
Therefore, if one cherishes a brisk morning jog, running may be permissible on Shabbat, given one’s intention is enjoyment rather than a strenuous workout. An energetic person who finds joy in jumping and running may not have to give up their passion completely on Shabbos. Yet, as we tread these lines, we’ll always hold onto the unique spirit of Shabbat.
However, more strenuous workouts, such as push-ups or weight lifting, particularly if they’re designed to make you sweat, may not be allowed. Consider this – after an intense workout, you’d typically need a shower. But taking a shower on Shabbat is not generally encouraged, if not prohibited at all!
Gym on Shabbat: Balancing Health and Observance
Going to the gym on Shabbat is a nuanced issue. Some forms of exercise, like those that involve physical-training apparatus, may not be permissible on Shabbat.
But low-intensity activities, such as gentle stretching or physiotherapy, might be allowed, especially if they contribute to overall wellbeing. If health reasons warrant gentle movement, such as those prescribed in occupational therapy, it might be permitted.
If a physician prescribes a treatment or therapy that involves physical activity, it is permitted to do exercises of this kind, as it enhances an individual’s overall health and wellness. In all circumstances, there is no justification to discontinue such a treatment.
Exercise on Shabbat through Dance
Dancing is a beautiful expression of joy and rest. If the dance is leisurely and performed for enjoyment rather than exercise, it is permitted on Shabbat.
Shabbat should be a day of joy, rest, and tranquility, reflecting the spirit of this holy day.
FAQs about Exercise on Shabbat
Is it permissible to do push-ups on Shabbat?
According to many rabbis like the Rambam, one should avoid exercises that involve physical exertion and are intended to work up a sweat on Shabbat, like push-ups. These activities could be considered ‘work,’ which is prohibited on the holy day.
Can You Do Yoga or Breathing Exercises on Shabbat?
Yes, it’s generally allowed to practice yoga and engage in breathing exercises on Shabbat or Shabbos, as long as certain rules are followed.
It’s vital to ensure these exercises don’t cause one to sweat excessively, as profuse sweating is prohibited. The intention should be relaxation and enjoyment rather than a strenuous workout. The Mishna guides us that activities on Shabbat should differ from those during the week.
So, even if one’s weekday routine includes yoga or breathing exercises for fitness, on Shabbat, it should be more about relaxation and tranquility.
Yoga or breathing exercises that promote well-being and relaxation are typically seen as enhancing the spirit of Shabbat and, therefore, may be permitted. However, it’s always best to consult with a knowledgeable authority to ensure your activities align with Halacha.
Can I go jogging on Shabbat?
The Rif and other poskim agree that if one enjoys running, they may do so on Shabbat, as it’s considered a pleasurable activity rather than work.
However, the intention should not be to engage in a strenuous workout but rather to enjoy the activity.
Are muscle-building exercises with weights allowed on Shabbat?
The consensus among many rabbis is that you should generally avoid to engage in muscle-building exercises with weights, especially if these exercises are part of a daily routine intended to maintain physical fitness. This is because such activities may resemble ‘work,’ which is forbidden on Shabbat.
Following the same concept, muscle-building exercises with the aid of spring-fitted apparatus, are not allowed.
Can I go for a long walk on Shabbat?
Yes, you may. Going for a long walk is typically permitted on Shabbat. This is in line with the views of the Mishnah and Gemara; in any case, the Techum Shabbat is a large enough space for a relaxed walk.
Can You Work up a Sweat on Shabbat?
While physical exertion isn’t outright banned on Shabbat, activities that cause one to sweat excessively might be prohibited. This derives from the principle that Shabbat should be different from our weekdays.
As such, if your weekday routine involves intense workouts, then mimicking this routine would be frowned upon, even if you derive pleasure from it.
In conclusion, the interplay between Shabbat and exercise is nuanced and guided by intention, enjoyment, and the commandment of preserving the sanctity of Shabbat. Always consult your Rabbi for tailored advice. Let’s cherish the precious Shabbat, even as we ensure our physical wellbeing.
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