Spiritual or not, you might find value in praying.  I don't claim to be spiritual at all...and as much as some that read this would like to see me be more spiritual, we'll leave that for a later discussion.  Regardless, I made the decision long ago that when I felt the need to turn to prayer, I would only pray for two things:  strength and wisdom.  Not really having a firm grasp on who, or what, I was praying to didn't really matter...I simply used prayer as a time to reflect on my current situation, and how I could improve as a person.  I've always felt that my situation is of my own making, and that I needed those two things to improve in my own life before I could improve my situation.  And, I should add that giving thanks (again, not clearly knowing to whom or what the thanks should be directed) is another time I would turn to prayer.  Giving thanks when the situation is above the "good" threshold, and seeking strength and wisdom when the situation is below the "good" threshold.

So, what does this have to do with fitness?  Strength comes in many forms, and in the sense of keeping things simple, physical and mental strength are my primary focus.  You've heard "sound mind, sound body" and phrases to that effect.  That's what I pray for:  a strong body and a strong mind.  Strength is absolute in some ways and variable in others..."situation dependent" in most cases.  Either way, being strong is a valuable trait for survival.  For clarification, I've distilled all the general physical skills into strength...those skills include cardiovascular and respiratory endurance, stamina, strength, flexibility, speed, power, coordination, agility, balance and accuracy.)

Wisdom is less definable.  Who is wise?  Smart people?  Who is smart?  Educated people?  What is "common sense"?  I can only hope to have had enough education and experiences that continually refine my decision-making abilities in any given situation.

Yeah, but what does this have to do with fitness?!?!

I'll wrap it up this way:  the next time you walk up to something heavy that has to be picked up and/or moved, don't pray that you can get it done.  Pray that you have conditioned your body well enough to do the physical task, and that you have educated your mind fully to know the best (ie safest, efficient and effective) method for doing so.

The bottom line is that for every hour that you spend conditioning your body, you should spend an hour (at least) reading, researching, watching, listening, discussing and thinking about the techniques that make your body strong.  Don't forget that the one hour you spend conditioning your body is likely to be sabotaged by 23 hours of inadequate nutrition and rest, unless your mind is strong.

Strength and wisdom...it's not much to ask for, but it's all I need.  What about you?