Thoughts on Physical Disciplines

I have been compelled of late to take better care of myself. Romans 12:1,2 says  I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship (ESV). The study notes in the ESV Study Bible sheds some light on the importance of taking care of our bodies:the word bodies here refers to Christians as whole persons, for both body and soul belong to God. They are a living sacrifice, meaning that they are alive from the dead since they enjoy new life with Christ (6:4). 
So as a Christian I need to take care of myself physically and spiritually. Both my body and my soul are instruments of God that are to be dedicated to His purposes. I have been running lately with my friend, Jon. I have kind of fallen off the wagon lately, but I am thankful that the Lord's mercies are new every morning (Lam. 3:22, 23). I went for a run this afternoon at Bay Creek Park and was reminded in the quietness of the run of God's goodness. I am beginning a new work out routine and there are many reasons, but mainly because if I take care of myself physically I am better equipped to glorify God and enjoy Him.
This is a motivation that I know that I cannot accomplish on my own. I know that it must come from spending time with God and His Word, enjoying Him for simply who He is, and submitting my whole life towards him. More than the physical is the spiritual motivation. That I may run a the race that is set before me (spiritually) with endurance (Hebrews 11:1,2). I want to live a godly legacy behind for my daughter; presenting my whole body as a living sacrifice is important to this goal.
As I write tonight, I am thankful for guys who hold me accountable to this like my running partner, accountibility partners, and prayer partners. Join me in pursuing presenting our whole persons to God by submitting to Him, enjoying Him, and living a healthy lifestyle to glorify Him. I also found this link to a blog by John Piper helpful, maybe you will too. Physical Excerise: What I Do and Why