The Gift of the Body
When God formed Adam from the dust of the ground, He did more than create a functioning body—He entrusted man with a gift. Scripture tells us that after breathing the breath of life into Adam, “the man became a living being” (Genesis 2:7). This union of body and soul is not temporary or accidental. It is part of the eternal design of God.
St. Paul reminds us that our bodies are not our own: “Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, which you have from God? You are not your own; you were bought with a price. Therefore, glorify God in your body” (1 Corinthians 6:19–20).
The Catechism explains that “the human body shares in the dignity of ‘the image of God’: it is a human body precisely because it is animated by a spiritual soul, and it is the whole human person that is intended to become, in the body of Christ, a temple of the Spirit” (CCC 364).
To “glorify God in your body” means more than avoiding sin—it includes caring for the body so it can serve God faithfully. Just as we polish a chalice or repair a church roof because they are sacred, so we must train and care for the bodies God has given us.
For homeschooling mothers, this responsibility includes teaching our children to view their bodies not as toys for pleasure or ornaments for display, but as tools for holy work. Training the body in strength, skill, and endurance is part of forming the whole person.
Ancient Wisdom on Early Physical Training
In the ancient world, physical training was not an extracurricular activity—it was one of the main purposes of a child’s education. Aristotle, in the Politics, wrote: “The training of the body should precede that of the mind, and the training of the appetites that of the intellect” (Politics VIII.3). His reasoning was that a sound, disciplined body provides the foundation for the soul’s pursuit of virtue.
The Greeks paired physical training with moral and musical education. They believed that exercise formed courage, perseverance, and self-control, just as surely as it built muscle and skill. A weak, undisciplined body was thought to harm the soul’s ability to act virtuously.
The Romans took this further, training even young boys in walking long distances, swimming, riding, and games that required agility and speed. This was not only preparation for war—it was preparation for life. Roman farmers, builders, travelers, and leaders needed bodies that could labor without complaint and endure hardship without breaking.
The Church’s great teachers have affirmed this ancient wisdom. St. Thomas Aquinas, drawing from Aristotle, explained: “The good of the body is necessary for the operations of the soul, inasmuch as the latter is united to the body” (Summa Theologica, I–II, Q. 5, a. 5). A person who cannot endure discomfort or fatigue will struggle to practice virtues like perseverance, diligence, and fortitude. In this way, physical training supports spiritual growth.
Setting the Pace for Life
Childhood habits become adult patterns. A child who learns to be active, to push his limits, and to enjoy physical exertion will carry those rhythms into later life. On the other hand, a child who grows up sedentary and reluctant to move will face an uphill battle to develop those habits in adulthood.
For homeschooling families, this means that physical training is not a “bonus” or “extra” activity—it is foundational. Just as we teach our children to read, pray, and serve, we must also teach them to move, strengthen, and care for their bodies.
Besides the obvious health benefits—stronger muscles and bones, improved cardiovascular health, and better immune systems—active children tend to have sharper minds, longer attention spans, and greater emotional stability. Exercise increases focus and improves mood.
A Daily “Recess” for the Home School
One of the simplest ways to make physical training consistent is to build it into your daily homeschooling schedule. In ancient schools, periods of physical activity were not occasional—they were daily. We can do the same by setting aside an afternoon “recess” for the whole family.
This time can be flexible based on weather, space, and family circumstances, but it should be daily. Aim for at least 30 minutes to an hour of movement.
Here are some practical ways to make it happen:
- Indoor days: jumping jacks, push-ups, planks, stretches, dance sessions, or an indoor obstacle course made from pillows and chairs.
- Outdoor days: playground visits, driveway basketball, bike riding, roller skating, relay races, hopscotch, or ball games.
- Family favorites: obstacle courses, tug-of-war, jump rope contests, or follow-the-leader around the yard.
- Seasonal variations: swimming in summer, leaf-raking games in fall, snowball fights in winter.
Making recess a set part of your day sends a clear message: this is as important as math or reading.
From Toddlers to Teens
Physical training can begin as soon as a child can walk. Toddlers may not be ready for organized exercise, but they thrive when given opportunities to run, climb, and play. Taking toddlers to playgrounds, open fields, or safe walking paths builds their coordination and balance.
For preschoolers, games like “Simon Says,” animal walks (bear crawl, crab walk, frog jump), and simple ball games develop both gross motor skills and listening skills.
As children grow, you can introduce more structured training—jumping jacks, squats, sit-ups, light dumbbell exercises, jump rope, and short jogs. By the time they are in their teens, they can handle more demanding activities such as long hikes, bike rides, ballet lessons, swimming laps, and Jiu Jitsu.
The beauty of homeschooling is that you can do this together. A mother leading her children in exercise not only teaches skill and discipline but also shows, by her example, that caring for the body is part of her own vocation.
A Mother’s Example: Walking Through the Years
From the time my children were little, I took them on a daily walk. My first child had a sandbox he played in every day, and I would put him in a stroller and walk for at least half an hour. If it rained, we didn’t simply give up—we played active indoor games like Mother May I or Red Light, Green Light.
When my first child was eighteen months old, our second was born. We were given a double stroller, and every day I walked with both children. If it was cold, I bundled them up. If it rained, we stayed in and played physical games together in the house.
This wasn’t just “getting some fresh air.” It was establishing a rhythm of life—showing my children that movement was normal, exercise was part of every day, and weather was no excuse to be idle.
Now, years later, I see the fruit of those early habits. Five out of our ten children—five out of our six adult children—are now in military service. They live active, healthy lives. They are temperate in their habits, eat healthy food, and care for their bodies as God’s gifts. They exercise daily, and several of them consistently score at the top on the Army fitness tests.
This didn’t happen by accident. It began with little walks, bundled-up toddlers, and rainy-day games. It began with the decision to make physical training part of family life.
The Father’s Invaluable Example
My husband’s example has been one of the strongest influences on our family’s approach to physical training. From the beginning of our marriage, he has encouraged both the children and I to be physically active. He sets the path by living it himself. He walks every day and pushes himself physically, no matter the season. For cold or rainy days, he has always kept a treadmill in the house so there is never an excuse to be idle.
His life is marked by temperance and discipline, and our children have grown up seeing that this steadiness is possible—and desirable. A father’s example in these matters cannot be overstated. When children see both parents valuing health, strength, and discipline, they understand that it is not just “mom’s idea,” but a family way of life rooted in love and responsibility.
Walking: The Mother’s Easiest Tool
Perhaps the most practical and versatile form of exercise for families is walking. It requires no equipment beyond good shoes, it can be done anywhere, and it accommodates all ages.
If you have a baby, put him in a stroller and take the other children along. Many mothers find a double stroller helpful for carrying both a baby and a toddler, while older children walk or ride scooters beside you. For hiking or uneven terrain, a baby carrier keeps little ones secure and frees your hands.
Walking has the added benefit of conversation. As you walk, you can talk with your husband or children, notice God’s creation, and even pray together. In this way, walking becomes more than exercise—it becomes family bonding.
The Mother’s Discipline and Unselfishness
It must be said plainly: making time for daily physical training will require effort from the mother. You may feel too tired, too busy, or too overwhelmed to change clothes and head outside. But remember—exercise is not a drain on your energy, it is a builder of energy. A short walk or a lively game can revive a weary mind and lift a sluggish spirit.
More than that, your choice to prioritize physical training for your children is an act of love. It is a gift you give them, one they cannot give themselves at a young age. The discipline you model—choosing action over comfort—teaches them to live unselfishly.
St. Thomas teaches that “virtue is a habit” (ST I–II, Q. 55, a. 1), and habit requires repeated acts. By leading your children in daily exercise, you help form the virtue of fortitude in them: the courage to face hardship and the endurance to keep going when it’s not easy.
Being Active Together
Children are more likely to embrace physical training when they see their mother participating. You do not have to be an athlete to model activity—you simply need to be willing to join in. Jump rope with your younger ones. Race your older children up the driveway. Try the obstacle course they’ve made.
When you play and move with your children, you send a message: “This matters, and I enjoy it with you.” Physical activity becomes family culture, not a chore to be endured.
Big Adventures Build Big Memories
Beyond the daily recess, look for opportunities to plan larger family activities that challenge and excite your children. Camping trips, long hikes, canoeing, or biking trails create memories that last a lifetime. These adventures strengthen not only muscles but family bonds.
They also provide the kind of stories children carry into adulthood: the day we climbed that hill together, the night we camped under the stars, the time we rowed across the lake. These are the memories that make them want to keep active as adults.
The Spiritual Fruit of Physical Training
Caring for the body is not separate from caring for the soul—it is a way of loving God. When we train the body to be strong, healthy, and disciplined, we make it a more useful servant to the soul. We become more able to serve others, to work without complaint, and to endure hardship for the sake of Christ.
St. Teresa of Ávila, who endured great physical suffering, told her sisters, “Take care of your body so that your soul may serve.” For mothers, this care begins in the way we teach our children to use and train their own bodies.
Mrs. Dania C. Michael, O.P.
Homeschool Support
Classical Liberal Arts Academy
Reflection Questions:
- How consistent is your family’s daily physical activity?
- What time of day could you set aside for a regular “recess” or physical training?
- How can you participate more actively with your children in physical play?
- What larger adventures could you plan to build a culture of physical activity in your home?
Prayer:
Lord, You have given us bodies to serve You and our neighbor. Help us to care for this gift and to teach our children to do the same. Give us the discipline to move, the joy to play, and the endurance to keep going when we are tired. May we, in mind, body, and soul, glorify You in all that we do. Amen.
Notes and Sources
- The Holy Bible, New American Bible, Revised Edition.
- Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2nd ed., 364.
- Aristotle, Politics, Book VIII, Chapter 3.
- Aristotle, Nicomachean Ethics, Book I.
- St. Thomas Aquinas, Summa Theologica, I–II, Q. 5, a. 5; I–II, Q. 55, a. 1.
- St. Teresa of Ávila, The Way of Perfection.
