The Ignatian Workout: Daily Exercises for a Healthy Faith

by Tim Muldoon

Get Fit Spiritually We look at the world—and at God—in drastically different ways than our ancestors did, and yet the wisdom of a sixteenth-century Catholic saint perfectly suits our doubtful, antiauthoritarian, pluralistic age. St. Ignatius of Loyola believed that we could know God better by paying attention to his work in our lives, our experiences, our imagination, and our feelings. His Spiritual Exercises, an enduring masterpiece of spiritual insight, teaches us to grow spiritually by learning to respond in concrete, practical ways to this divine presence.
  The Ignatian Workout presents St. Ignatius’s wisdom in today’s language—as a daily program of “workouts” to achieve spiritual fitness, tailored to people with busy schedules. It is a program that shows us how to recognize and respond to a God who is already at work in us, inviting us into a deeper relationship and into richer lives of love and service. “A thoughtful, clever, and very practical introduction to Ignatian spirituality.”
—J. A. Appleyard, S.J., vice president for University Mission and Ministry Boston College “The Ignatian Workout is a valuable contribution to contemporary writing on Ignatian spirituality. Muldoon does a fine job of illustrating just how relevant this spirituality is for today’s young adults.”
—J. Michael Sparough, S.J., director of Charis Ministries Ignatian Spirituality for Young Adults

Genres: Spirituality, Religion, Catholic, Faith, Leadership, Christianity

240 pages, Paperback

First published April 30, 2004

About the author

Catholic theologian, professor at Boston College.

Reviews

[Allison · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a helpful and interactive introduction to the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola. The author works with college students, so many of his references come from that perspective.

Recommended.

[Jennie Blankenship · Rating 5 out of 5]

very inspiring and straight forward book. I was interested in learning more about Ignatian Contemplation and this book certainly did the job. Great over view of exercises and all the explanations were relateable.

[Lyna M. Perez · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was full of some great information. however, for me, there was a little too much of his coaching/practice experience. it's a good starter for getting familiar with the ignatian methodology.

[Tracy WB · Rating 4 out of 5]

I suspect the fault is mine rather than the books. Profoundly ok.

[Suzanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great metaphor and guide to prayer. It was enjoyable to read.

[Diane Stanley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Helpful but at times hard to digest. In conclusion, the author states that trying to pray and being open to God are reasonable expectations for prayer.

[Andrew Shipe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Looking forward to using this book for spiritual exercises.

[Elaine Dowling · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm always on the lookout for a book that can really explain the Ingatius exercises to people who haven't done them. I still haven't found one. The last few chapters of this book were really its redeeming feature. Those chapters give a glimpse into the incredible depth of experience that the exercises offer. The problem is that the rest of the book tries to tell you what the exercises show you, and that just doesn't work. First of all, the experience can never be replicated by someone just telling you about it. Second, the exercises take 30 weeks of your life -- not just a few hours. Granted, this book is intended to be worked through, not just read; and I think if you were incredibly disciplined and had a really boring life you could probably work your way through this book and see something of what the exercises are really all about. Of course, it would be easier and more effective to just do the exercises online through Creighton University if they aren't offered locally -- so, I just don't see the point. I did like the last couple of chapters, though.

[Jennifer Layte · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found myself vacillating in my impression of this book over the time I sort of patchily read it. I think the downturns were chiefly related to my not always understanding the way the author expressed his theology; I think my understanding was conditioned by my own theological/cultural heritage. I do believe, though, that this is a helpful book, and I even believe I will include it in some of the workshops or classes I ultimately develop for my new ministry, the Pilgrimage (www.the-pilgrimage.org).

[Paul Dubuc · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been using this book to guide me in the spiritual exercises. The author does an excellent job of making the Ignatian exercises accessible (without watering them down so as to make them ineffective) to modern Christians who seriously want to grow and strengthen their faith. Not for Roman Catholics only. This book will be very useful for all Christians.

[Jill · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very good framework for Ignatian spirituality. I love how the author likened spiritual discipline to athletic training; this analogy brought more clarity to the process. The book was rich in exercises deepening ones'imagination. I would have liked more discussion surrounding both the general and particular examen.

[Ron · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good 'manual' for applying Ignatian Principles in everyday life. Contemplative and constructive.

[Bernie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good stuff.

[Mar · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am reading this book very slowly and discussing with my friend Barb. We are enjoying it so far and I recommend it. It is handy to have a journal nearby for some of the exercises.

[Matthew Norris · Rating 4 out of 5]

challenging faith enlarging book.

[Nonny · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am restarting this book---some day

[Johnny Go · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent contemporary resource on the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius1

[Margaret Meissner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very helpful spiritual guide to bring you closer to Jesus and His journey, during Lent. A wonderful annual read.