In these recent weeks, we have studied some of the halachot pertaining to medicine and treating the sick on Shabbat. This week, we will learn about a related topic, that of exercise on Shabbat.

1. It is forbidden to intentionally exert oneself on Shabbat in a manner that causes one to perspire (Shulchan Aruch, O.C. 328:42). This may be because such exercise is considered a form of therapeutic medicine, which, as we have learned, is generally forbidden on Shabbat (Rambam 21:28).

2. Today, most people do not exercise and perspire as a form of medical treatment. Nevertheless, many poskim maintain that if one exercises with the intent to make one’s body healthier or stronger, it may be equivalent to medical treatment, and is thus forbidden (Orchot Shabbat, ch.20).

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Dedicated by Fran Broder as a zechus for everlasting peace in Eretz Yisrael in the merit of learning Hilchos Shabbos.