Daily Halacha - Is Exercise Permitted on Shabbat?

Is there a prohibition against running on Shabbat?

One's walking on Shabbat should not be like one's walking on weekdays, as it is said, "and honor it by not following your ways." Therefore, one should not run on Shabbat, nor should one jump on Shabbat [Shulchan Aruch 301, 1].

In which cases is running permitted on Shabbat?

When a person needs to run for the purpose of a mitzvah, running on Shabbat is not prohibited, and therefore it is a mitzvah to run to the synagogue even on Shabbat.

Similarly, young people who enjoy jumping and running are permitted to do so [Shulchan Aruch 301, 1-2].

Likewise, it is permitted to run from rain or from an animal chasing after you, or in a place where there is immodesty, since one is not running for business purposes [Yalkut Yosef 301, 3-4].

Is exercise permitted on Shabbat?

Performing exercise such as walking or using equipment to strengthen muscles for health purposes or for enjoyment, if one does not intend to sweat - according to the strict letter of the law, there is room to be lenient, but it is proper to be stringent [Chazon Ovadia 3, 386].

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