The Limitations of Bodily Exercise

 The Prioritization: Godliness is Paramount

1 Timothy 4:7 But refuse profane and old wives' fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness.

8 For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.

Paul urges believers, more importantly he is urging you to “refuse profane and old wives’ fables, and exercise yourself rather unto godliness.” Here, exercise is more than occasional effort or sweating to the oldies; it’s disciplined practice, regularly training your knees through prayer, your hands through charity, your mind through biblical study and your feet by witnessing. 

The "Profit" 

“For bodily exercise profits little.” Physical training builds muscle which is good and your endurance, but its rewards are temporary, fleeting and confined to this life. It cannot transform our inner nature or secure eternal life.

Physical exercise has a limited, temporal benefits, while spiritual exercise (godliness) offers eternal profit. The argument isn't "don't exercise your body," but rather "don't prioritize your body's exercise over the exercise of the spirit of God inside you." The time and effort one puts into godliness far exceed the time and effort put into physical training, because its dividends extend into this life and the world to come.