Among non-hasidim, the Mesillat Yesharim condemned ascetic practices which led to weakening of the body, while still recommending that pious individuals moderate their material consumption in order to avoid developing bad character traits.
In contrast to Hasidic communities, the Mesillat Yesharim disapproved of ascetic practices that resulted in physical decline, yet suggested that devout individuals should balance their material desires with moderation in order to avoid cultivating negative personality characteristics.