Over the last two and a half years, I’ve realized that faith and fitness are interconnected in ways that, I believe, mean that one cannot exist in all the fullness God intended without the other.

True fulfillment comes from nurturing body, mind, and spirit. When you reconnect your faith and fitness, you set yourself up for a sustainable, purpose-driven life.

Comfortable in My Discomfort

I was overweight for much of my life. As a teenager playing a lot of basketball, my weight stayed at an acceptable level. But I was always a little fluffy, and my unhealthy eating habits became deep-rooted issues that I carried into my young adult years and on.

At my heaviest, I weighed a few pounds shy of 300. At six feet tall, I “carried it well” because most people who found out how much I weighed didn’t believe me.

But I felt it and knew that I was living an unhealthy life with an early ticket to disease and death. Worse, I knew that this was not the life that God had intended for me, even if I wasn’t living any part of my life as if it were.

Still, I chose to do nothing about it because the comfort of not changing overpowered the discomfort and hell it was causing.

Physical Change Was the Start I Needed

I wish I could say that one day, I woke up and decided that enough was enough and took control. But that’s not the happy beginning this story had. I destroyed much of my life before I finally took the first step towards a physically healthier life.

But that’s how it began: only physical change.

Mental and spiritual growth didn’t start until around two years ago, and it was slow at first—one painstaking step at a time, with three steps backward. Honestly, I probably didn’t start taking consistent steps forward in my journey until around six months ago.

But now, it’s full speed ahead.

When I look back on where I started and where I am now, I see that a physical change was the start I needed. It was the catalyst that led to my body’s transformation and my mind’s renewal.

I hope to spark something inside you that will set you on a path to change without requiring a free fall to rock bottom like I did.

A Biblical Foundation of Physical Stewardship

No, the Bible won’t give you the perfect exercise routine or tell you whether you should train a push/pull/legs split instead of an upper/lower split.

It’s mostly silent on “exercise.” But the Bible was never meant to be a manual that tells you how to live your life in every way. 

The principles of caring for the body you were given are throughout the Scriptures.

Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you… —  1 Corinthians 6:19

Before you start angrily typing, I understand that the context of 1 Corinthians is talking about sexual immorality. But the principle of our body being a temple for the Spirit is transferable.

The entire point of a temple is to be a place worthy of divine presence. In this case, we’re talking about our body being a worthy temple to house the Holy Spirit. 

I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. —  Romans 12:1–2

It’s easy to acknowledge that there’s nothing that we can do to repay God for the incredible gift he’s given us by saving us through Jesus’ sacrifice. That’s the point of grace.

But what better way to offer ourselves as living sacrifices than to care for the body He’s given us so He can use us in any way He sees fit? Paul calls this spiritual worship, and Jesus said that the Father is looking for people who will worship in spirit and truth [John 4:23–24]. And when it comes to renewing our minds, physical fitness and the disciplines it creates are directly tied to changing how we think. The key is allowing the Spirit to work in you as you work on yourself.

For while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. — 1 Timothy 4:8

Discipline: A Spiritual & Physical Virtue

What’s the first thing you think when you see someone who clearly spends time working on their physical fitness?

They must be so disciplined to look like that. They must have such good… self-control.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. —  Galatians 5:22–23

Making progress with nearly any health and fitness goal — losing weight, building muscle, getting stronger, etc. — requires an immense amount of discipline and self-control, especially as you progress on your journey.

You must learn to deny yourself and say no to instant gratification, which, interestingly enough, Jesus commanded us to do in Matthew’s Gospel.

Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.” Matthew 16:24

The discipline you build by improving your physical fitness and caring for your body directly translates into your walk with Jesus. Think about all the daily disciplines that are part of a Christian’s life, like prayer or reading Scripture.

The character you build in the gym is related to the character you build by opening your Bible.

Identity & Purpose Beyond the Mirror

A significant reason there is such a disconnect between faith and fitness is what “fitness” has become, especially if you scroll for half a second on social media.

As someone who makes a living in the health and fitness industry, I can say with certainty that it has become one of the most toxic industries in the world today.

Everyone is trying to sell something that will make them happy, healthier, or fitter. The standards for “health” and “beauty” have become unrealistic and drive more and more people to develop serious mental health problems around something that is supposed to do the opposite!

Grace, Not Guilt

Just like your faith in Jesus is rooted in grace and mercy, so should your health and fitness journey be. None of us is perfect or will get it right 100% of the time, and that’s okay. You’re not a robot you can program to take the perfect 10 steps to a healthier life.

Ultimately, you must realize that your confidence should come from being loved by the Creator of the universe. And when this happens, the body you have becomes a vessel for good, not a trophy.

When you take care of yourself physically and mentally, you’re prepared to step into all that God has for you in this lifetime without health holding you back.

Practical Ways to Integrate Faith & Fitness

Living out your faith doesn’t have to stop at the church doors or your quiet time. Your fitness routine can become an extension of your worship — a space where physical discipline and spiritual growth meet. Here are some simple, meaningful ways to invite God into your fitness journey.

Start Your Day with Prayer & Movement

Begin your morning with intention. Pair a few minutes of prayer or Scripture reading with light movement — a walk, stretch, or short workout. Let that time ground you spiritually and energize you physically. It’s a powerful way to set the tone for a day rooted in purpose.

Worship While You Work Out

Whether lifting weights, running, or doing bodyweight exercises in your living room, turn up some worship music or listen to Scripture through an audio Bible or devotional podcast.

Let truth pour into your heart as you challenge your body. This shifts the focus from performance to presence—from striving to abiding.

Embrace a Spirit-Led Fitness Challenge

Consider a 40-day or 21-day fitness challenge that aligns with spiritual goals, much like a fast or devotional plan. For example, commit to daily movement and meditation on a specific verse or biblical theme. Let the physical consistency remind you of the inner transformation God is always working on.

Lean on Community for Accountability

You were never meant to do life alone. Find or start a small group that cares about both faith and health. That could look like a weekly prayer walk, a shared fitness challenge in a group chat, or simply checking in with a friend who shares your values. Encouragement from like-minded believers can fuel consistency and keep your eyes on what matters most.

Honour God with Your Body

Ask yourself: “How can I better honor God with my body today?”

It doesn’t have to be complicated. But if you rely on the internet and social media for a how-to on getting fit, you’re often left feeling more confused at best or totally defeated before you start at worst.

It’s not always easy, but it is simple. Start moving your body. Pay attention to the food you’re putting into it. Make small changes over time that bring you closer to your health and fitness goals and Jesus.

Contact me today and book a free consultation if you’d like help pursuing a life filled with strength, resilience, and purpose that brings you closer to why God put you on this Earth.

I offer online 1:1 training. I approach health and fitness holistically because we truly are body, mind, and spirit.