Faith and fitness is a concept that combines physical training with religious scripture and worship. The idea is to invite God into your workout, using fitness as a form of devotion. Faith-based fitness programmes aim to help people become healthy and whole, inside and out, through exercise and religious teachings. This can include group training, devotional workouts, spiritual discipline exercises, and nutritional advice. Faith and fitness retreats, camps, and communities also exist for those who want to connect with like-minded people and take part in activities such as prayer groups, community service, and mission trips.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Name | Have Faith Fitness |
Type of Organisation | Non-profit |
Mission | To serve and strengthen the fitness community to know Christ and share His love |
Target Audience | Athletes |
Activities | Completing workouts, bible studies, meeting for prayer groups, community service, and mission trips |
Local Chapters | Over 80 cities and 9 countries |
Session Structure | Begins with a message and scripture, followed by a 30-40 minute cardio and strength workout |
Focus | Combining physical training with scripture-based motivation |
Founder | April Slavey |
What You'll Learn
Combining faith and fitness
Faith and fitness combined can take many forms, from devotional workouts that incorporate scripture and worship to faith-based fitness communities and gospel-centred exercise programmes. For example, FaithFit offers scripture-based motivation alongside physical training, encouraging followers of Christ to worship during their workouts. Similarly, Faith Fitness provides a time of fitness and fellowship, where each session begins with a message and scripture before moving into a cardio and strength workout, treating the movement of our bodies as an act of worship.
Some people may choose to supplement their workouts with spiritual practices, such as devotionals, spiritual discipline exercises, or meditative prayer. Others may prefer to join a community that shares their values, such as FAITH RXD, an international non-profit that unites faith and fitness by discipling athletes. These athletes gather to train in spirit and body through workouts, bible studies, prayer groups, community service, and mission trips.
Integrating faith and fitness can be a transformative experience, helping individuals break free from shame, embrace their identity in Christ, and nourish their bodies and souls with healthy practices. It invites a holistic approach to wellness, where physical, spiritual, and emotional health are interconnected and mutually reinforcing.
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Scripture-based motivation
FaithFit encourages Christ followers to bring their relationship with Jesus into their fitness routines, glorifying God through physical training and scripture-based motivation. Each workout is designed to build not just muscle but also a deeper understanding of your faith. For instance, you can explore the blessings of meditating on Jesus through a devotional workout inspired by Psalm 1. This approach to fitness honours the belief that our worship of God should encompass every area of our lives.
April Slavey, the founder of Faith Fitness, combines her love for Jesus, people, and fitness to help others achieve holistic health. Each Faith Fitness session starts with a scripture reading, setting the tone for the cardio and strength workout that follows. This approach moves our bodies and our spirits, making our fitness routine a form of worship.
Faith RXD takes a similar approach by uniting faith and fitness on an international scale. With local chapters in numerous cities, they bring athletes together to train in spirit and body. Their activities include workouts, Bible studies, prayer groups, community service, and mission trips—a testament to their commitment to nurturing both physical and spiritual strength.
These initiatives demonstrate how scripture-based motivation can enhance your fitness journey. By incorporating scripture, meditation, and devotional practices into your workouts, you create a sacred space where physical and spiritual growth become intertwined. This holistic approach to fitness honours the integration of faith and bodily health, recognising that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit.
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Healthy eating and faith
Faith-based fitness communities, such as FaithFit, Food Faith Fitness, Faith Fitness, and Faith RXD, offer a holistic approach to health and wellness. They understand that physical health is deeply interconnected with spiritual and mental well-being. By combining physical training with scripture-based motivation, these communities provide a unique workout experience that goes beyond physical transformation.
For example, FaithFit invites individuals to "invite God into [their] workout", offering devotional workouts that combine physical exercise with spiritual teachings. Similarly, Food Faith Fitness provides a plethora of recipes catering to different dietary preferences, recognising that nourishing the body with wholesome food is essential for spiritual and physical health.
Additionally, these faith-based fitness communities address common struggles such as body image issues, eating disorders, and compulsive eating. They provide support, encouragement, and a sense of fellowship, helping individuals stay motivated and accountable in their fitness journeys.
By integrating faith into fitness, these communities encourage individuals to worship through movement, strengthening their relationship with God and themselves. This integration of faith and fitness empowers individuals to view their physical endeavours as a form of spiritual practice, fostering a transformative journey that nourishes the body and uplifts the soul.
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Community and fellowship
Faith Fitness recognises that working out is not just about physical health, but also about nourishing the mind and soul. Each session starts with a message and scripture, providing spiritual motivation before moving on to the physical workout. This unique approach combines faith and fitness, creating a holistic experience that sets it apart from traditional gym environments.
The community aspect of Faith Fitness is evident in its welcoming atmosphere, where members can find encouragement and support, and a sense of belonging. It is a place where individuals can feel understood and accepted, sharing common interests and values with like-minded individuals. This sense of community extends beyond the walls of the gym, with local chapters and international connections fostering a global network of faithful athletes.
By prioritising community and fellowship, Faith Fitness becomes more than just a place to exercise. It transforms into a supportive network, empowering individuals to take control of their health and spiritual well-being. The shared experiences and connections made within the community enhance the overall fitness journey, making it a transformative and enriching experience for both body and soul.
Through community and fellowship, Faith Fitness creates a sense of accountability and motivation. Members find strength and inspiration in one another, pushing themselves to achieve their fitness goals while also growing in their faith. The sense of camaraderie and shared purpose fosters a supportive environment, where individuals can overcome challenges, celebrate achievements, and form lasting friendships.
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Spiritual discipline exercises
Solitude
Refraining from interacting with other people allows an individual to be alone with God and be found by Him. This is often complemented by silence, where one refrains from speaking in a quiet place to quiet their mind and attend to God's presence.
Fasting
Fasting is a common spiritual discipline, often involving abstaining from food to focus on prayer and other spiritual pursuits. This practice can promote self-control and reveal the extent to which we are ruled by our bodily appetites.
Bible Reading and Study
Trusting in the words of Scripture as a guide, wisdom, and strength for life is essential. Bible study involves observing, interpreting, and applying Scripture to one's life, while devotional reading allows Christians to familiarise themselves with Scripture.
Prayer
Prayer is a personal communion and dialogue with God, an opportunity to receive His grace, and to be honest and release our burdens. It should be an ongoing dialogue with God, practiced in the context of our daily activities.
Simplicity
Simplicity encourages individuals to want less and to prioritise their focus and time better. This can involve minimising possessions and getting rid of things one does not need, as well as placing restrictions on what one acquires.
Celebration
Celebration is a spiritual discipline that focuses on gratitude and remembrance of God's blessings. It can involve finding ways to celebrate the small triumphs of loved ones or journaling about God's work in one's life.
These are just a few examples of spiritual discipline exercises. They are meant to help individuals grow in their faith and connection with God, bringing about transformation and spiritual growth.
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Frequently asked questions
Have Faith Fitness is a fitness program that combines physical training with scripture-based motivation. It invites God into your workout, helping you to enjoy God during your workout and worship him.
Have Faith Fitness is for everyone, whether you are a beginner or an experienced athlete. The program is adaptable to your style of working out.
Each session will begin with a message and a scripture, followed by a 30-40 minute cardio and strength workout.
The mission of Have Faith Fitness is to help people be healthy and whole, inside and out, through exercise and the gospel message.