Fitness As Worship: Strengthening Your Body and Spirit

Hey, Holy Health fam!

Have you ever thought about your fitness journey as a form of worship? It truly is! If you’ve been following me on social media, you’ve likely seen that I’m a dedicated gymgoer—or as the gym community fondly says, a proud “gym rat.” Yes, the physical benefits are obvious-- I get thinner by shedding fat and stronger by building muscle. I can fit into smaller clothes and look better in dresses that are of the "clingy material" form. But, not only am I reaping the benefits physically from exercise, but I am gaining spiritual muscle as well. Keeping in mind that you are fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:13-14), doing your best to keep your body healthy is praising the God that created it!

Our Bodies as Temples

1 Corinthians 6:19-20: "Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit...?" When you care for your body, you are caring for the temple of the holy spirit. In scripture, there were a special group of people who took care of the temples in the Old Testament called "Levites". This special group of people were blessed for taking care of the temple and in return for their dedicated service, the Levites were given a portion of the offerings and were considered to be blessed by God for their role in maintaining the temple's sanctity. So God blesses those who take care of their temples!

Are you being a good steward of your health? Are you caring for your body? Ephesians 5:29 tells us, "For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as the Lord does the church." If you're neglecting your health, the Holy Spirit’s work through you may be limited, and you won’t be able to fully fulfill God's calling for your life. There were moments in my life when I was on the brink of losing it all because I wasn’t prioritizing my health. I don't want to leave this earth prematurely and miss out on fulfilling God’s purpose for me. Some lives may be saved because of my testimony and obedience to God.

God came that we might have life and have it more abundantly (John 10:10). Living a lifestyle of fitness and health allows you to live a more vibrant and abundant life while fulfilling God's purpose for your life.

Mind-Body-Spirit Connection

Exercise does more than just strengthen the body; it also clears the mind and provides space for prayer and reflection. Physical activity helps reduce stress by releasing endorphins, which can create a sense of peace and calm, making it easier to connect with God. As we move our bodies, we often find that our minds become clearer, allowing us to focus on prayer, meditate on scripture, or reflect on God’s goodness. Additionally, the discipline required to maintain a consistent exercise routine mirrors the spiritual discipline we need to grow in our faith. Just as we set goals, stay committed, and persevere through physical challenges, we can apply the same principles to our spiritual lives, fostering both physical and spiritual growth.

In Luke 11:28, Jesus says, "But even more blessed are all who hear the word of God and put it into practice" So how do we put the lesson of physical activity as worship into life application? Well here are some tips to make your physical activity time a time of spiritual strengthening as well:

1. Start your workouts with prayer-- anytime I am about to lift a really heavy weight, I ask the Lord to cover and protect my body. You can try this when you go for a run outside, walk on the treadmill, or even at home doing a chair workout! Ask God to give you the strength to exercise and to make the most of your time exercising.

2. Choose a scripture or two to meditate on while you are running- sometimes an encouraging scripture will be all you need to boost your workout stamina.

3. Listen to your favorite preacher, spiritual teacher, or ministry podcast/ sermon on a streaming outlet of your choice (shameless plug here -- you can listen to some of my old sermons and podcast episodes by going to this link--> https://linktr.ee/LIQUEMPH )

4. Join faith-based fitness groups or classes-- google local faith based fitness groups in your area.

Every small step you take toward improving your physical health is also a step closer to God. Whether it's choosing healthier meals, committing to regular exercise, or simply getting enough rest, each action honors God and nurtures the temple God entrusted to you. Remember, God delights in your efforts to live fully and abundantly. As you care for your body, you are making room for God to work through you, helping you fulfill the purpose God has planned for your life. So take those small steps with faith, knowing they are part of a bigger journey toward both physical and spiritual wholeness.

I love you and pray for success on your journey!

-Dr. Lique