There are many fine physical fitness programs today that will help you break a sweat and give your body a physical workout.
However, if as a believer and follower of Jesus Christ you want something more — a way to experience a workout for spirit, soul, AND body by combining faith and fitness, consider what many call “Christian Fitness.”
Okay, so what IS Christian Fitness?
Do you sometimes have an impression or clear “word” from the Lord upon awakening? Sometimes it may be a song of praise or a scripture.
I recently awoke to these words in my heart:
“Christian Fitness involves the Word of God in some way.”
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us” (John 1:1 and 14).
Praying and meditating on those words, I wrote the following, and I believe they will be a blessing to you, by God's grace, as they have been to me.
For fitness to be “Christian,” it must involve Christ in some way: our relationship with Him, meditation on His Word, praising Him; in other words, focusing on Him during points of our workout.
We may not focus on Him at ALL times because we want to make sure our form is correct physically, but we turn to Him and “tune-in” to Him at various times during our workout.
If we do not focus on the Lord in some way, at some point during our workout, it is just a physical workout–just good physical fitness. Physical fitness is fine, but it is not what we may call “Christian fitness.”
What makes a workout or exercise class “Christian Fitness”?
Christian Fitness is not “Christian” because a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ happens to be the one exercising, or because we call our class “Christian,” or even because 
we play Gospel music while working out.
Question: Well, what makes a person a Christian?
Answer: Their RELATIONSHIP with Jesus Christ.
Question: What makes your workout “Christian fitness”?
Answer: Your RELATIONSHIP TO Jesus Christ during your workout.
How Can You Honor the Lord during Your Workout?
* Praise the Lord! Listen to praise music while working out — and then actually praise and thank Him!
* Meditate on a promise of God from Scripture while you work out such as: “I can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens me!” (Phil. 4:13); or “(I'm) strong in the Lord and in the power of His might!” (Eph. 6:10); or “Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God” (1 Cor. 1:24); or any others you'd like to make a “part” of you.
* Do a PraiseMoves downloadable or streaming workout – every PraiseMoves workout for adults and children is infused with the Word of God which we meditate upon or speak aloud while working out. We like to say, “Transform Your Workouts into Worship with PraiseMoves!”
* Read your Bible or a devotional book while on the elliptical, exercise bike or treadmill.
* Listen to or watch good Bible teaching while working out (a friend of mine has a morning appointment with a television Bible teacher every morning at 8 AM on her treadmill!).
* Declare God's Promises! Power Promises 4-part Walking Workout is instantly downloadable for your mp3 player, smartphone or burn a CD to play while on the elliptical or take for a brisk walk – and declare the promises of God!
* Pray for others while working out. Lift them up to the Lord while lifting weights!
* Make scriptural declarations and personalized scriptural affirmations while working out. Hearing your own voice say the truths of God's Word and taking them personally is powerful!
* Take a prayer-and-praise walk in your neighborhood. Walk 15-20 minutes in one direction praying for the needs of our nation, the peace of Jerusalem and the needs of your family and loved ones. Turn around and for the next 15-20 minutes, praise and thank the Lord for answered prayer on your way home. It works!!!
* Name a few of your own!
Going back to the words I heard in my heart when I awoke one morning:
“Christian Fitness involves the Word of God in some way.”
Would you like to experience Christian Fitness? Easy! Just make sure your workout involves the WORD of God in some way.
Remember: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us” (John 1:1 and 14).
Who is the Word? Right! Jesus! Focus on the Lord in some way during your workout and you WILL “Transform your Workouts into Worship!”
AND IF YOU HAVEN'T EXPERIENCED A LIVE PRAISEMOVES CLASS YET, FIND FOR A CERTIFIED PRAISEMOVES INSTRUCTOR IN YOUR AREA HERE.
I had never heard of this until a neighbor told me she’s been doing it with her kids and really enjoying it. One of her kids in particular is extremely hyperactive and she said this program is really helping to improve his ability to stay calm and focused during the day.
I too had not heard of this until I saw it on Facebook. A few of my friends are doing it and loving the whole thing. I may have to try it after reading this 😀 If it will help my anxiety I am all in!
Honoring the King and working out! Awesome Program!
Please contact me about being a health coach. I am Magaly’s husband. Thanks, Jeff.
Hi, Jeff! You can find out more here: http://CertifiedHealthCoachInstitute.com