Faith & Fitness Culture

Only one gym in the world has more winners than all the fitness centers combined. Metroflex, in the greater Dallas, Texas area isn’t just where the big boys and girls train. It is a hot environment (figuratively AND literally) to build discipline. In a culture where bodybuilders are elevated as gods, Metroflex provides an environment where members put themselves to the test and instead have the opportunity to rely on God. If you think Jesus is nothing more than a pretty religious icon seen hanging on a lofty church wall on Sunday morning --- think again. What will you overcome today? This article includes a video interview with Brian Dobson.

For a week-long vacation or simply a weekend get-away, FitFish may be the ultimate fitness retreat. From incredible destinations with quality exercise programming to healthy meals and spiritual refreshment you can take your fitness to new levels and renew your mind.

In Memphis, Tennessee the largest faith-based clinic of its type in the United States has more than 36,000 patient visits per year. That’s a lot of positive Christian impact. Do you want to have a greater influence for good in your community? Dr. Morris says that a simple shift in your thinking can help those in your city discover that God is open for business twenty-four hours a day. [One of the top 4 areas for growth in faith and fitness in 2011.]

This is the year to put on some muscle and make big gains in your spiritual life. Don’t be a religious weakling. Drawing on renowned Barna Report research, Faith & Fitness Magazine delivers a yearlong focus to help you grow in faith. Discover how bulking-up spiritually will get you in the best shape of your life.

If you belong to a small fellowship group at your church you may be wondering how to make it more than a guided discussion of the most recent Sunday sermon or book study. If you belong to a group exercise class you may be longing for deeper interaction with others. ActivPrayer is one program that is bringing together the best of both group exercise and small fellowship groups. Learn about it then get one started in your community.

What if your pastor’s rousing Sunday sermon on perseverance was followed Monday morning by an exhausting run on the treadmill with your pastor --- yelling, “Faster!” What if your personal trainer customized a diet plan just for you then prepared a lean and healthy dish for the church fellowship dinner after he served you and others communion? Meet that person --- Pastor AND Trainer, Dave Scott.

What if your pastor not only challenged you to climb a mountain he did it with you. Mike Daly shares how his pastor was there with him from idea, through training and all the way to the summit.

What if your pastor’s rousing Sunday sermon on perseverance was followed Monday morning by an exhausting run on the treadmill with your pastor --- yelling, “Faster!” What if your personal trainer customized a diet plan just for you then prepared a lean and healthy dish for the church fellowship dinner after he served you and others communion? For one California congregation this is their reality. If you are wondering how hard it can be to have a pastor that is a personal trainer you may be surprised to see that members (in both the church and gym) think it is pretty cool. and achieve peak performance. Now is the time to learn how to be empowered by God.

Where will you be in your faith and fitness journey a year from now? Will things be any better than they are now? Take a look at what factors are currently in place, consider some opportunities for growth then take the most important next step.

These days, first-class personal trainers know that in order to help their clients achieve their best they must incorporate all aspects of wellness. Are you getting the most from your fitness activities? Now you can learn to connect with “why” you are exercising in the first place with the passionate support of a Christ-Influenced Trainer.

Imagine a Gold’s Gym, YMCA, community recreation center and personal training studio all working together daily. It is unlikely such a scenario could ever work. Yet one central Florida community has pioneered new territory in the world of fitness through the collaborative efforts of four churches. The result is improved health in the lives of members and a shining example that churches can work together using fitness ministry.

One summer day I was running for exercise when I came upon a garden and collection of eight college students tending it. We talked and the smiles we shared confirmed we were in agreement in our social perspectives. Yet we had more in common than that. The garden space had become our all-natural worship location.

Do you play church or do you live your faith? Just being a “member of the church” is like having a fitness club membership and never using it. To experience the vibrancy of your faith you have to engage it. Time to say goodbye to the status-quo church model and redefine fitness.

The popular culture expression “Everything is big in Texas” certainly holds true at Champion Forest Baptist Church in Houston. But, truth be told they are one of a growing list of larger churches that are creating extensive fitness facilities for better ministry. They are helping people discover that churches are the new place for active living and social networking.

Take a look at how one church pastor went from funerals to fitness. He took his congregational and community leadership to a whole new level where people don’t just live --- they live well.

Members of a personal training studio in the Surf City of Huntington Beach, Califronia catch the wave of a new wellness initiative that blends faith with fitness. It is an example of the rising tide of fitness professionals who are pioneering advances in fitness ministry.

If you go to church read this and discover the growing trend to use fitness to create exciting to-capacity daily ministry. If you don't go to church this may be the "church experience" for which you've been waiting.

Tired of lifting and carrying all that extra weight that you don’t want or need? Join with others who are finding they can transform their body into a better example of what God intended for them. It is happening at churches everywhere. Your church could be the next place where people come to lose more than weight and gain more than eternal life.

The church talks a lot about God being the “creator” but they’re unwilling to be used by God to create fresh and innovative ways for people to get active and live life to the fullest. Brad Bloom, founder of Faith & Fitness Magazine delivers a hard-hitting assessment of the church and offers an inspiring look into the direction Christians will shape culture.

People keep looking for ways to get their needs met. How well is your gym satisfying demand? Find out which gyms are helping lead the way.

Trend: Community wellness teams

Small-group Christian fellowship within fitness and sports environments.

What do members want in a gym? Well, the facility I manage is a gym but we are much more than that. The facility I manage is the Christian Activities Center of First Baptist Church in Hendersonville, Tennessee.

New Certification Could Incorporate Christian Life Coaching

Myth #1: The only reason people go to the gym and workout is to live longer and look really hot. If you’re wondering who could make such a generalized assumption you may be disappointed to learn that it could be the leadership of your gym. Why won’t they ask you about your spiritual needs and interests? Find out what will happen if they do.