Exercise is an important part of life.
It keeps our bodies strong, helps us feel better, and even improves our mental health.
Many people spend time working out, running, lifting weights, or playing sports to stay in shape.
But what does the Bible say about exercise?
Does God care if we take care of our bodies?
Is physical fitness something that should matter to Christians?
The Bible may not mention gyms or workout routines, but it does have a lot to say about health, strength, and taking care of the bodies God has given us.
Let’s explore what Scripture teaches about exercise and how it fits into a life that honors God.
Our Bodies Are a Gift from God
The Bible teaches that our bodies are not just random physical structures.
They are created by God and meant to bring Him glory.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20 says, “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God?
You are not your own; you were bought at a price.
Therefore honor God with your bodies.”
This verse reminds us that our bodies are not just ours to do whatever we want with.
They belong to God, and we should take care of them as a way of honoring Him.
Exercise is one way we can do this, keeping our bodies strong and healthy so we can serve God effectively.
Physical Training Has Some Value
Exercise is important, but the Bible makes it clear that spiritual health is even more important.
1 Timothy 4:8 says, “For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.”
This verse does not say that physical training is worthless—it says that it has some value.
Taking care of our bodies is good, but it should never take priority over our relationship with God.
A strong body is helpful, but a strong spirit is even more important.
The key is balance.
We should take care of our physical health, but not to the point where it becomes our main focus in life.
Exercise Helps Us Serve God Better
When we take care of our bodies, we are better equipped to do the work God has called us to do.
If we are weak, tired, or unhealthy, it can be harder to fulfill our responsibilities.
Proverbs 31:17 speaks about a strong woman who works hard: “She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks.”
Strength allows us to serve others, work diligently, and remain active in what God has planned for us.
Whether we are raising a family, working a job, or serving in ministry, staying physically healthy can help us stay energetic and ready to do our best.
Discipline in Exercise and Faith
Exercise requires discipline.
You have to make time for it, push through discomfort, and stay committed even when you don’t feel like it.
This kind of discipline is also necessary in our spiritual lives.
1 Corinthians 9:24-27 compares the Christian life to a race.
Paul writes, “Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize?
Run in such a way as to get the prize.
Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training.
They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.”
Just like an athlete trains to win a race, we should train our spiritual lives with the same dedication.
We need to pray, read the Bible, and grow in faith with the same determination that an athlete uses to build strength and endurance.
Avoiding Vanity and Pride
While exercise is good, it can become a problem if it turns into vanity or obsession.
Some people become so focused on their physical appearance that they forget about their spiritual well-being.
The Bible warns against pride and putting too much emphasis on outward beauty.
1 Samuel 16:7 says, “The Lord does not look at the things people look at.
People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”
Exercise should not be about impressing others or becoming obsessed with our looks.
It should be about taking care of our bodies in a way that honors God, not feeding our pride.
Rest Is Important Too
While the Bible encourages hard work and discipline, it also teaches the importance of rest.
God created our bodies to need rest, and ignoring that can lead to burnout and exhaustion.
Exodus 20:9-10 says, “Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God.
On it you shall not do any work.”
This principle shows that God values balance.
Even in exercise, we need to allow our bodies time to recover.
Overworking our bodies without proper rest can be just as harmful as neglecting them altogether.
Exercise and Gluttony
The Bible speaks against gluttony, which is the habit of overeating and living without self-control.
Proverbs 23:20-21 warns, “Do not join those who drink too much wine or gorge themselves on meat, for drunkards and gluttons become poor, and drowsiness clothes them in rags.”
Taking care of our bodies means practicing self-control in both eating and exercise.
If we neglect our health and become lazy, we are not honoring the bodies God has given us.
If we go to the opposite extreme and make fitness an idol, we are also missing the point.
Moderation and balance are key.
Strength Comes from God
While exercise builds physical strength, true strength comes from God.
Isaiah 40:29-31 says, “He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.
Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”
No matter how much we train our bodies, we will always need God’s strength more than anything else.
Physical fitness can help us stay healthy, but only God can give us the strength we need to face life’s challenges.
Encouraging Others Through Exercise
Taking care of our bodies is not just for ourselves—it can also be a way to encourage others.
Hebrews 10:24 says, “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.”
If you have learned to live a healthy and active lifestyle, you can use that to encourage others to take care of themselves too.
Whether it’s helping a friend start a fitness routine, taking a walk with someone who is struggling, or simply setting a good example, exercise can be a way to show love and care.
Honoring God in All Things
Colossians 3:17 reminds us, “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.”
This includes exercise.
If we approach physical fitness with the right attitude—using it as a tool to stay healthy, serve others, and honor God—it can be a great blessing.
Exercise should never become an idol or a distraction from our faith, but when done in balance, it can help us live healthier, stronger lives for God’s glory.
Final Thoughts
The Bible may not specifically mention gyms, workouts, or fitness trends, but it does give us principles for taking care of our bodies.
God created our bodies as temples of the Holy Spirit, and He calls us to honor Him by maintaining them wisely.
Exercise has value, but spiritual growth is even more important.
Discipline in physical training mirrors the discipline we need in our faith.
Rest is just as important as work, and strength ultimately comes from God.
As we strive to live healthy lives, let’s remember that everything we do—including exercise—should be done with the goal of honoring and serving Him.