58. Faith-Based Fitness vs. Secular Workouts: What Should Christian Women Choose?
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In this episode of the Move Your Body Differently podcast, Shaela Daugherty tackles a question she often receives from her audience: Can Christian women use secular fitness programs? Shaela offers a thoughtful perspective on how to approach your health and fitness journey as a Christ follower and provides powerful questions to help you reflect on where your current routine aligns with your faith.
This episode is for you if:
- You’ve ever wondered if it’s okay to follow a secular fitness program while pursuing a Christian lifestyle.
- You want to understand how to align your fitness journey with your faith and glorify God through your body.
- You’re looking for clarity on whether your workout routine is pointing you toward Christ or feeding into a self-centered mindset.
What You'll Learn:
- Questions to ask yourself: Shaela shares four key questions to reflect on in your health and fitness journey: Is Christ present in your fitness routine? Is your workout program pointing you to Him or yourself?
- Difference between faith-based and faith-centered fitness: Learn the important distinction between a faith-based fitness program (which may be led by a believer) and a faith-centered approach (which integrates Christ into every aspect of your fitness).
- Colossians 3:23-24: Shaela unpacks this key scripture to help you evaluate whether your fitness routine is serving yourself or serving Christ.
- Spiritual growth through fitness: Discover how a faith-centered fitness program can lead to physical, spiritual, emotional, and mental growth, aligning your wellness with your values and beliefs.
Key Takeaways:
- Is your fitness journey centered on you or Christ?: Shaela encourages you to evaluate if your fitness program is glorifying God and pointing you toward spiritual growth or if it’s more focused on aesthetics and self.
- Faith-centered vs. faith-based fitness: While faith-based fitness might involve a Christian coach, Shaela explains how faith-centered fitness permeates every aspect of your journey—from workouts to nutrition—rooted in biblical principles and spiritual growth.
- Fitness as ministry: Shaela talks about how taking care of your body can be an act of service, equipping you to fulfill God’s calling in your life, whether it’s ministry in your home, community, or career.
- Spiritual growth as a measurable outcome: In faith-centered fitness, physical improvements are important, but spiritual growth is prioritized as a foundation for long-lasting health and transformation.
- How to evaluate secular fitness programs: If you’re currently using a secular fitness program, Shaela offers ways to integrate faith into your routine, ensuring it aligns with your biblical values without becoming an idol.
Links noted:
Find Your Perfect Faith Based Fitness Program Quiz
