8 Bible Verses on Exercise {Add Worship to Your Workouts}
Exercise takes a lot of self-discipline, but here are 8 Bible verses to add a worshipful purpose to your workout routine, combining faith and fitness.
When you are trying to lose weight, exercise can feel like a punishment for the things you eat.
When I was 100 pounds overweight, I remember that feeling clearly.
The words I would have used to describe my feelings around exercise were things like: painful, forced, obligatory, drudgery, “have to”, awful, insecure, failure…
Can you relate?
It’s no secret that there are tons of benefits of exercise (check out these 15 reasons to exercise today). If you’re anything like me, even knowing the benefits isn’t always enough to get me moving.
But, when I think of making exercise as an act of worship, it gets personal.
- I have the power to glorify God by moving my body.
- It’s my job to care for and steward this body well.
- The better I take care of myself, the better I can take care of others.
- Pouring into a consistent habit like exercise pours into my physical health but it also pours into my spiritual health and helps me to grow in the Fruit of the Spirit (joy, peace, patience, faithfulness, self-control, and more).
That takes my motivation to a deeper level.
Let’s see what Scripture has to say on the topic.
8 Scriptures on Exercise
Download the printable Bible Verses on Exercise Here
You can download a free printable of all 8 of these Bible verses here.
#1 – You Are A Living Sacrifice
Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.
– Romans 12:1
This is my absolute favorite verse on exercise.
It’s not about torturing yourself in an effort to drop a few pounds.
It’s an act of worship, striving for holiness.
It’s about surrendering every piece of yourself – heart, mind, body, and soul into His loving hands and tenderly caring for the body He created just for you.
That’s the root of everything God asks from us – love. He loves us so much that He asks us to trust Him with our bodies, minds, and souls. Even when it’s the very best thing for us, it still feels like a sacrifice.
When your primary motivation for doing something, like exercise, to draw nearer to God, that’s when sacrifice becomes an act of worship.
#2 – I Do Not Run Aimlessly
Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.
– 1 Corinthians 9:26-27
Like I just mentioned, the reason you exercise is important.
The number on the scale or a smaller dress size can be a good temporary motivation, but it often isn’t enough to get you all the way to your goal.
In this verse, Paul has been describing how athletes use a lot of self-control to win a race. He talks about how the prize they are aiming to win (back that it was a wreath) would quickly die and fade away, but, as Christians, we have something so much greater as our ultimate aim that will never fade away.
Here, Paul is saying that he isn’t running aimlessly, but with a purpose. He is choosing to live intentionally and with purpose.
That’s all of our goals as Christians, right? To live for Christ.
Taking care of your body through exercising is an intentional act to take care of your body well and can be such an important part of purposeful living.
#3 – Your Body Is A Temple
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.
– 1 Corinthians 6:19-20
I don’t know about you, but when I borrow something from somebody else, I fiercely take care of it – often more so than I take care of my own things! I want to be able to return it to them in the best possible shape that I can.
Our bodies are not our own and exercise is a great way to take care of yourself, not just physically, but also mentally and spiritually.
You house the Holy Spirit and that is not a task to be taken lightly.
We often think the only way to glorify God with our bodies is by doing something like raising our hands in worship, but the way we exercise, eat, and so much more can bring Him honor.
#4 – Do It All For The Glory Of God
So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.
– 1 Corinthians 10:31
I love taking mundane, everyday tasks, and adding a deeper purpose to them. Washing dishes is not just about getting the plates clean. It is about nurturing and taking care of the people around you.
Every detail of your life can bring glory to God, including exercise.
Don’t just do it for yourself, your kids, your spouse, or a smaller waistline – do it to glorify the Lord!
#5 – Work Vigorously
She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks.
– Proverbs 31:17
This verse from Proverbs describes the Proverbs 31 woman. She is a had worker and, because of that, her arms are strong to be able to do what she needs to do.
When you exercise, your daily life gets easier. It’s easier to walk up and down stairs, keep up with your kids, and carry groceries into the house.
Moving your body regularly is a great way to make your body strong and ready to take care of others around you.
#6 – I Can Do All Things Through His Strength
I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
– Philippians 4:13
There is no denying that exercise is hard. It takes a lot of willpower just to get started, much less finish a full workout.
But if you never push yourself past your comfort zone, you will never grow. Don’t go crazy and hurt yourself, but challenge your body. It is capable of more than you think.
And, the most important thing of all is to use exercise as another reminder of our need for our Savior. Yes, we can grow physically stronger through exercise, but our ultimate source of strength is Jesus. We need Him every day, every hour, every minute.
#7 – Renew Your Strength
…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.
– Isaiah 40:31
“I’m too tired” is one of the most common excuses not to exercise out there. It’s understandable! Whether you are single, married, retired, or a young mom, there are endless reasons to be exhausted.
Yes, exercise takes energy, but it also gives you energy.
We only see that when we can pull ourselves back enough to see the big picture. That’s one way exercise has shown me the same picture lived out in my faith.
When things feel impossibly hard, it’s so important to remember that that’s not the end of my story. When I hope in the Lord and not my own capabilities, I can do more than I ever thought possible.
By walking with the Lord and offering Him all of me on my hardest days, it’s then that I grow stronger.
#8 – Train For Godliness
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.
– 1 Timothy 4:8
Godliness should always come first. Your relationship with God is of the utmost importance in your life!
But don’t miss the first half of the verse. “For physical training is of some value.” There is value there. Don’t just cast it aside as a meaningless activity. Science and Scripture alike recognize the importance of exercise in your life!
As I’ve mentioned, committing to consistent exercise has also grown my faith, and my patience, helped me take my thoughts captive, and so much more.
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Looking for Other Posts On Christian Weight Loss? Check These Out!
Christian Weight Loss – A Living Sacrifice
5 Bible Verses On Healthy Eating
Christian Weight Loss: How To Start Losing Weight With The Power Of God
I absolutely love these verses and they are making me stronger everyday day
I was surfing for some like minded believers and came across your site
Hi Tabatha! So glad you found me!
Hello Becky,
I was searching for bible verses on healthy eating and came across your website! I am so excited because this is exactly what I was searching for. I was looking to find a book to buy, but I did not even find one with the type of information you are sharing. Thank you for your blessing! If you have not considered it, you should write a book! Many christians looking for this would be so very happy!
I am a 58 year old retired elementary teacher who has been very active all of my life. However, I always seem to struggle with my weight going up and down. My husband and I did the 75 Hard challenge last January through March and I did lose about 30 pounds, but once we went to Florida on vacation and the program was done, I went back to all of my old habits and gained it all back again! I am in agreement that it needs to be a transformation from the inside out. I am excited to read your blog and journal and want to share it with my grown daughters.
I love Nutty Bars too! Who doesn’t?! My battle is coffee with half and half and good old ice cream!
I am ready to start my own journey and thanks to you, I have resources to help me with the inner struggle!
God bless you and Happy Thanksgiving!
Michelle
Such great reminders.
Hello Becky,
God bless you in abundance,
Am a fitness coach and i was inspired by the whole idea linking faith and fitness through scripture, and its something i have always dreamed to do.
Thank you and healthy wishes
This was such a blessing to read! I’m glad I looked up verses that speak on exercise and it led me here. This is extremely thoughtful and so life giving. It neither shames one or the other side, but encourages and possibbly meets peole where they are on their own journey! I posted a verse on social media regarding the spiritual training and it is the same as you commented about spiritual training,. Certainly the vesrse uses the physical training to illustrate the spiritual training. Yet it does not invalidate the physical training. yesss!! clapping my hands here!! The other verses were truly also valuable and insightful. Blessings!
WOw after a few years thats awesome this post is still here because people more than ever must gain control over their bodies small steps at a time for a better health and all the wonderful benefits to that.
I am so glad this blessed you, Diana!
Thank you so much for this!! It is truly inspiring! What a revelation that our exercise can be our worship to God
It does bring it to a whole new level of motivation.
You are so welcome, Tammy! I so agree. That change in mindset can add so much motivation!
Hi Becky!
I just wanted to say how much I enjoy reading your blog and look up to you. I never had a big sister growing up— I was the big sister (of 5😊), and I’ve struggled within the past few years of ending high school and starting college with both being overweight and underweight. I’ve overeaten and purposefully overlooked exercise, and then I’ve also undereaten and overexercised. The past 6-ish months have been spent gaining and then maintaining my strength and healthy weight by both moderate exercise and eating whole foods…and by allowing the Lord to really reshape my thinking about all of this.
It is so awesome to see someone else joyfully honoring the Lord by taking care of their body, and not stressing out about it. Exercising for His glory, for life and strength etc., and then eating for His glory, for the same reasons…nothing more and nothing less. And worshiping Him in everything! Mark 12:2-31 has been one of many anchors for me throughout this whole process. And while the journey hasn’t been pain free, I’m so thankful for what He’s taught me❤️ Your testimony encourages me that it IS possible to live a healthy life in Christ. He is the reason to live🌸
Anyway…Just wanted to shout out a thank you for following God’s lead in your life! So encouraging 💕
Hi Callie!
Thank you so much for sharing this with me! Your kind words mean so much and I LOVE hearing about your story and what God is doing in your life!
I love this blog!!!! How can I follow you on social media to stay tuned? I am Marsha from Alabama by the way 😊
Hi Marsha! Thanks so much for your kind words! I do have a Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/soveryblessedblog) and Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/soveryblessed/), but the best way to stay tuned is by signing up for my weekly emails (there is a place to do that at the bottom of every blog post)!
This is a wonderful post! After losing almost 30 pounds in a few months, I’ve hit a plateau and am starting to feel like I have no control over my appetite and cravings and no strength to exercise and the weight is starting to come back. In the face of this and a number of other serious issues and concerns, by God’s grace, I’m attempting to keep His word in front of me so it can inform me before every step I take. These Scriptures and your thoughtful comments came at the perfect time. I’ve journaled them, pinned them, and shared them this morning, and I am going to meditate on them as part of my morning and evening prayer time. Thank you!
Thank you so much for your kind words, Dan! I’m so glad this post was so timely for you. Congratulations on losing 30 pounds! That’s a huge accomplishment! God’s grace is so good, isn’t it? I just love how He somehow is able to show His strength in our weakness. Thanks so much for sharing the post! I’m cheering you on as you move forward in your weight loss journey!
I would love to print these out and have them on my bedside table to read every time I wake up. Is there a printable version I may download?
Hi Larissa,
I don’t have these Bible verses in printable PDF form yet, but I’ll put it on my list to try to create it sometime soon!
I exercise for me,the Lord gives me the motivation each day.
Absolutely! That’s wonderful, Jo!
Thank you so much for sharing these scriptures. I started walking with friends yesterday and want to use these scriptures for encouragement.
You are so welcome, Sharon! Good job getting out and walking with your friends. It’s so much more fun with people we enjoy, isn’t it?
HI BECKY,
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THESE SCRIPTURES THEY ARE POWERFUL.
GOD BLESS
JENNY
You are so welcome, Jenny! Thanks for stopping by!
Thank you so much for sharing this. I have been on and off with exercise and lately I have had a hard time getting back in the gym…zero motivation. I am always looking for scriptures to stand on so that I can remain consistent. Reading this I feel like I just had bible study and a devotional(I took notes lol). This is an answered prayer.
I have been at that place with zero motivation so many times before. I am so glad this could be an encouragement to you and I love that you took notes (I’m a huge note taker myself!). Blessings to you!
This is awesome!!!!!
Thanks, Grace!
Hi Becky.
Honestly, I read very few blogs. There is no time. However, when I pulled up Pinterest this morning to find a specific pin, this was in the “feed”. It is an amazing testimony and mission of encouragement. Well done!
I would like to share the following as encouragement. While training for a HUGE goal, I focused on 2 of these verses. They were my mantra. Yet, time after time, when I repeated one of the verses, the devil struck out. I could not finish a specific workout, I would have an injury setback (twisted ankle, bike wreck, surgery, etc.) or an unrelenting self-doubt. Each time, I rebuked him and held fast to God’s promises. Race day came. I managed to take that scary 1st step. As I was completing the hardest section, I felt encouraged, no, certain that I was going to finish! I thanked God. Out loud. I was smiling and a renewed energy washed over me. I was excited to publically give Him the glory as I crossed the finishline holding a sign I had made. As soon as the image of that sign came into my minds eye, the devil struck out again! This time HARD! The ER was my finishline that day. Over the next year, I had 2 surgeries, rehabbed and started training for a second attempt. All the while, still quoting the same scriptures, using them as battering rams against the constant attacks. But, again, the devil struck. Another ER visit. As race day approached, I I admit, I thought the devil had won. I decided to withdraw. A friend and coach encouraged me to just start and see what happened. Those 2 scriptures provided me the courage and strength to try. Once again I took the first step. 14 hrs and 13 min. later, with a huge grin on my face and tears in my eyes, I took that same sign from my grandson as I entered the finishers chute and carried it across the finishline to the words “You are an Ironman!”. The devil did not win! I did! Not only that day, but for all eternity! Which 2 scriptures? Phil 4:13 and Isaiah 40:31. The mantras? “I can do all things.” & “I will “not grow weary”. The sign? “DOING ALL THINGS! Phil 4:13”
Epilogue:
Deut. 8:11 “Take care lest ye forget”. So, I did something I swore I would never do. Get a tattoo. It is hidden from all eyes but mine. A daily reminder. It is the Ironman logo with “Doing all things” Phil 4:13 surrounding it. Because of Him, I am doing all things.
Thank you for letting me share! I hope just one will find encouragement.
Nancy, your goal has already been fulfilled. I am so encouraged by your story! I actually got goosebumps while I read it. I am so touched by your faithfulness and I love the way you clung to God so tightly, even when you had all kinds of reasons to give in to discouragement. And, WOW, you did an Ironman?! That is a HUGE accomplishment! Thank you so much for sharing your story. <3
Thank you for these amazing Bible quotations and your description/insight.
You are so welcome, Lene!
Thank you Becky. I just wrote these verses out in red ink in my prayer journal where I will now pray them, claim them every morning.
Good for you, Mary! There is so much power in that. I have found these Scriptures to be so encouraging and motivating!
Becky, thank you for this. I was so encouraged! Still don’t like exercise, and enjoy food way too much. But reading this gave me a new perspective. God bless!
Hi Nancy! You are so welcome! I completely understand. I don’t think those desires for exercise and self-control in our eating are very natural for many of us. That’s why we have to lean on God’s strength to be able to do any of it!
Love this.. i started reading this morning. I was supposed to go to my bootcamp this morning at 5am like morning. I have been going atleast 5x a week for 5 solid months and lately the last couple weeks i have not had the drive or motivaton. Ive been thinking about a sermon from my pastor about a month ago. In the sermon it talked exercising being good, but not to just focus on the pysical aspect of it but to make sure that your excersing and taking care of your soul. So thats what ive started today.
Thank you.
Hi, Becky, I ran in my first half marathon a couple of weeks ago. I used several of these verses as motivation along the way. One more thing I repeated to myself over 13.1 miles. My mom always said (and I repeat it to my daughter every day), “Remember whose you are, and who you stand for.” my mom went to heaven several years ago, but my dad took me to the race. As we were starting, he yelled from the side lines, “Remember whose you are, and who you *run* for.” I accomplished my goal by repeating that, and 1 Tim. 4:8, 1 cor 10:31, phil 4:13, and Rom. 12:1. Thank you for your encouragement.
Hi Becky, I love everything about this! I have always been an avid exercise fanatic, but to look at it from the perspective of worshiping God and the Holy Spirit that lives in us, just takes it to a whole new level. Thank you!
Love these verses. Thank you! And the running shoes with the verse are so awesome.
Thank you so much, Sara! Those were my favorite pair of running shoes. 🙂
Hi Becky! My name is Courtney. I just wanted you to know I am using your blog about the 8 Scritpures that back up exercise, in a nutrition life group held at my church. I am so inspired and encouraged reading the scriptures on exercise as well as your personal input. I agree with you 100%! We have a lot in common… I read your “about me.” Keep on pressing on! You are loved by the King of kings and Lord of lords! Be blessed ?
Hi Courtney! It’s nice to “meet” you! That is so wonderful that you have a nutrition life group at your church! I’d love to learn more about the things we have in common if you ever want to drop me an email. Thank you so much for your comment. Your words are such an encouragement to me!