Christian Fitness (Bodybuilding and Powerlifting) Is It Dead?

Cory Hinton said:

I've been involved in fitness for the longest time, but there's been a shrinking amount of Christians in this space. I'm not sure if it's because of the perceived narcism required to compete in things like bodybuilding or powerlifting as a Christian that makes Christians feel not welcome, or that they can't share their faith for fear of being cast out.

Does anyone else struggle with sharing their faith in the gym, or would you rather your faith remain unknown and just go there to train?

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You should do it with any friend you have at the gym (while hanging out, doing it on the gym would be annoying)

Cory Hinton said:

I've been involved in fitness for the longest time, but there's been a shrinking amount of Christians in this space. I'm not sure if it's because of the perceived narcism required to compete in things like bodybuilding or powerlifting as a Christian that makes Christians feel not welcome, or that they can't share their faith for fear of being cast out.

Does anyone else struggle with sharing their faith in the gym, or would you rather your faith remain unknown and just go there to train?

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I see what you are saying. In some environments I feel as though my faith would not be welcome.

Gyms can be an odd place and for me, some of the humour is hard to navigate without seeming sanctimonious. Sharing your faith can be difficult in that environment. Try and get to know people in general and maybe share it outside the gym with them? (as @David Cabrera said)

No offense to anybody. But is there a reason people can't just exercise? Does everything need a gimmick?

Far be it from me to criticize. If your missionary field is the gym, more power (see what I did there?) to you! I'm just saying I don't get it, that's all.

Cory Hinton said:

I've been involved in fitness for the longest time, but there's been a shrinking amount of Christians in this space. I'm not sure if it's because of the perceived narcism required to compete in things like bodybuilding or powerlifting as a Christian that makes Christians feel not welcome, or that they can't share their faith for fear of being cast out.

Does anyone else struggle with sharing their faith in the gym, or would you rather your faith remain unknown and just go there to train?

Click to expand...

Believers have to be prepared to share their faith and proclaim Christ publicly everywhere. It could be the gym, work, etc. Some people at the gym are going to hate your guts because you're a Christian. Others may be receptive, you never know where you'll find God's elect.

Cory Hinton said:

I've been involved in fitness for the longest time, but there's been a shrinking amount of Christians in this space. I'm not sure if it's because of the perceived narcism required to compete in things like bodybuilding or powerlifting as a Christian that makes Christians feel not welcome, or that they can't share their faith for fear of being cast out.

Does anyone else struggle with sharing their faith in the gym, or would you rather your faith remain unknown and just go there to train?

Click to expand...

Sharing faith is not always easy. This does not mean that we should never do it. I would never personally make a rule for myself of never sharing faith, I feel it goes against the principals God has given us. Which is to share the gospel every body. Do what you feel led to do. It really depends upon how courageous we are to how far we push things. But there are right and wrong times to share faith. As an example, but not a hard and fast rule, I would not be sharing faith with someone doing a dead lift, or pumping iron. But you could always chat to some one after their work out, while hanging out. Pray for opportunities, and in general pray for the people at the gym (at home, in your secret place).

Cory Hinton said:

I've been involved in fitness for the longest time, but there's been a shrinking amount of Christians in this space. I'm not sure if it's because of the perceived narcism required to compete in things like bodybuilding or powerlifting as a Christian that makes Christians feel not welcome, or that they can't share their faith for fear of being cast out.

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Possible that it's a segment that's becoming less religious. There's a significant rise in people who are calling themselves unaffiliated with any faith.

Cory Hinton said:

Does anyone else struggle with sharing their faith in the gym, or would you rather your faith remain unknown and just go there to train?

Click to expand...

During the times when I was working out, I didn't go to chat with people, and I didn't see people being chatty. They were just there to do their routine and get on with their day.