A Theology of Exercise

As the Director of Discipleship for GRIT Ministries and a fitness enthusiast, I was eager to read David Mathis’ A Little Theology of Exercise: Enjoying Christ in Body and Soul. In this book, Mathis challenges readers to consider a practical, yet often neglected question in the realm of Christian formation: How can physical exercise be experienced in such a way that we profit from it spiritually? Or more specifically, how does the joy of exercise bring joy in Christ? This is a summary of his book, a brief analysis, and three ways to fruitfully put it to use in your daily life.

Summary

Mathis breaks this book into two parts. Part one addresses how we ought to contemplate exercise as Christians. He begins by asking, “How do God’s word and prayer, ‘make holy’ various bodily acts for which God designed and made us?” The first chapter is deep and the longest chapter in the book. Here, Mathis provides a simple yet helpful biblical theology of the human body via a six-act story:

(1) God made our bodies. (2) Sin has seized our bodies. (3) God Himself came to earth in a human body. (4) God Himself dwells in our bodies. (5) We glorify God now in our bodies. (6) We await a spectacular bodily upgrade.

From creation to new creation, the author takes readers on a sprint across the biblical canon. The purpose is to show that these divinely designed and revealed truths about our bodies define the Christian life in our movement and exercise. The second shows us how a biblical view of the body can help our prayer lives, especially in thanksgiving, gratitude and asking for help or intercession.

With the theological foundation laid, Part two begins to address why Christians need exercise. He presents five motivating factors for us to consider in Chapters 3-7. These help readers understand how to “make physical exercise serve spiritual joy in God.”

1) First and foremost, our goal to exercise is to glorify God with our bodies.

2) Scripture and scientific research show us how physical exertion builds and conditions the brain, causing us to have greater mental clarity and stamina.

3) Physical exercise builds resilience and resistance to laziness and apathy in all areas of life through conditioning the will.

4) Physical exercise can produce joy, which will be no surprise for those familiar with Mathis and his mentor John Piper who said, "For God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him."

5) Physical exercise enables us to better love and serve others with the bodies God has given us.

Analysis

If you are looking for a “how to” book on exercise and healthy eating habits, you will be disappointed. But, if you desire a deeper understanding of the gift and purpose of movement and bodily existence for the Christian life, your soul will benefit much.  Readers will find an evangelical and orthodox treatment of the human body that is faithful to Scripture and filled with practical takeaways that are uniquely Christian-based. There were a few areas I would've wanted to see developed further, like idolatry in the present fitness culture, pointing readers to healthy Christian resources about exercise/nutrition, and more on coping with disabilities. It was wonderful to see Mathis address those living with disabilities in compassion and encouragement, but I simply wanted to hear more! 

Application

How can we put this book to work?

1. 1) An approachable book for group study: This book would be a fruitful study for coaches and athletes.  It can also be a seasonal men's or women's Bible study or a good topic for a pastor’s group. 
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• 2) More focused prayers: This book will help readers understand why we exist as embodied creatures designed for movement, and how we should prayerfully approach God to meet our needs and empower us for service through fitness.
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• 3) A proper view of being physically fit: As Mathis writes, the motivation for physical exercise is mental clarity to better understand the word of God. It can also help with anxiety and stamina. Living longer and physical appearance are positive side effects, but shouldn't be the focus. Christians should exercise to build greater discipline, resilience, and fortitude in all areas of life. We exercise to have strength to help those in need. We exercise because a fit body serves greater spiritual joy in Christ.

Conclusion

I highly recommend this book on Christ-centered exercise. Moderate, intentional, or routine physical fitness can help us enjoy our walk with Christ and better serve others.  

*Editor's Note: You can listen to a podcast conversation with David Mathis and Caleb Lenard here: A Theology of Exercise. 

David Mathis. A Little Theology of Exercise: Enjoying Christ in Body and Soul. Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2025.