Dial In with Jonny Ardavanis

A Theology of Exercise: Why Christians Should Train Their Bodies for God's Glory

July 7, 2026·44 min
Episode Description from the Publisher

What does the Bible actually say about exercise, fitness, and taking care of your body? In this conversation, a Desiring God pastor and author A Theology of Exercise: Why Christians Should Train Their Bodies for God's Glory unpacks a biblical theology of exercise — covering the six-layer biblical story of the human body (creation, the fall, the incarnation, the indwelling Holy Spirit, obedience, and future glorification), how to think about 1 Timothy 4:8 ("bodily training is of some value"), and why sedentary modern life and body-idolatry are two ditches to avoid.This episode is brought to you by our ministry partner Accountable2You. Join thousands living in freedom with nothing to hide, and visit https://accountable2you.com/dialin. Use our unique code DIALIN to get 25% off your first year of an Accountable2You Personal or Family PlanTopics covered: Why exercise matters for the mind, will, joy, and love of othersBodily discipline and Christian stewardship of the bodyThe connection between physical exercise and mental clarity (John Ratey's "Spark")Competition, sports, and a Christian view of winning and losingPractical advice for sedentary Christians who want to start exercisingHow pastors and knowledge workers can build sustainable fitness habitsA theology of the body: from creation to resurrectionGreat for anyone interested in Christian living, biblical theology, faith and fitness, health and wellness from a Christian worldview, or building sustainable exercise habits for the long term (a "ten-year plan," not a quick fix).📖 Learn more and find the book at DesiringGod.org

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