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Angela Manuel-Davis on How Exercise Has Transformed Her Spiritual Life

Angela Manuel-Davis on How Exercise Has Transformed Her Spiritual Life

Exercise isn’t just about breaking a sweat or chasing the elusive perfect body. For many, it’s a spiritual practice—a way to connect with God, deepen their faith, and uncover their true potential. It’s not just about what happens in the gym but what happens in your heart and mind when you push past limits and step into the uncomfortable. This intersection of faith and fitness is transforming lives, and it could transform yours too.

Angela Manuel-Davis, a former USA Track and Field athlete and co-founder of the fitness brand AARMY, embodies this connection between physicality and spirituality. She calls it “communal connective fitness,” a space where movement becomes a vehicle for spiritual growth.

“It’s an opportunity to marry sport and spirituality,” Manuel-Davis says. “It’s about breaking people open—spiritually, emotionally—so that love and goodness can pour in.”

But you don’t need to join a specific program to experience this. The truth is, exercise can become a spiritual discipline for anyone, no matter their fitness level. When you move your body, you’re honoring the vessel that houses your gifts and talents.

“The point of getting strong in your body is to live the life you were intended to live,” Manuel-Davis says.

Moving with Purpose

For Christians, physical health is often viewed through the lens of stewardship. Your body is a temple, as 1 Corinthians 6:19 reminds us, and caring for it isn’t about vanity but about equipping yourself to serve God and others. When you prioritize your physical health, you’re not just making life easier for yourself—you’re preparing yourself for the good works you’ve been called to do.

This perspective shifts the focus away from aesthetics and toward purpose. Exercise isn’t about fitting into a certain size or hitting a specific number on the scale. It’s about building the strength and endurance to live fully and faithfully.

“At the end of the day, our body is what houses our gifts and talents,” Manuel-Davis says. “The goal is to unlock those gifts and live with intention.”

The Power of Community

Staying consistent with exercise can feel like a battle, especially when life gets overwhelming. That’s where community comes in. The Bible is clear about the importance of fellowship, and fitness is no exception. Whether it’s a running club, a workout group at church or a few friends who meet for yoga in the park, moving together creates accountability and encouragement.

“The connected fitness piece is so beautiful,” Manuel-Davis explains. “When you’re in a season where you feel overwhelmed or unmotivated, finding a group of people to train with every day can breathe life into you in a different way.”

Working out with others not only keeps you accountable but also reminds you that you’re not alone in your struggles.

Pushing Past Fear

For many people, stepping into a fitness routine—or a new level of intensity—can feel intimidating. But that’s where faith comes in. God doesn’t call us to live in fear, and exercise can be a way to practice courage in small, daily ways. When you push through discomfort and doubt in a workout, you’re building resilience that carries over into other areas of life.

Manuel-Davis knows this firsthand.

“I pioneered this style of coaching where I marry sport and spirituality, and it was scary to step out and do something that hadn’t been done before,” she says. “But I had to trust that I was being guided by something bigger than myself.”

This same trust can apply to your own fitness journey. Maybe it’s trying a new class, setting a challenging goal, or simply committing to showing up consistently. Whatever it is, remember that God is with you in the process.

Exercise as Worship

Ultimately, exercise can be an act of worship—a way to glorify God with your body and express gratitude for the life you’ve been given. It’s about more than just moving; it’s about moving with intention. Whether you’re running, lifting, stretching, or dancing, you’re creating space to connect with God in a physical, tangible way.

“You were created in purpose, on purpose, for a purpose,” Manuel-Davis says. “And you’re stronger than you think.”

So next time you lace up your sneakers, think of it as more than just exercise. It’s an opportunity to honor the Creator who made you, strengthen the temple He’s entrusted to you, and step boldly into the life He’s called you to live.

© 2023 RELEVANT Media Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

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