The post 4 Ways to Increase Your Spiritual and Physical Fitness at the Same Time appeared first on Women Devotions.

Have you ever been busy, trying to balance the gym, work, fellowship, family, time alone with God, and everything else in between? Because I sure have!

I’ve been encouraged by multiple friends over the past few years with simple tricks that incorporate spiritual Fitness into physical fitness.

4 Simple Ways to Incorporate Spiritual Fitness with Physical Fitness

Doing these 4 simple things has allowed me to have a better balance in increasing my spiritual and physical fitness at the same time and I am sure they can be beneficial for you as well.

Morning workouts have always been my favorite, but it can be too easy to just roll out of bed and mindlessly make my way to the gym as I am waking up, so this first one has really been a challenge for me, but I think it is the most important one – whether you’re a morning workout person or post-work gym-goer this can be applied any time of day and all you need is a few minutes.

1.  No word, no workout

This first tip is inspired by that phrase ‘No Bible, No Breakfast’, which encourages us as Christians, to deny ourselves of even our basic needs to pursue Christ, because He is to be held above all else.

We are called to love the Lord above all else, as Mark 12:30 tells us of the first and greatest commandment, “And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.” So starting with Scripture allows us to get into that mindset of loving God above our workout and getting into the mindset that our workout can be an act of worship.

A tool that has really helped me with this is a Bible app called YouVersion. If you don’t already have it, I highly recommend downloading it so that you can read your Bible anywhere you have your phone.

YouVersion will even send you a notification to complete your plan at the time of day you choose. So, if you go to the gym at the same time every day simply set your reminder to read your plan right before you go. 

If reading the bible on your phone isn’t your thing, I recommend picking up a study bible to supplement your growth and help you to better understand what you are reading. 

2. Pump up with prayer & praise

This next one was originally inspired by a workout group that I used to be part of roughly two years ago.

We would meet once a week for a park work out and we would always start our workout with a quick prayer, thanking God for the ability to be together and exercise together.

More recently, I have been encouraged by my friend Ryan to pray before entering each stage of the day, including working out, because we are to do ALL things for the glory of God. 1 Corinthians 10:31 says, “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” We should take this piece of Scripture and use it as motivation to include God in everything we do, even if it’s something like exercising. 

3. Listen to truth-inspired songs

Every little thing we take in is important, even our music will affect our mood, our attitude, and our walk with the Lord.

By listening to Christian artists, you can fill your mind and your soul with upbeat, encouraging songs that are filled with truths that can be found in Scripture. And hey, you might even have the opportunity to share what you’re listening to with someone else! We are called to make disciples and we can do this even in the gym with a stranger. 

I’ve actually had people ask me what I am listening to while in the gym and it has given me the opportunity to share my playlists with new friends. Check out some of my favorites on my workout playlists on spotify. 

4. Wind-down with worship

Stretching is super important after working out but it can be easy to skip with the business of life.

I challenge you to stretch to a couple of worship songs before leaving the gym. The worship music will help slow your heart rate and relax as you stretch, allowing you to get deeper into the stretch and maybe even allow for a time of prayer.

I’ve found I’ve even been able to hold stretches longer and stretch for more time than I previously had just by implementing this one. Some of my favorite artists to wind-down with are Shane & Shane and City A Light, but you could listen to any slow worship songs, and if you need help with that, I have a playlist of wind-down worship as well.

So really, even with the business of life it just comes down to balance and inviting God into everything you’re doing, even if it is something like exercising. Small habits can have a big impact, especially when you’re striving to improve your spiritual well-being. By getting into some Scripture prior to a workout, praying, and listening to gospel-centered music while you exercise, you can multi-task and improve both your spiritual and physical fitness at the same time.

The post 4 Ways to Increase Your Spiritual and Physical Fitness at the Same Time appeared first on Women Devotions.