Faith Night Adds Depth to Evening Gym Programming

“For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things…”
1 Timothy 4:8
Six months ago, Kristen Ackerman, a group fitness instructor, had an idea to combine her belief in God with her love for exercise. Sharing her idea with fellow Christian instructors, the plan for “Faith Night” was born. The night began to take shape as the goal came into focus: touch the heart, soul, mind, and body of people by using exercise as a vehicle for worshiping God. Ackerman and four other fitness teachers met each week for one month to discuss, plan, and pray for direction. Unsure if a Christian event would be allowed at the club, these women stepped out in faith and presented the plan for Faith Night to the management. Open to the idea, the club management graciously agreed to offer the facility space for Faith Night. “At that point we realized that we had brought God five loaves of bread and he multiplied them,” explains yoga teacher, Adriene Kinloch harkening to the Bible story that illustrates how God blesses simple acts of faith. “We were excited and couldn’t wait to see what he would do if we gave him two fish!”
The bounty of fish came in the form of two additional fitness teachers, volunteers, class participants, and financial support from local businesses. The idea for a night of exercise and faith became a reality as these people offered up what they could, when they could and let God do the rest. Their initial concerns about how people would respond quickly turned to a deeper appreciation of the Bible passage that says, “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine…to him be the glory!”
Wanting to reach as many people as possible, they chose to make Faith Night free of charge and open to members and non-members alike. The nominal rental fee for the fitness room is generously covered by local businesses in support of Christian events. Employees volunteer their time to work as greeters, front desk attendants, childcare workers, and fitness instructors. “Watching the children on Faith Night has been so rewarding,” shares Sue Swayne, “I’m thankful to be a part of this event and do what I can to help.” Experiencing God’s hand in providing a venue, financial support, and volunteers for Faith Night strengthened the instructors’ desire to use their abilities in furthering God’s ministry. “God’s word is alive and active,” fitness instructor Kellee Montmeny shares. “It has been amazing to see Christians who work in the gym pull together to bring different talents and gifts to serve on Faith Night.”
The evening begins at 6:30 pm as participants are welcomed at the door and directed to the group fitness room. The night starts with prayer to invite God to have an indelible presence in every part of the evening’s program. Next, Ackerman reads a selection from a sports-based devotional and participants dig into powerful truths found in the Bible. Gifted in speaking clearly and powerfully, she challenges the audience in their relationship with God. “I want people to seek out a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Just like your body, your faith is a muscle that needs to be exercised on a regular basis,” Ackerman explains. “The equipment used to exercise the faith muscle is God’s word. God’s word gives life. Faith Night is a night to feed the heart within the gym walls.”
Not targeted to any particular denomination, Faith Night focuses on the central characteristics of Christianity: scripture reading, prayer, and worship. A verse from the Bible, or “Power Verse”, is presented as a theme for the month, challenging participants to exercise their faith with the same intensity used to approach physical fitness. For example, the verse Mark 9:23, “Everything is possible for him who believes.” Using three key points: think, believe, and act, Ackerman shows how thinking about scripture and believing it is alive and active can change one’s actions in and reactions to life’s situations. Inspired and encouraged, the group begins the workout by applying scripture to various movements in the routine. During class, participants are encouraged to ponder the Bible verses and train the mind to utilize scripture, letting it fit deeply within their mind and prompting positive changes in their lives.
The Yakima Athletic Club offers a variety of “Les Mills” brand fitness programs that provide members with strength, cardio, and flexibility classes. As a key component of Faith Night, the team of instructors approached Les Mills International for permission to use the music and choreography of their programs. Not only was the request approved, Les Mills asked for additional information about the event and its purpose for a future online newsletter. God provided a way for the news of Faith Night to be shared locally, nationally, and internationally. For Christians, this gives evidence that faith-focused programming is more than just a good concept, it is a means by which God is connecting with his human creation. “So is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.”
Faith Night instructors utilize the Les Mills music and choreography, but they change the verbal cues to share the message of Jesus. Instructor, Ty Mains explains, “We use inspiring music from all different genres. We want people to understand that worship is not just in church, but is something you do throughout your day – in the big and little things.” Participants of all fitness levels and ages come to experience this blend of positive energizing music, engaging physical activity, and the opportunity to make a connection with God.
A team of fitness instructors teaches a different type of class each month, targeting cardio, flexibility, or strength. During a cardio workout the group may be challenged to “Soar on wings like eagles!” (Isaiah 40:31) A squat in a strength class could push people to dig deep for their inner strength while saying: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me!” (Philippians 4:13) Flexibility, with its deep stretching and concentration, beckons participants to reflect and look within while hearing: “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.” (Psalm 139:23
By 8:00 pm, the cool-down has been completed and the focus is drawn back to the Power Verse. Small cards printed with the verse are distributed among the group, as well as handouts from Faith and Fitness Magazine and invitation cards for next month’s Faith Night. The instructors call the handouts, “soul supplements” as they feed the soul throughout the month. Participants express their feelings of peace, encouragement, wholeness, and release of stress as they leave the gym. Karin Kupp describes the effect Faith Night has had on her life. “I am continually being renewed, encouraged and challenged through my involvement with Faith Night. It is leading me to a place outside my comfort zone and teaching me how to live our loud what I believe in my heart. I am learning to take the passion that God has placed in me and use it to glorify him, wherever I am – even in the gym!”
Faith Night is thriving at the Yakima Athletic Club, but it was not created to stay there. The seven instructors who dreamed, prayed and worked toward making this night a reality want to see it duplicated in clubs across the nation. A desire and passion to share Jesus, consistent reading of the scriptures, heart-felt prayer, and a dedicated team of believers are the building blocks for launching a Faith Night. However, you do not have to wait for a night like Faith Night to begin deepening your relationship with God. Be challenged and encouraged to take your faith with as you work at the office, exercise at the gym, or spend time with family.

So, exercise your faith muscle! In the Bible, Jesus speaks about a small mustard seed as a representation of faith. “If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.” God asks that you believe he can work through you. That is where the Faith Night team started. They believed that God could use regular fitness instructors to launch a night combining exercise and faith to touch the heart, soul, mind and body of people.
ON-LINE COMMUNITY NETWORK
Want to launch a “Faith Night” or other Christian-faith oriented program at your gym? Registered readers can ask Kristen and Adriene questions, share ideas and network with others on this topic.