When Faith the fitness bus rolls up to a city park, church, workplace, parking lot or even under a busy highway overpass near an apartment complex, praise music drifts into the neighborhood as neighbors circle up, heads bowed in prayer before they press into their first rep. Some people call it a workout. I call it worship on wheels. This is the story of my gym bus.
For me, fitness wasn’t a safe place, it was a place of deep pain.
Years ago, I was in a domestic violence relationship with my personal trainer. The gym—a place meant to bring life—became a dark, suffocating place. I felt powerless, small, and afraid. The only time I could breathe was when I escaped outside to run, where each step felt like a prayer and every mile a plea for freedom. It was on one of those worship runs that God placed “Faith Based Fitness” on my heart.
But it took me time to follow what God was asking of me. The gym felt like a graveyard of trauma, and returning to it seemed impossible. Yet God kept nudging me, reminding me that what the enemy meant for evil, He could redeem. When I finally stepped into what He was calling me to build, I found my victory. God blessed me beyond belief, redeeming the very place of my pain to become a place of purpose.
FROM BROKENNESS TO BRING IT ON!
That purpose became Faith Based Personal Training, and eventually Faith Based Fitness Bus, Inc., a nonprofit ministry on wheels bringing faith and fitness directly to doorsteps, neighborhoods, and churches. We serve our entire Tampa community and those who visit Tampa. We are a donation-based ministry. Those donations help fund the ministry to serve trama victims.
We partner with nonprofits to reach those who have been abandoned, trafficked, and abused, creating safe, joy-filled spaces where people can encounter God’s love while strengthening their bodies.
On the bus, ministry happens in motion. We pray together before warmups, move to worship music, and end in prayer, reminding ourselves that we are fearfully and wonderfully made. Sometimes, ministry looks like staying late after a workout to pray with someone walking through their own storm, reminding them that God’s presence meets them even in the struggle.
Nicole Batchelor – Building Confidence
When I found out about the gym bus, I was extremely impressed with just the idea of a gym on a bus! When you add in the fact that Takara is walking in purpose, spreading God’s love, and encouraging community, it makes it even more of an amazing experience.
From yoga to HIIT, every session is different and gives you a new opportunity to build your confidence in your abilities! Being immersed in the presence of God while working out helps me [to] not limit my body. I’m reminded that I can do all things through Christ! Iron sharpens iron, and I’m so thankful for that.
Francesca Chambers – It’s A Game Changer
My first experience doing a workout on the Faith Based Fitness Bus with Takara and her energetic and encouraging personal training team was a game-changer. The convenience of having a gym come to a location near me meant no more excuses, and the group energy kept me engaged and challenged like never before.
I personally felt stronger and more confident accomplishing workouts I had never done before while gaining a fantastic sense of community with the other participants. The faith-based aspect was especially uplifting. Having a personal trainer not only focused on our body and mind but also our soul through scripture, prayer, and the ministry motto ‘Iron sharpens iron’ was powerful. Thank you, Takara, for your love for God and the individuals He brings your way through the Fitness Bus.
THE ROAD CAN BE ROUGH AND LONG BUT WE DON’T DETOUR
This journey hasn’t been easy. I’ve heard “no” more times than I can count. I’ve been told it couldn’t be done, that a gym bus wouldn’t work, that it wasn’t possible. There have been mechanical failures, countless hours spent searching for the right bus, the right equipment, and facing moments when it felt like every step forward came with a setback. These moments are reminders that Satan is always at work, trying to discourage, distract, and derail what God is doing.
But with every person who steps onto the bus, I am reminded that God is much greater. Every tear cried, every moment spent troubleshooting issues, and every sleepless night is not wasted. It is for something so much greater than me or the negativity coming my way. Because the side of righteousness will always prevail, and God’s purpose will stand, no matter what the enemy tries.
Tap images in the Gym Bus gallery below for enlarged view.
Before every session, I pray, “Lord, let me be Your vessel. Help me step out on faith, find favor, and trust that I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” I ask God for strength to keep going, for His light to shine through me, and for courage to continue living in His purpose despite every challenge.
My mother, who battled cancer with unwavering faith, gave me the encouragement I needed when doubt crept in. She saw more in me than I saw in myself and, even when she had to wear a mask, she attended workouts on the bus, reminding me that God had called me for this. My husband has been my steady encourager, showing up beside me for Faith Based Fitness events, supporting me technically and spiritually, reminding me that this mission is bigger than us.
This is worship because every drop of sweat, every lifted weight, and every breath becomes a reminder that God created us to move and live fully. Fitness is not just about physical health; it’s about stewarding the bodies God has given us while aligning our hearts with His purpose.
On ”Faith” our Faith Based Fitness Bus, iron sharpens iron, and faith aligns with movement to transform spirit, mind, and body. It’s a rolling sanctuary where people are reminded they are seen, known, and deeply loved by God.
This is worship. This is faith in motion. And it’s only the beginning.
Doing The Beautiful BUSiness Of Fitness Ministry
Faith & Fitness Magazine is pleased to recognize Faith Based Fitness Bus, Inc. and Takara Fuller Doby as one of our 2025 Fitness Ministry Award recipients. This award is given to those demonstrating the following 5 qualities:
- attentiveness and innovation
- humility
- clarity of purpose and mission
- all-in commitment
- deliver big-as-God results
Go to our 2025 Fitness Ministry Awards page to learn more and nominate a candidate.
WHEN IN TAMPA …
Florida is a popular place to visit – especially during the winter months. When you visit the Tampa Bay area you’ll find it can be a good location for those who embrace a faith and fitness lifestyle.
Takara and her husband Branden invite you to go to the CONTACT US section of their website when you’re making travel plans to their area. They can help you to schedule participation in a Gym Bus bootcamp or 1-on-1 personal training.
While in the area you may also want to try your hand at Ninja training at the nearby Jungle Gym in Pinellas Park.
